Wenxu Zhao

My creative journey is rooted in my love for life and boundless imagination. My sensitivity to colors and deep observation of the world around me led me to choose painting and visual arts. These mediums are ideal for freely expressing my whimsical imagination and feelings. As an introverted thinker, art becomes a bridge for me to communicate with the world. Through my work, I not only explore my inner world but also share my perspectives and emotional feedback with others.

I am a versatile visual artist proficient in both traditional hand painting and digital illustration and design. My mediums include oil and acrylics, as well as digital tools to create picture books, posters, postcards, and visual identities for websites. My artwork often features vibrant depictions of animals, natural environments, and floral elements, reflecting a deep understanding of visual storytelling. I excel in using bright colors to convey emotions and themes, crafting visuals that resonate with both personal and commercial audiences, and blending artistic expression with functional design.

To me, "creativity" means the freedom to explore and express my inner visions through the fusion of traditional and digital mediums. It's about bringing to life the vivid colors and intricate details of the natural world

A "creative" idea or design, to me, is one that combines unexpected elements in a harmonious way, sparking curiosity and engagement. It should offer a new perspective or solve a problem in a unique manner, making the familiar extraordinary.

My creative process begins with an idea or inspiration, often sparked by a moment or scene encountered during the day. As the artwork develops, I maintain a flexible approach, letting the piece evolve naturally. Towards completion, I review and refine the work, making adjustments to enhance and perfect the final piece.

My favorite part of the creative process is adding color because by the time the sketches or line work are complete, the content of the artwork is fairly established. This stage of coloring becomes a free experiment

My creative style is vivid and imaginative, characterized by a rich palette of colors that bring fantastical scenes to life. Drawing inspiration from nature, my artworks often feature a dynamic interplay of flora and fauna, blending realism with surreal elements. Each piece is an exploration of texture and light, where the natural world meets whimsical design, inviting viewers into a vibrant, enchanting narrative that is both dreamy and grounded in emotional depth.

Growing up in China, particularly in Shandong

Winning the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards is an immense honor for me. I'm deeply grateful for the recognition and affirmation of my work. This award motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in my future projects, fostering a deeper connection within the international artistic community. Thank you for this esteemed recognition.

The pieces I submitted for the 2024 MUSE Creative Awards are part of my digital series titled "The Strawberry Fish Girl's Trip On A Summer Night." This series features my alter ego, the Strawberry Fish Girl.

The greatest challenge in creating "The Strawberry Fish Girl's Trip On A Summer Night" was finding the right way to visually translate complex inner thoughts and feelings into cohesive art pieces. The struggle to incorporate every idea and detail without cluttering the artwork was immense. Finally, I embraced a more intuitive method, allowing the art to evolve more naturally, which helped me truly express my artistic voice.

Winning the award has helped me connect with more people who resonate with my work, significantly increasing the visibility and understanding of my art and the stories behind it.

My top three favorite aspects of our industry are its focus on beauty, the ability to express thoughts and emotions through aesthetics, and the culture of inclusivity and creative freedom. It allows me to immerse myself in the pursuit of beauty, using aesthetics as a medium to convey profound ideas and sentiments. Moreover, the industry fosters an environment of openness and freedom, where diverse perspectives and innovative ideas are embraced, encouraging endless exploration and expression.

Growing up in China, I was deeply inspired by its millennia-old cultural heritage and artistic aesthetics, shaping my artistic sensibilities. Coming to the U.S. for college and graduate studies, I've thrived in its inclusive artistic environment, fostering my freedom of exploration and growth. This unique blend of traditional Chinese cultural influence and the openness of American artistic spaces has profoundly enriched my creative journey, offering diverse perspectives and endless opportunities for artistic expression and development.

Over the next 5-10 years, we'll likely witness a rise in virtual art and various forms of AI integration in the creative industry. Ideally, AI would serve to inspire more individuals to experiment with art while respecting originality. It's crucial that these advancements remain accessible and supportive, fostering a diverse and inclusive creative landscape without overshadowing the importance of human creativity and expression.

Believe in yourself and keep working.

Explore social media platforms where various artists share their work, insights, and tips of techniques.

I'm currently working on a series of artworks inspired by New York City. It's a personal exploration of the city's energy, culture, and vibrant atmosphere, and I'm excited to see where it takes me creatively.

Nature's awe-inspiring beauty has been my greatest inspiration. Its intricate details and breathtaking landscapes constantly fuel my creativity and remind me of the boundless wonders waiting to be explored.

The ability to feel the beauty of life. Hope everyone could enjoy life.