In this interview, we explore the artistic vision of Xiaoling Ding, a contemporary artist known for their unique blend of fantasy and expressionism. With a thoughtful approach to both traditional and modern mediums, Xiaoling Ding reflects on their creative process, emotional inspirations, and the ways in which they bridge traditional craft with contemporary expression.

Q&A

1. 

Mengru Zhou:  Your work navigates between fantasy art and expressionism. How do these two styles intersect in conveying inner emotions and imaginary worlds? How do you find balance between them?

Xiaoling Ding: Common Ground: While distinct in form, fantasy and expressionism share a commonality in emotional conveyance. Fantasy often opens a pathway beyond reality, encouraging viewers to escape routine, while expressionism intensifies one’s subjective experience of the present. Combining the two infuses my work with a unique tension between emotion and imagination.

Finding Balance: I aim for my work to resonate with viewers, allowing them to connect deeply. The fantasy elements help break away from logic, inviting viewers into an otherworldly space, while expressionism bestows emotional depth to these imagined realms. Through color and line interplay, I seek a harmony between fantasy and feeling. Ultimately, my art is more than a visual experience; it offers psychological and emotional resonance.

2. 

Mengru Zho: In your artistic journey, you've highlighted form and color exaggeration as means of expressing inner emotions. How do you view the role of form and color in conveying emotion? What do you hope to evoke in the viewer through your bold shapes and colors?

Xiaoling Ding: Form and color bear profound symbolism in art. Monochromatic shades express a calm depth, while vibrant colors mirror the complexity of human emotions. By exaggerating shapes and using daring colors, I break down the surface of everyday life, offering a fresh lens of unbound self-expression. Through this contrast of shapes and hues, I encourage viewers to question conventions and explore their own emotional spectrum.

3. 

Mengru Zhou: You transitioned from painting to ceramics. What new creative experiences and challenges has this shift introduced? Compared to traditional painting, how does the tactile medium of ceramics help you express your inner world?

Xiaoling Ding: Painting is about layering colors, but ceramics bring an added physicality. Every step in ceramics—shaping clay, applying glazes, firing—introduces an element of unpredictability that has deepened my understanding of creation itself. Unlike painting’s directness, ceramics embody an independent life. This materiality lets me explore my ideas with a tangible presence that paintings don’t always capture.

4. 

Mengru Zhou: Your “monster” series captivates with its unique fantasy and expressive power. How do you conceive these monster figures? Do they symbolize any reflections on your inner or external world?

Xiaoling Ding: The monsters personify extreme emotions, representing repressed feelings, anger, fear, and even the absurd. I imagine how these creatures might navigate life, hoping viewers can empathize with their existence. They serve as a raw expression of emotions, calling for a liberation of human feelings beyond social norms.

5. 

Mengru Zhou: Your work is described as full of desire, rich with life’s imprints. Could you share some personal experiences or emotions that have inspired and translated into your art?

Xiaoling Ding: Daily life provides endless inspiration—from deep conversations with friends to street scenes or even moments of hunger. I translate these seemingly mundane details into symbolic imagery, which may appear surreal but is deeply rooted in my emotional experiences and reflections on life.

6. 

Mengru Zhou: How do you ensure each ceramic piece possesses a unique soul? How do you avoid repetition and maintain the uniqueness of each piece?

Xiaoling Ding: Each piece’s uniqueness is partly out of my hands, a characteristic inherent to the ceramic process. I tend toward irregular shapes and spontaneous cuts, inviting the unpredictable changes that occur during firing. Every ceramic work develops its own "personality" beyond my design, lending it distinct individuality and avoiding replication. 

7.

Mengru Zhou: Your art serves as a dialogue between your inner self and the viewer. What emotional resonance or insights do you hope the audience experiences when interacting with your work?

Xiaoling Ding: I hope viewers find a space for their emotions within my art. With the monster series, I want them to pause, confront their own feelings, and embrace the absurd and real aspects of life, finding a sense of release. Art serves as a bridge of emotions, allowing viewers to re-examine themselves, while also inspiring an appreciation for the often-overlooked details of life’s small, romantic moments.

8.

Mengru Zhou: Born in 1997, you belong to a younger generation of artists. How do you view the relationship between traditional ceramic craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression? How do you bridge modern artistic concepts with traditional techniques?

Xiaoling Ding: Traditional craftsmanship lays the foundation for modern creative expression, offering an irreplaceable context. Ceramics, as a historic art form, holds value in its craftsmanship and cultural depth. Blending traditional techniques with contemporary visual elements often creates a dynamic exchange between heritage and innovation, breathing new life into traditional crafts for modern audiences.

9.

Mengru Zhou: How has Jingdezhen, as a birthplace of ceramic art, influenced your work? Have you drawn inspiration from its ceramic culture and given it a modern interpretation in your creations?

Xiaoling Ding: Jingdezhen’s ceramic culture fills me with humility and reverence. Walking past ancient kilns, I sense the dedication of artisans across generations. Here, I’ve learned about glaze, color, and firing techniques that deeply inform my work. By reimagining these traditional techniques, I aim to create pieces that resonate with a modern audience, while preserving the beauty of heritage. 

10. 

Mengru Zhou: Looking to the future, do you plan to continue exploring fantasy and expressionism? Are there new materials or techniques you wish to experiment with?

Xiaoling Ding: Absolutely. I’m eager to further explore this blend of fantasy and expressionism, along with new materials and methods. Currently, I’ve set up a studio on an island, experimenting with local clays and minerals in ceramic work. These materials not only provide unique textures but also allow me to explore the relationship between nature and creation. I’m excited to see how this new direction unfolds.

Through our conversation, Xiaoling Ding reveals a deep commitment to exploring the intersections of traditional and contemporary art, emotion and imagination. Their work continues to push boundaries, inviting viewers to reflect, question, and find their own emotional resonance within each piece. As they look ahead, Xiaoling Ding remains dedicated to evolving their practice, grounded in both heritage and innovation. 

Written by Mengru Zhou