Interview | Shenzhen-Based Artist Ling Gui

Ling Gui graduated with a degree in Sculpture from the New York Academy of Art. The project she currently works on is a series of scenes centered around her self-created characters, which convey the narrative of an ordinary life. Though she is familiar with water-based clay and often uses it as the primary material in her works, she is not limited to it. Through the works, she explores storytelling imagery of self-awareness and introspection, delving into the process of her characters’ pursuit of balance between personal consistency and societal perspectives.

A Crazy Lunch, 2023, Water-based brown clay, fired and glazed, 12 x 10.5 x 5 in

Can you share a bit about your background and how you began your artistic journey?

I’ve been passionate about handcrafts, folk art, and sculpture since childhood, but pursuing fine arts wasn’t an option due to financial constraints. In middle school, I created a bunny character for my own comic book that captured the ordinary yet fun moments of school life with my friends. Over time, this character became a way for me to express my emotions through doodles.

When I moved to the U.S., I took art and museum studies classes. After completing internships at galleries and museums, I realized that my true passion lies in creating. There’s an indescribable joy in bringing ideas to life. Then the pandemic hit, and I was unable to continue my job. That’s when I made a bold decision—to start studying fine arts from the ground up.

Recycle Bin(Front), 2021, Fired white clay, gouache, mfd boards, organza, wire, 12 x 28 x 12 in

What keeps you inspired and motivated to create new work?

Perhaps it’s because I’ve only been studying art for a few years—I’m still discovering great works, deepening my understanding of art history, and learning more about the market. Each artistic period introduces new ideas, forms, and materials that continually inspire me. Additionally, meeting different people and experiencing new situations constantly sparks fresh ideas and perspectives.

Recycle Bin(closeup), 2021, Fired white clay, gouache, mfd boards, organza, wire,12 x 28 x 12 in

How has your artistic style evolved over time?

I spent three years at the New York Academy of Art, a figurative art school, where I learned most of my foundational art skills—from basic sketching and oil painting to major sculpture techniques. While three years may not seem like a long time, it was enough to build a solid foundation. However, without a deep art background, my work initially felt somewhat haphazard. Over time, I’ve noticed that my pieces consistently revolve around the characters I created: a bunny and a girl.

Growing up as an only child, I spent a lot of time at home but never felt lonely, as I immersed myself in storybooks. I don’t believe my artistic style will ever be fixed or static—it will always evolve. That said, the stories of my characters remain at the core of my artistic philosophy.

Good Memories(diptych), 2023, Acrylic paint, clear gesso, oil paint, 11 x 14 in

What do you find most rewarding about being creative?

The process of creating is rewarding in itself. It feels like solving a puzzle—where the artist is both the creator and the solver. Even though I start with a blueprint, I often change my approach as I work. No matter how carefully I plan, there’s always something that evolves differently along the way. That unpredictability is what makes the creative process so fascinating to me.

Shadow and Reflection, 2024, White clay, fired and glazed, 14 x 6.5 x 2.5 in

What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?

Like many emerging artists, one of the biggest challenges I face is making a living as a full-time artist. Selling my work alone doesn’t cover all my expenses. There are also many other tasks that come with building a professional art career—finding my personal working flow, crafting an elevator pitch to introduce my art, and managing social media. Being a startup artist requires not just financial resources but a significant investment of time as well. To be honest, I haven’t fully overcome these challenges yet.

Untitled(Front), 2021, Polymer clay, 3 x 5.5 x 3.5 in

What advice would you give to emerging artists looking to establish themselves?

I’m not sure I’m in a position to give advice, since I’m still an emerging artist myself. But if I were to offer something to my future self, it would be this: keep studying art history, understand where we are now, and look ahead to the future. This way, I can avoid getting stuck in a single place while continuing to find a language that comes from both my body and soul.

I also believe that maintaining good health is crucial. As artists, we need the energy to create and the time to develop our methodologies. And above all, be patient. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s difficult to slow down, but finding a balance between productivity and thoughtful reflection is key. So, my advice would be: Live long and prosper!