Eats and Escapes

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.