:iidrr Talks with Judy Chen
December 2024
Judy Chen
@jhc_judy
Judy Chen, born in Taiwan, is a multidisciplinary artist blending traditional art with cutting-edge technology. She holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Studio Arts with Honors from Stony Brook University, with a minor in Digital Arts. Her work bridges art and technology, earning recognitions at hackathons and art shows. She is committed to enhancing human connection through creative innovation, and will continually push the boundaries of immersive experiences, exploring how art and tech can transform human interaction and expression.
"As an artist, my work serves as an extension of myself and a means of expression. Each piece I create is a visual diary, a conversation with my inner self, where all emotions, experiences, and thoughts are transformed into tangible forms. Through color, texture, form, and the interplay of various mediums, I strive to encapsulate the fleeting moments of daily life, those small, often overlooked instances that carry deep significance. My art is not just a reflection of the world around me, but an act of preserving the beauty found in the ephemeral, and a reminder to pause and appreciate the wonders that shape our existence."
Could you introduce yourself and describe how your background in both computer science and studio arts informs your work?
JC: Hello! I’m 陳如心 (Judy), a multidisciplinary artist based in NYC. Think of my work as a bridge, where the artistry of traditional arts meets the immersive possibilities of technology. With my background in studio arts, especially sculpture and 3D media, I get to play with different materials and shapes, like a sculptor molding clay. At the same time, my skills in computer science let me sprinkle in a bit of magic, transforming those physical forms into interactive experiences, such as prompting people to use their hands or their voices as game controllers. My goal is to highlight or challenge how we interact with the world around us, making art not just something to look at, but something to engage with and feel.
How do you approach blending traditional art forms with cutting-edge technology in your practice? Could you share an example where this fusion felt most impactful?
JC: For me, blending traditional art with technology is about finding harmony between craftsmanship and innovation. In a recent project, I wanted to explore how traditional sculpture could coexist with digital technology, so I created a piece where a physical sculpture acted as a backdrop for an AR experience. By scanning a QR code, viewers could unlock a virtual narrative that extended from the physical piece, inviting them to explore new dimensions layered onto the sculpture itself. It was one of my more engaging projects—people approached me with questions about how it worked or simply enjoyed interacting with the AR features.
Your artist statement describes each piece as a “visual diary.” How do personal reflections shape your creative process, and what role does technology play in translating these fleeting moments?
JC: Personal reflections are central to my creative process, as I view each piece as part of an evolving “visual diary.” Moments of introspection, memory, or even fleeting thoughts shape the essence of my work. Technology allows me to transcend traditional formats of painting and sculpture. It enables me to weave together movement, change, and interaction, transforming static moments into dynamic experiences.
You’ve received awards in both the art and tech spaces. How have these recognitions influenced your artistic direction, and do they motivate you to push boundaries further?
JC: Receiving awards in both art and tech has been validating, but they often spotlight just one side of my practice. This distinction between disciplines is something I've always felt, and while the recognition is encouraging, it highlights how much remains to fully integrate these fields. Looking ahead, I want to explore how interactive installations redefine the viewer’s role, making them an active part of the work itself.
Your work often involves interactive elements. What drives your interest in creating art that people engage with physically rather than just visually?
JC: I believe that building a connection often calls for active, physical engagement, not just passive observation. Much like getting to know someone through conversation, truly understanding art—its nuances, textures, and meaning—requires a hands-on, experience. I want people to engage with my work as they would with their environment: by moving, touching, and even reacting with their voices. These actions create a memorable bond, encouraging viewers to reflect, interact, and find their own meaning in the art.
What technical challenges do you encounter when integrating new technologies into your art, and how do you overcome them without compromising your creative vision?
JC: One challenge I often face is making the visual effects, like textures and lighting, look the same across different digital platforms. These effects—called "shaders"—don’t always work smoothly when moved between software, so I have to adapt or recreate them for each platform, finding ways to preserve the artwork’s original look and feel. Staying flexible and resourceful helps me keep the integrity of my creative vision intact, even if I have to adjust my approach along the way.
Who or what inspires you in your artistic journey? Are there any books, films, or artists that have shaped your perspective?
JC: In my artistic journey, surrealism, especially the works of Giorgio de Chirico, has been a profound influence, sparking my curiosity and encouraging me to blur the lines between reality and imagination. I’m also inspired by Louise Bourgeois' use of art as a vehicle for processing emotions and psychological states, which resonates deeply with my own introspective practice. Additionally, the works of Dorothea Tanning and Meret Oppenheim push me to explore dreamlike imagery and challenge conventional perceptions, all while embracing the complex depths of human experience.
More recently, I’ve found myself drawn to artists like Studio Drift, Philip Beesley, Minimaforms, and Behnaz Farahi, who push the boundaries of interaction by incorporating human presence and response into their work. Their pieces aren’t merely objects to be observed; they invite active engagement, inspiring me to create immersive environments that react and connect with the viewer on multiple sensory levels. These artists have shaped my approach to creating work as an experiment, one that invites audiences to touch, explore, and become part of the work rather than standing at a distance.
Collaboration seems important to your practice. Could you share a project where working with others was key to its success, and how did it shape the outcome?
JC: Collaboration is essential because it introduces fresh perspectives that I might not have considered on my own. For instance, my frequent hackathon partner is a computer engineer, and our combined expertise allows us to explore ideas from both artistic and broader technical angles. Working with individuals from different fields often leads to breakthroughs that I wouldn’t have reached alone.
With your work spanning various disciplines—from painting to game development—how do you decide which medium or technology best suits a project?
JC: When deciding on the best medium or technology for a project, I always consider the story or emotion I want the work to convey. Different mediums have unique strengths—painting might capture a moment’s emotional depth, while game development allows for interactive experiences that evolve with the viewer. For me, the format must serve the concept. If I want to immerse people in an environment or explore complex interactions, technologies like VR or AR might be the best approach. It’s about what enhances the story’s impact.
How do you stay creatively refreshed while balancing both the technical and artistic aspects of your projects?
JC: I stay creatively refreshed by simply living life. Inspiration comes from being observant of the world, noticing small details, and letting experiences influence my work. Balancing both the technical and artistic aspects of my projects is easier when I stay grounded in the everyday, as it keeps my perspective fresh and helps me approach challenges with a renewed sense of creativity.
What excites you most about the relationship between art and technology today, and how do you see your practice evolving in the future?
JC: I'm excited by the potential to merge the virtual and tangible, especially through sculpture as a means of bringing digital concepts into physical form. With the shift from metaverse hype to enhancing real-life experiences, I envision my future projects that use biometric sensors and real-time data to create unique, adaptive responses for each viewer. This approach will allow me to craft works that foster personal, intimate connections grounded in real-world interaction.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects that continue to explore the intersection of human experience and technology?
JC: I’m excited about an upcoming series that blends artistic design with functional, interactive technology in everyday contexts. Inspired by “living art,” these pieces naturally engage people through subtle responses to light, movement, or sound. By integrating sensors, each work creates a quiet, evolving dialogue with its surroundings, inviting reflection and interaction. My goal is to show how technology can serve a purpose beyond utility, transforming familiar objects into interactive experiences that add aesthetic and emotional depth to everyday life.
What do you hope viewers take away from your work, especially as it relates to the integration of art and technology?
JC: I hope viewers of my work walk away with a sense of curiosity and connection. Whether through interactive installations or digital sculptures, I want people to see how creativity and innovation can reshape the way we experience the world around us and engage with one another.
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