Serena Shan

Interviewed by William Xu

Grade

Mediums

Metal, Plastic, Resin, Silk

Classes Taken at Harriton

Metal Arts 1-3, AP 3-D Art and Design, Art 3H, Ceramics 1

Instagram

@shan_artstudiooo

Self Introduction

Hi im Serena

Interview

Art Focused Questions:

Can you tell others about who you are as an artist, student, or person in general?

I have a big passion for 3D Art, and I am always excited to take 3D art classes. I never thought that one day I would consider myself an artist; it only happened when I started taking Metal Arts classes. Until now, I am still trying to figure out what makes me an artist.

Are there any artistic media you find yourself experimenting with more than others?

Shrink plastic, silk, and resin.

What was it like working with metal?

It was tough. I cut my finger many times. Bending and shaping the sheet metal requires strength, and when I work with small metal pieces, it also requires precision. Soldering the metal also requires a lot of patience, but it is all worth it at the end when the metal works are stunning after polish.

What do you find frustrating about it?

Polishing brushes! The needles just fly out and attack me, appearing in random spots on my shirt or pants. When I get poked by them, I inhale lots of dirt on the metal … I really need a mask.

What about a favorite tool to work with? Or a favorite thing to make in particular?

I use shrink plastic, silk, and UV resins for now. I like to make flowers and butterflies; I think many artists use these symbols, too. They are pretty and have different patterns; various patterns can mean different things! Silk is beautiful and can be fluffy or smooth, but making one single petal with it takes a lot of time and effort.

Who are your favorite visual artists? Why?

I don't have a specific favorite artist because I get inspiration from many people on Bilibili (aka. Chinese YouTube); these "bilibilibers" made many gorgeous artworks either for fun or for money. If I have to name one, I don't even know her name, but her Bilibili ID is 慕容意的手工小记; her RongHua works are stunning. I also love pieces by Claude Monet.

From where do you derive inspiration?

Absolutely Bilibili; there's a whole new world out there. I watched many Bilibili videos and discovered so many talented artists who inspired me to make progress in my artwork and styles.

Where else do you often find inspiration?

Definitely my culture, Chinese culture is so rich that I can not run out of inspiration. But sometimes, I think I take too much inspiration from my culture and it might be confusing for people from other cultures to understand what I was expressing through my artworks.

What is your sustained investigation or thematic exploration?

My artworks explore my connection with my family after leaving my hometown.

Are you comfortable sharing more about the experience and giving some examples of how you expressed it through art?

Experience? Well, I had no friends, bad grades, bad English, and a bad relationship with my cousin, because we were not close. That's about it. I moved here my sophomore year from a local Chinese high school. My parents and grandma wanted me to learn physics, chemistry, or biology. Still, I told them that I wanted to learn history, geography, or political science, and they disagreed, which was annoying, and sent me here. Maybe they thought I wouldn't like to rebel if I come here. Coming here is also good because if I want to go to an art school in China, I will have to do the YiKao (National Entrance Examination for Art Students), and YiKao will not look at my 3D artworks.

How do you see yourself through your art? Do you see yourself?

The process of making artwork in my AP 3D class is a healing process for me because for a long time it was hard for me to accept the fact that I am on the other side of the Earth from my family and old friends; I constantly moved and could not find a place where I consider "home." By making these artworks along with my sustained investigations, I gradually accepted being away from my family and tried to focus more on how living in different environments has shaped me into who I am now. I also continuously expressed my wishes to reunite with my family.

Do you think you are mentally prepared yet for college?

Nooooo. I am so nervous, so scared.

How do you plan to continue your Art and incorporate it into your life in the future?

Unfortunately, I have to make a living, so I cannot continue my jewelry path. However, maybe I can sell some handmade jewelry in college (who knows 🥹). I will study Designed Objects/Product Design as my major and continue digging out more impressive Chinese culture to show it to everyone around me.

Do you have any goals as an artist?

Get a well-paid job.

What advice do you have for students who want to be involved artistically but are unsure if they can fit art classes into their schedules?

TRY METAL ARTS! I did not plan to take any art classes initially. I had a free set in my sophomore year so Mr. Mallozzi asked me to take another elective. I was going to choose Film and Photo, but when I went on Blackboard (it was Blackboard at that time), I figured that I didn't know how to pronounce Mr. Nunez's name, and I do not have friends in that class so it would be SO awkward because I would have NO partners to collaborate with. So … I switched to Metal Arts. I was absolutely obsessed with it on my first day, and on the second day, I decided to take Metal Arts for the following year. When I was in 11th grade and realized I needed to take 2D classes for my art portfolio, I just went into Ms. Jackson's room and talked to her. So I suggest asking your counselor, talking to an art teacher, or a friend who takes art classes because you will never know how much of a change you will have after taking art classes.

Less Art Focused Questions:

What's your taste in music? Do you listen to any while you're creating art? What type?

Bolbbalgan4, JP Cooper, Noah Khan, Leonard Cohen, 房东的猫(the Landlord’s cat)，梁博(Liang bo/ Bruce Liang)，Anson Seabra, Lauv, Westlife, and Anthem Lights.

Does music influence your work?

To be honest The Landlord's Cat’s songs make me miss my home more.

What are the clubs or electives you participate in/take at Harriton?

Zenith, NAHS

Favorite place in the Philadelphia area/Nature?

My bed.

If you could have one wish granted by a magical being, what would it be and why?

I wish more people in our school can take the art classes they want because I have friends who cannot fit an art class into their schedule but are really passionate about art. Also, I hope that Metals and 3D Art will be more popular because I love Mrs. L and I love 3D Art!!!