Faye Zhang

About

As an textile artist and designer, my work delves into the intricate the inner calmness, exploring how Chinese hermitage culture influence our mental. Each piece I create is an attempt to bring the viewer a sense of ‘escaping’ from the busy modern life.

My artistic journey is deeply influenced by my background in China, where the interplay of cultural heritage served as a constant source of inspiration. This diverse environment cultivated a profound appreciation for the subtle nuances of texture and form, which I strive to encapsulate in my work.

Medium and technique are pivotal in my creative process. I predominantly work with knitted textile and lacquerware, allowing for a rich exploration of color and texture. My technique often involves layering and construction, reforming the moment of peace and joy. Each artwork relates to Chinese hermitage cultural, inviting the viewer to feel the mindful moment through the textile .

The theme of my work is often spiritual healing and nature, aiming to evoke a return to nature for a moment of relaxation. I draw inspiration from personal narratives, memories and feelings, weaving them into several visual fragments. Recurring themes in my artwork, such as landscapes, explore the relationship between humans and nature.

In my recent series, ‘Tong You: a path leading to quiet’, I delve into the idea of seclusion behind Chinese gardens, with the idea of nature implied behind it.  I have incorporated the traditional Chinese craft of lacquer into the textiles to reflect the healing power that slow craft can bring to the soul. Unlike a direct reflection of nature, this series of works builds humanistic civilisation and nature together to gain serenity.

Through my artworks, I hope to create a dialogue between the past and the present, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own memories and experiences. I believe that art can connect people from different cultural backgrounds and chronological histories and provide a space for us to empathise.

Ultimately, my work invites people to pause and reflect, to delve deeper into their own perceptions, and to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. This is a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the essence, emotions and fragments of our existence.