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We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed and world renowned spatial and 3D design artist who is best known for some groundbreaking work as an installation artist, Zhiheng “Leo” Gong; greetings and salutations, Leo! Starting from the top, what inspired you to pursue a career in 3D art?
As I grow up, I pay more attention to my inner self. In the process, I am curious about space and three-dimensional objects, because being in my own familiar environment makes me feel comfortable. There is a unique space in my spiritual world, and the things in it are different from all in the real world. With a sense of mission of “create a space of my own”, I started my own art path with spatial art creation.
Major congratulations on your exhibition at The Other Art Fair in Santa Monica, California which featured your amazing pieces! For anyone not in the know, can you explain why this is not only a big deal, but also a true and distinguished honor?
The Other Art Fair is Presented by SaatchiArt.com. It has a global influence, attracting a large number of outstanding independent artists and local visitors. At this event in Los Angeles, only one hundred artists were selected from many candidates to participate in this art fair. For the artist himself, this is a valuable opportunity to face the art market and other outstanding artists.
Which of your works were specifically showcased at The Other Art Fair?
In this art fair, I arranged six works, including three new works this year (Anchor, Water Stain and Other Side) and works from previous years (mEAT, Mirror World and Puzzle bowl).
What has served as your inspiration for your jaw-dropping and rightly acclaimed spatial creations?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature and life, and I incorporate these elements into my works.
In your opinion, what sets 3D and spatial art apart from any other type of art form?
I think the first impression is the key to distinguishing 3D art from other types of art. This first impression can quickly convey the visual effect and transform this feeling into the audience’s emotion.
We understand that you’re currently hard at work on an art textbook! Can you give readers an idea as to what they can expect from this upcoming book?
This is a book about art teaching. It contains my thoughts on education from the perspective of an artist and my experience as a young art teacher. I hope that readers, whether they are new art educators or in other areas, can have a better understanding of art teaching.
You were born in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province of China. How do those roots inform you as an artist and as a person?
I was born in a small southern county, which is very comfortable and peaceful. This is why I did not choose a big city for seven years in the United States. The tranquility gave me strength and allowed me to better focus on my works.
Among your many activities, you’re also a teacher at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. Is instructing a new generation of artists a form of giving back in your opinion?
I don’t think of this as giving back, because I can always find creativity in these kid’s creations that amazes me.
Artistically, who inspires you?
I’m inspired by some architects, like Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Santiago Calatrava and furniture artist Joseph Walsh.
What do you think are the most important things for a spatial and 3D artist to keep in mind when creating their work?
For space artists, the sense of experience is very important, because as the audience is part of the space, their feelings are directly related to the work. In many cases, the relationship between the space work and the audience is not the relationship between the theater actors and the audience, but the theater stage and the audience, so how to handle the entire environment and atmosphere is very important for creating space art.
Any final thoughts on the The Other Art Fair in Santa Monica, CA which you would like to share with readers?
I hope that readers will not be afraid to communicate when they see the art and artists they like. Artists lose their right to interpret the work after creating the work, which means that they are not an authority within interpreting their art work, so it’s important to think bravely and speak your opinion.
