In conversation with illustrator and photographer, Echo Yun Chen, exploring the importance of playfulness in artistic expression.

We join illustrator Echo Yun Chen in conversation and explore the playful posture and childlike wonder at the heart of her creative process. Looking at her work, a sense of joy and energy leaps off the page, reflective of the creative philosophy of the artist herself. In reflecting on her artistic journey, Echo describes the earliest kind of art she remembers creating.

“[It was] probably a wonderfully scribbly and unflattering crayon drawing of my family. I'm so grateful to my parents for fostering a supportive environment for my creativity, and for celebrating art as a beautiful and viable career track from a young age!”

There is something so free and honest about the art we make as children. Uninhibited by inner critics or the constraints of commercial marketability, children dream big dreams and capture larger-than-life feelings and ideas in each craft and every doodle. It’s this type of open exploration that Echo strives to embody in her current artistic workflow.

“Free play and dreaming have to be the first steps of my creative process! Just a time where I can get all my ideas and thoughts out in a dump onto paper, every single possibility whether or not it's feasible, logical, [or] doable,” she explains.

“I usually like to cover my desk in a big sheet of paper and use chunky colorful art supplies and go wild. When I'm in that dreaming-kids-craft-table-like zone it helps me break out of any expectations or restrictions that might stifle creativity. It reminds me that it's ok to trip up and make mistakes because sometimes the most wonderful discoveries come out of something that you would typically perceive as a mess!”

It’s an approach to creativity that harkens back to the Ultimate Creative, God. As Echo puts it,

“When you look at creation you can really see all the love in every piece of God's creative process—how beautifully everything comes together, the charming little details, the space for rest and quiet, and the celebration of uniqueness. [God] reminds me to speak simply and loudly in my work so anyone can find joy in the big flow of work, but also that spending time perfecting the tiny details will bring light to someone special.

He also reminds me that humor is such a great part of the creative process—have you ever thought about how silly certain things in nature look? God definitely had a laugh creating some of those. Creativity is one of my favorite ways to spend time with the Lord. At times when other forms of worship may be difficult, I can always find His artful fatherly presence in the creative process.”

The practice of making art can feel burdensome at times—particularly for Christian creatives. The pressure to create something “good”, something “meaningful”, is straining enough. Added expectations to make one’s work an expression of faith can feel even more daunting. To this, Echo offers a few words of encouragement and wisdom.

“Your faith is already in your creative work! Our creativity is an extension of ourselves, and your faith journey definitely shows in your work. Set aside some time [...] with the Lord to intentionally focus on hearing His musings about creativity, and follow your heart. I think it's common to stress a little bit about your work not being "faith-filled enough" but I want to encourage you that your art doesn't need to be paintings of Jesus or otherwise overtly Christian to be full of the Spirit.”

Learn more about Echo and her work at www.echoyunchen.com 

Words by Emma Tweitmann
Photos provided by Echo Yun Chen

In conversation with illustrator and photographer, Echo Yun Chen, exploring the importance of playfulness in artistic expression.

We join illustrator Echo Yun Chen in conversation and explore the playful posture and childlike wonder at the heart of her creative process. Looking at her work, a sense of joy and energy leaps off the page, reflective of the creative philosophy of the artist herself. In reflecting on her artistic journey, Echo describes the earliest kind of art she remembers creating.

“[It was] probably a wonderfully scribbly and unflattering crayon drawing of my family. I'm so grateful to my parents for fostering a supportive environment for my creativity, and for celebrating art as a beautiful and viable career track from a young age!”

There is something so free and honest about the art we make as children. Uninhibited by inner critics or the constraints of commercial marketability, children dream big dreams and capture larger-than-life feelings and ideas in each craft and every doodle. It’s this type of open exploration that Echo strives to embody in her current artistic workflow.

“Free play and dreaming have to be the first steps of my creative process! Just a time where I can get all my ideas and thoughts out in a dump onto paper, every single possibility whether or not it's feasible, logical, [or] doable,” she explains.

“I usually like to cover my desk in a big sheet of paper and use chunky colorful art supplies and go wild. When I'm in that dreaming-kids-craft-table-like zone it helps me break out of any expectations or restrictions that might stifle creativity. It reminds me that it's ok to trip up and make mistakes because sometimes the most wonderful discoveries come out of something that you would typically perceive as a mess!”

It’s an approach to creativity that harkens back to the Ultimate Creative, God. As Echo puts it,

“When you look at creation you can really see all the love in every piece of God's creative process—how beautifully everything comes together, the charming little details, the space for rest and quiet, and the celebration of uniqueness. [God] reminds me to speak simply and loudly in my work so anyone can find joy in the big flow of work, but also that spending time perfecting the tiny details will bring light to someone special.

He also reminds me that humor is such a great part of the creative process—have you ever thought about how silly certain things in nature look? God definitely had a laugh creating some of those. Creativity is one of my favorite ways to spend time with the Lord. At times when other forms of worship may be difficult, I can always find His artful fatherly presence in the creative process.”

The practice of making art can feel burdensome at times—particularly for Christian creatives. The pressure to create something “good”, something “meaningful”, is straining enough. Added expectations to make one’s work an expression of faith can feel even more daunting. To this, Echo offers a few words of encouragement and wisdom.

“Your faith is already in your creative work! Our creativity is an extension of ourselves, and your faith journey definitely shows in your work. Set aside some time [...] with the Lord to intentionally focus on hearing His musings about creativity, and follow your heart. I think it's common to stress a little bit about your work not being "faith-filled enough" but I want to encourage you that your art doesn't need to be paintings of Jesus or otherwise overtly Christian to be full of the Spirit.”

Learn more about Echo and her work at www.echoyunchen.com 

Words by Emma Tweitmann
Photos provided by Echo Yun Chen