Meet illustrator from Brisbane, Celestial Fang

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I am Celestial, a Chinese-Australian illustrator who will be 21 this year and have just finished my first year at the Rhode Island School of Design in the US. My works are inspired by science fiction, anime, Art Nouveau, cosmic horror and ancient China, and I love experimenting with light and colour!

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Most of the year, I live in Brisbane on my family’s farm. We are a popular vacation city that’s summer all year around and has a friendly, multicultural community. Although, I am very introverted so I spend as much of my time studying art at home as possible!

 

Most of the year, I live in Brisbane on my family’s farm. We are a popular vacation city that’s summer all year around and has a friendly, multicultural community. Although, I am very introverted so I spend as much of my time studying art at home as possible!

 

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Life here is peaceful, with low crime and high living quality. However, Australia doesn’t have a huge entertainment industry compared to the US and Asia, so I feel that art culture here is very gallery-focused and hard to make connections with other artists in person.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Idyllic, comfortable, modern

 

How did you start your career in art?

I have always been interested in drawing, but hadn’t found my direction until I travelled to the US at 19 for college. Being exposed to new cultures and studying history gave me an interest in storytelling. I wouldn’t say that I have a successful career yet- right now I just want to learn, work on my personal project, and make resources to help other younger artists!

 

I have always been interested in drawing, but hadn’t found my direction until I travelled to the US at 19 for college. Being exposed to new cultures and studying history gave me an interest in storytelling. I wouldn’t say that I have a successful career yet- right now I just want to learn, work on my personal project, and make resources to help other younger artists!

 

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

I’m grateful to have a family who supports my career and has high expectations, which pushes me to strive.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I am working on an original cosmic horror romance story about a girl’s journey to conquer the galaxy with the power to manipulate biology, all while battling a dystopian empire that worships machines and risking succumbing to madness. It will be told through an illustrated novel/comic combination, but there is a long way to go until my skills are good enough to express my vision!

 

I am working on an original cosmic horror romance story about a girl’s journey to conquer the galaxy with the power to manipulate biology, all while battling a dystopian empire that worships machines and risking succumbing to madness. It will be told through an illustrated novel/comic combination, but there is a long way to go until my skills are good enough to express my vision!

 

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Rdjlock, my favorite illustrator and a fellow Chinese woman who has been a huge influence!

 

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

The mental health aspect–I suffer from anxiety and PTSD, which makes it difficult to function and has caused me to fall behind peers. I am eternally grateful to my mother, friends and fans who have understood this and encouraged me through the darkest times.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

Family in Australia- strong-willed, traditional, serious.

Artist friends- no two are alike, but all are supportive and inspire me with their individual visions!

 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

None, unfortunately, because I grew up with almost no creatives in my local community- whether in China or here. 

 

In this age, it is easier than ever to express yourself and access resources online. It’s not necessary to get a full-time studio job, attend art school or move cities if that’s not for you! Instead, by growing an audience on social media, you will be able to find work from those who love your unique voice and style!

 

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

In this age, it is easier than ever to express yourself and access resources online. It’s not necessary to get a full-time studio job, attend art school or move cities if that’s not for you! Instead, by growing an audience on social media, you will be able to find work from those who love your unique voice and style!

 

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What type of music do you like to listen to?

Orchestral game OSTs, traditional Chinese music, Kpop and Jpop.

 

What’s your favorite local food spot?

George’s Seafood Paragon!

 

Angela Wang asks: What has been the highlight of your artistic journey so far?

Attending the online Lightbox Expo in 2020! I had never felt such a sense of community and was able to talk to fellow artists I have looked up to since I first picked up a tablet. I promised myself to work harder ever since then, and hopefully one day, have a part in creating a world that millions of people will enjoy.

 

Jun Chen asks: Which art piece would you steal at a museum?

The Jadeite Cabbage from the National Palace Museum, it’s so whimsical!

 

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

How has your art changed since the start of your journey?

 

 

Photos courtesy of Celestial Fang