Vanity Teen had the pleasure of interviewing Lin Zhipeng (aka. No.223), a photographer and freelance writer based in Beijing. Born in Guangdong, China in 1979, he graduated from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies with a major in financial English but he ended up doing what he loved: art. He told us more about his experience in this industry and how creativity changed his life.
Q: What does art mean to you and how do you use it?
A: Art means life. My art is all about my life: what I see, what I listen to, what I read, what I smell, all is my experience. I photograph everything that I involve as my art.
Q: You graduated with another degree that had nothing to do with photography. What made you make the change?
A: It’s a hobby. I just interested in all kinds of vision formats of art. I like creative things, I also involve in writing and publish my books in China.
Q: What do you like the most about your current job?
A: It’s casual, no pressure. I don’t have too much ambition for my job. Enjoying my life is more important. I could make my job during my life.
Q: What inspires you and what do you want to communicate with your art?
A: My life (art, book, music, movie, and traveling ) inspires me. My art is very simple, I like to share my vision forward this world, and make communication with different people. It’s some kind of conversation between me and this society.
Q: Do you think art is useful for changing our society and open new conversations on controversial topics?
A: It’s sure.
Q: If you had to start your life from the beginning, would you change anything?
A: No much change. I am living in my ideal life style now. Maybe I would start my art earlier.
Q: As you have changed your career path, why would you encourage anyone to start a career in the arts field? Do you think it is an easy life?
A: I would encourage anyone to do art, it’s not a MUST to have a career. Actually, I had a job as well to support my art at the beginning. But I would like to see more and more people using art to express their opinion. Everybody can create art, but not everyone can be artists. It’s not an easy way/life.
Q: Best tip anyone has given you?
A: Be yourself.
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