Meicheng Chi: Authentic Expression
Meicheng Chi (迟美橙) is a multidisciplinary artist and designer based in New York. A 2022 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a BFA in Industrial Design and a concentration in Drawing, she effortlessly bridges the worlds of fine art, illustration, and fashion accessory design. Her creative practice defies traditional boundaries, delving into the emotional and material connections that unite diverse mediums. For Meicheng, drawing serves as a dialogue between the conscious and subconscious—a visual equivalent of sleep-talking, where fragments of half-remembered dreams linger in vivid, abstract detail. Her work is characterized by fluid lines, abstract forms, and surreal elements, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia and emotional resonance.
How did your creative journey begin?
My creative journey began at the age of three, drawing on anything I could find—paper, books, even walls. Growing up in a household filled with creativity, with parents who were both designers and artists, I was encouraged to explore freely, without limitations. Drawing quickly became an intuitive language for me, a way to express emotions and thoughts that words couldn’t fully capture. When I came to the US to delve deeper into art and design, my journey took on new dimensions. I was introduced to a wide range of media, tools, and workspaces where I could experiment, make a mess, and push creative boundaries. This hands-on exploration allowed me to connect with my work on a deeper level, turning drawing into both a personal retreat and a way of processing my emotions. Over time, my practice has evolved into a continuous search for authentic expression, fueled by curiosity and a desire to connect through art.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I draw inspiration from the interesting and touching fragments of my life and memories—rooms I want to remember, things I fear losing, people I long to meet, fleeting emotions I experience, or even the mundane details of everyday life. I strive to capture the feelings and emotions that emerge when I encounter these moments or people, shaped by a particular temperature, bathed in a specific hue of light, and set against textures that resonate with me. I fold and unfold my memories, cherishing each crease as if they were moments from my life or fragments of my imagination—hugging and keeping every delicate line. Through my work, I aim to translate these ephemeral experiences onto paper, weaving a poetic connection between memory and the present.
I also find inspiration in my unconscious mind and dreams. I transform the romantic imagery of my unconscious mind into new, unknown images and stories, or to let those images surface into my consciousness. Besides, I love writing poems and diaries. Working in the space between writing and visual art let the poetic essence of words and images inspire each other.
Your background in industrial design and drawing allows you to bridge fine art and functional design. How has this interdisciplinary approach shaped your artistic identity?
Functional objects can be poetic. Tangible things bring fresh inspiration to my artistic creations—whether it’s my fascination with chairs, my love of capturing various textures and materials, or my deep interest in exploring spaces. This sensitivity to materials and forms also finds expression in my work with ceramic objects, where the balance between utility and artistry becomes a source of creative energy.
At other times, I keep these two worlds separate. When I approach industrial design, I adopt a more rational mindset, focused on problem-solving and functionality. It’s a process driven by logic and purpose. In contrast, drawing, painting or making ceramics is where I allow myself to be completely free—unreasonable, instinctive, and expressive. There are no rules, only the gentle pull of my inner world guiding each line, each form, as I follow emotion over logic.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
Outside of work, my home becomes my studio, a space where creativity flows naturally. I start by selecting a piece of paper or paperboard that matches the proportions and texture I feel drawn to that day. Then, I sharpen all my colored pencils and clear my desk, creating an environment of focus and simplicity. With just these tools and the desire to create, I immerse myself in the act of drawing—a process that allows me to fully relax and connect with my inner world. Over time, my practice has grown as I continue to push my boundaries. I’ve begun working on larger surfaces, experimenting with new mediums, and exploring fresh ways to express emotions and ideas. This process of constant discovery brings moments of renewal, much like a breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass—each piece a step forward in my artistic journey.
For aspiring multidisciplinary artists, what advice would you share about staying true to their voice while exploring different creative fields?
My advice is to allow your feelings to shape your creations naturally, without forcing them into predefined molds. Let your emotions, memories, beliefs, thoughts and even vulnerabilities breathe life into your art, creating pieces that are not only personal but also universally relatable. Remaining genuine as an artist and trusting in the strength that comes from staying true to myself throughout this journey has a powerful resonance—not just in the work we create but in how it connects with others. Exploring various creative fields while always letting your own unique voice drive you can create art that reflects one’s true self while inspiring others to connect with a part of their inner world.
How has social media impacted your work?
As someone deeply inspired by emotions, memories, and the delicate interplay between words and images, social media offers a unique space where I can present these poetic connections to a broad audience. It allows my art to spark emotions in others, creating a feedback loop that fuels my creativity. It also opened doors for collaboration, exposure, and community-building while allowing me to tell my story in a uniquely visual and poetic language that resonates deeply with my audience. I’ve made and stayed connected with so many friends through social media, and we inspire each other as we share and create our art.
Growing up in China and now being based in New York, how have your cultural experiences influenced your creative voice and artistic themes?
Growing up in China, my fascination with traditional Chinese landscape painting nurtured a deep appreciation for natural beauty, which continues to influence my creative voice today. As a child, I often found inspiration in the freshness of natural landscapes, a theme that recurs in my work. My memories are also closely tied to distinctly Chinese scenes—bustling streets, quiet alleyways, and views from windows—which have become emotional anchors and sources of inspiration in my artistic process. Influential Chinese artists like Wang Yuping, Song Dong, and Cai Guoqiang have also played a significant role in shaping my creative journey.
Moving to New York brought new sparkles to my artistic practice. The city’s vibrant art scene, filled with bold, innovative, and thought-provoking works, opened up new possibilities for self-expression and storytelling. This cultural transition has allowed me to explore new artistic themes and develop a broader perspective, enabling my work to connect with a more diverse audience while staying rooted in the emotional and visual language of my heritage.
IG: @meicheng_c
Published on January 23, 2025