Karaneko Interview - Respect the Artist
This interview was curated by START Shows
Introduce yourself
Sid Chou is a multidisciplinary designer and toy artist whose work spans across various mediums and techniques. With a focus on playful themes that balance cuteness and darkness. Sid's creations evoke a sense of childlike wonder and bring joy to audiences of all ages. Through his work, Sid hopes to spark imagination and inspire creativity in others. His artistic process involves a combination of digital and traditional techniques, resulting in unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that blur the lines between art and toy. Sid's designs are not just meant to be displayed, but also to be played with and interacted with, encouraging a hands-on approach to art appreciation. He believes that art should be accessible to everyone and strives to bring a touch of magic to the every day through his creations.
How did you get your name?
I came up with the name after started working on the series soulless kitty, I decided to create a separate Art IG page. the name directly translated from Japanese is an empty cat.
How did you get into creating?
I've always been a maker, from a young age, I was drawn to creating things with my hands, experimenting with different materials and techniques, and finding joy in the process of bringing his ideas to life. This passion for making eventually led me to pursue a career in art and design, where I could channel my creativity and turn my love of making into a meaningful and fulfilling career. Through dedication to my craft and my willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible, I want to become a respected figure in the art and design world, inspiring others to pursue their passions and explore their creativity.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan.
How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?
Growing up in Taiwan, anime was mainstream media. so it affected my aesthetic a lot. there's also a huge culture of figuring/sculpture collections.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I learn some fabrication skills when I was studying industrial design at Pratt, but I would say that a lot of my knowledge was from the Internet. youtube was an excellent resource for different art-creating techniques, and i also drew many inspirations from artists who posted their work.
What does your current setup look like?
I currently create most of my work from home, since I can't afford a studio. I work both digitally and traditionally, I enjoy sculpting on my computer and drawing on my tablet. I also do resin casting at home. I sometimes stream when I'm working on a piece, or ill hop in a Discord group to chat with people.
Who inspires you?
My influences span a wide range of fields, from designer toy artists like Quiccs, Jason Freeny, and Sank Toys, to multimedia artists like James Clar, Daniel Rozin, and Hayeon Hwang. These influences can be seen in my work, which blends the whimsical and playful with the dark and unexpected.
What is your goal when you create?
One of My goals as an artist is to create work as innovative and impactful as the artists I admire. I'm constantly pushing myself to explore new techniques and styles and am always striving to create work that is both visually striking and conceptually thought-provoking. I'm inspired by the work of other artists who have made a significant impact on the art and design world, and I hope to one day become an artist like them.
Why do you create?
I think creating art is an essential part of my existence. I believe that creating art is not just a passion or a hobby, but a fundamental part of what it means to be human. I also see art as a means of self-expression and a way to connect with the world around me. It is a way to engage with the world through the lens of my art.
How has choosing your creative path affected your life?
By pursuing my passion for art and design, I have been able to build a career doing something that I love, and that allows me to express myself creatively. This has brought a great deal of fulfillment and satisfaction to my life, as well as a sense of purpose and meaning.
Did you have to overcome any obstacles along the way?
The roadblocks I've encountered on my journey include struggles with imposter syndrome and uncertainty about the art market. My dedication to my craft and commitment to creating work that inspires and delights those who enjoy my work has allowed me to overcome these challenges and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in art and design. Through my work, I want to invite viewers to see the world in new and exciting ways, challenging us to embrace the unexpected and celebrate the beauty in the dark and the playful.
What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?: My dream is to become a recognized artist so that people would be excited to see my creations. I would say that coming to New York was my first step toward reaching that goal, even if that wasn't a clear goal at the time. I have started to show my work in galleries and apply for residencies to gain more experience and meet inspiring people.
What would you tell someone else with a dream?
Connect with other artists and industry professionals.
Learn from others.
Don't be afraid to try and fail.
Tell us about your most recent release
I was fortunate to work with @the.isle.of.misfit.toys to release soulless kitty pink and glow-in-the-dark edition. this is the first time I put my work in an actual shop along with other recognized designer toys.
Check it out
http://www.instagram.com/p/CsAJB66M2se/
Connect
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/karaneko_art/
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