Why I’m Moving Away from Digital Art to Embrace Traditional Media

As an artist, I have always sought to push the boundaries of creativity, exploring new techniques and tools that expand how we express ourselves. For years, digital art was my chosen medium, offering endless possibilities through platforms like Procreate on the iPad. Blending my Asian heritage with modern technology allowed me to create works that felt deeply personal and uniquely contemporary.

But over time, I began to feel a quiet pull toward something else—a desire for the tactile, the imperfect, and the handcrafted. It wasn’t an easy decision. I had spent two years immersing myself in the world of AI-generated art, studying its processes and marveling at its possibilities. AI is undeniably impressive, capable of producing visually stunning results at astonishing speed. Yet, the more I engaged with it, the more I sensed a critical gap: the authenticity and emotional resonance that only human hands can bring.

This realization led me to shift away from relying solely on digital tools and to rediscover traditional media like watercolor and acrylic. Traditional art, with its deliberate pace and physical connection to materials, offers an intimacy that feels increasingly rare in a world saturated with machine-generated imagery. In an era where AI can imitate human creativity with startling precision, the act of creating by hand becomes not just a choice but a statement of values.

That said, I haven’t entirely abandoned digital tools. They remain an integral part of my process, helping me explore ideas, experiment with color palettes, and refine compositions before putting brush to canvas. AI, in particular, serves as a powerful tool for generating possibilities—but it’s the human touch that ultimately shapes the final piece. This synergy between technology and tradition allows me to produce art that feels both innovative and deeply rooted.

My artistic journey is also shaped by the landscapes and cultural influences that inspire me. The rolling hills and coastal beauty of the East Coast, combined with elements of Asian culture, find their way into my work. These themes—nature, heritage, and the intricate intersections of the human experience—have always been at the heart of my art. Moving to traditional media has allowed me to explore them in ways that feel both timeless and contemporary.

This transition is more than a return to the “old ways” of making art. It’s a response to a changing world where technology continues to challenge our understanding of creativity. For me, embracing traditional techniques is about celebrating the irreplaceable essence of human artistry: the imperfections, the labor, and the emotional depth that machines cannot replicate. It’s a reaffirmation of the power of the human hand to create something meaningful.

As I navigate this path, I’m reminded that art is as much about the journey as it is about the finished piece. By combining the best of both worlds—technology and tradition—I hope to continue creating works that resonate with others and celebrate the enduring spirit of creativity.

Digital Patina

A Potter's Dream: From Jingdezhen Clay to Digital Dreamscapes

There's a magic to Jingdezhen, the "Porcelain Capital" of China. Last year, that magic became my reality as I embarked on a nine-day residency, a dream come true for any ceramic enthusiast.

This wasn't just about learning a technique. It was a journey into the heart of ancient artistry. With each touch of clay, I felt a dialogue with history begin. The potter's wheel became a conduit, transporting me through time. Vibrant glazes breathed life into my creations, echoing the dreamlike strokes of Jingdezhen's rich heritage.

But the learning extended beyond the studio walls. Shared stories from the town's residents deepened my connection to the craft. Pottery in Jingdezhen transcended mere skill; it was a fusion of soul and tradition. It was a dream fulfilled amidst the echoes of centuries past.

From Clay to Canvas: Capturing Serenity with the Crackle

Inspired by the captivating crackle patterns found in porcelain glaze, I knew I had to incorporate them into my work. This mesmerizing detail brought a natural, simple, and tranquil aesthetic to my digital paintings. The fine, uniform cracks echoed the beauty of traditional ceramics, creating a visually engaging texture. By seamlessly blending this technique into my digital creations, I aimed to evoke a sense of serenity and simplicity, capturing the essence of the timeless beauty seen in porcelain craftsmanship.

A Landscape Painted in Dreams and Porcelain

My residency in Jingdezhen sparked a series of abstract landscapes. Imagine mountains, serene lakes, houses nestled amidst nature, and birds soaring above - all embellished with the delicate cracks reminiscent of Ru Kiln porcelain glaze. These pieces are a celebration of nature's serene beauty, intertwined with the unparalleled artistry of human craftsmanship. They are a bridge between the essence of the landscape and the intricate patterns found in ancient porcelain art.

This is just the beginning of my artistic journey inspired by Jingdezhen. Stay tuned for more explorations from this land where dreams are molded from clay, and artistry echoes through the ages. I named this style “Digital Patina”. "Patina" is a surface change that adds character, referencing the aged effect of cracks.

AI in Contemporary Art: A Collaborative Approach

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and art is no exception. AI is now being used to create stunning and innovative works of art, and it is also being used to collaborate with human artists in new and exciting ways.

One such collaboration is the "Childhood Memories" project I am working on. In this project, I use AI to generate reference images of my childhood memories in China in the 1970s and 1980s. I then uses these reference images to create paintings that are both nostalgic and heartwarming.

Here is my process:

"I start by thinking about a specific memory from my childhood. I might remember a particular place, person, or event. Once I have a memory in mind, I start to brainstorm keywords that I can use to generate reference images with AI. I might use keywords like 'locust tree,' 'shuttlecock kicking,' or 'abacus.' Once I have a list of keywords, I use an AI image generator to create a series of reference images. If I’m not happy with the generated image, I could blend it with some of my drawings to create new images. I might also remix new key words with an image to fine-tune it."

Once I have generated some reference images, I begin the process of painting. I use the reference images to capture the essence of the memory, but I also rely on my own artistic skills and judgment to create a unique and original work of art.

I don't want to simply copy the reference images. I want to use them as inspiration to create something new and different. Most importantly, I want it to connect my feelings of the past and capture the essence of my memories.

The "Childhood Memories" project is an example of how AI and human artists can collaborate to create something truly special. My paintings are a testament to the power of AI to help us explore our memories and to the importance of human creativity in the art-making process.

In addition to the "Childhood Memories" project, there are many other examples of AI and human artists collaborating to create art. For example, some artists are using AI to generate new color palettes, to create new textures, or to experiment with new forms. Other artists are using AI to create interactive art installations or to generate new ideas for their work.

The collaboration between AI and human artists is still in its early stages, but it is clear that AI has the potential to revolutionize the art world. AI can help artists to create new and innovative works of art, and it can also help artists to explore their creativity in new and exciting ways.

Shuttercock Kicking

Shuttlecock kicking, or Ti Jianzi, was one of the favorite games for girls when I was a child. After school, girls would always gather in twos and threes to play shuttlecock kicking, taking turns to kick and count. The goal was simple: keep the shuttlecock from touching the ground. You could kick it in any direction, forwards, backwards, or even jump and kick it - all counted as points!

We even made our own shuttlecocks using a copper coin, a piece of cloth, and the prettiest rooster feathers we could find. The person with the coolest shuttlecock would get lots of jealous looks!

The Locust Tree

This painting portrays the locust tree that grew outside my parents' third-floor condo when I was a child.

I remember when the locust tree would bloom in the summer. We would take the clusters of flowers and mix them with sugar to make the stuffing for steamed buns. It was a simple pleasure, but it was a sweet one.

To follow my progress in this project, you can visit my Instagram page here.