SAIMAN CHOW
PEOPLEText: Naoko Fukushi
Saiman Chow, born in Hong Kong and grown up in US. He is broadening his active field greatly as proved that he has just finished a Nike project, “Art of Speed”. In his art work, there seems rich multi-cultural essence brought by his unique background. Let’s probe into his roots.
Could you introduce yourself?
Hello! My name is Saiman Chow. I was born in Hong Kong, came to U.S when I was 15. Study at Art Center College of Design and graduated with Illustration major in 2000. I’ve been doing motion graphic, illustration and exhibition ever since. I was also one of the 4 founder of Unitedbread. Currently I’m a freelance bladerunner.
What is your current activity?
I just finish a Nike speed compilation project, is going to be out on DVD in June. I’m currently working on designs for a new brand called “ESL”. ESL means English as a second language and is a product base store. ESL will feature original design of clothings, toys, accessories and all sorts of products by different artists. The official launch will be in May and meanwhile there are going to be some tees for sale on my site. I’m also working on some freelance editorial and motion works as well.
I heard you were born in Hong Kong and moved to Los Angels. Does the cultural experience in Hong Kong and Los Angels influence your works?
Definitely, Hong Kong is a pretty unique place to be. It was a British colony, so we are pretty westernize. It borrow a lots of Japanese pop culture, and at the same time it maintain a strong Chinese tradition. It was a unique mixed cultural experience. When we were kid, everything around us were Japanese. We basicly grew up with Japanese cartoons ,comics and video games. Doraemon, Dr. Slump and Q Chan etc. Every kids love them. So my early works are all about Japanese pop stuff, Then later, as I live in the state longer, I discover more and more different genre of graphic art that I never thought I would be into, the whole 60’s stuff. They blew my mind. psychedelic, archigram and Keiichi Tanaami etc. I am really bless that I was able to get in touch with different kind of cultural experience and eventually apply to what I do.
Read more ...