A hunger for creation, braveness to be independent and the joy of spontaneity are three things that make a good designer — according to Theseus Chan of WERK Magazine and design studio WORK. Photo credit, Claire Wong.
The job of a designer today is an activity specific to pursuing a skill that best expresses their state of mind and being. I am no longer interested in a design role that simply involves solving someone else’s problems because I am in a position where I feel sufficient. I am just hungry enough to continue searching and creating. It is a delicate equilibrium that comes from a constant reminder to myself to be bold and pure when creating. It involves taking risks, paying attention to my inner dialogue and considering my instincts because there are people who appreciate work that comes from strength, struggle and sincerity.
Rope Chandelier by Studio Juju and Theseus Chan (WORK), Installation at the National Design Centre, Nylon Rope and Aluminium/Steel Structures Approx L19m x W15m x H16m, Photography by Don Wong
The mundane, however, interests me all the time. It has significant gravitas as it is either ignored, overlooked or taken for granted. Therefore, there is plenty to think about and work around. I find working on the fringe or out of the mainstream a creative stimulus because I am not interested in what is currently trendy — be it design, art or fashion.
My work is personal because I value creative independence where I am primarily free to express my work as purely and boldly as I can. I create this condition for myself because this is how I work best. It is a spontaneous and organic manifestation of my thoughts and opinions. Typically, I choose whatever is available at that moment. I do not deliberate profoundly and instead, work with my intuition and instinct. Creation by instinct is about my state of mind, purpose and being. Though I can never be sure about what my best self is, what I can do is constantly remind myself to remain in that state.
WERK No. 28: EUGENE CHEONG – THE THINGS THAT ARE NOT. Cardboard and Kraft Paper, Offset Lithography
People are free to interpret what they see in my work and it is a good thing as what they perceive stem from their experiences. It does not affect what I want to do creatively because since I value freedom, I have to be free from these impediments. I prefer to define my boundaries whenever that is possible and these boundaries can come in the form of budget, time and capability. However, both boundaries and expectations constantly need to be evaluated or even discarded at times to create something new. Change is constant and I am constantly finding new and different ways to express myself and allow my work to manifest. Therefore, limitations and expectations are constantly evolving or subverted to create a conducive condition for me to create vital work.
Great work has no geographical barriers. A piece of outstanding work will be outstanding anywhere in the world be it imagery, copy or design. I do not want to prescribe a solution to inject excitement or freshness into print mediums as there are no fixed rules or formulae to do so. One has to be competent in the discipline of design and take significant risks to break that discipline down. This is a vicious circle of learning and unlearning, forming and breaking, creating and destroying.
Beautification of Aliens (Series) Ink on canvas panel, L765mm x W510mm
Social media is now a necessary medium to share one’s thoughts and opinions with a broader audience. It is a form of documentation for my works that I certainly hope will strike a chord with people who encounter it. I care about not feeding subjects that are offensive, divisive or with the ability to create a sense of envy.
I have an assistant working with me in the studio and there is no hierarchy because we both have mutual respect and professional work ethics in place. What one contributes at work is more important than say a trendy job title, status or superfluous fixtures. Having care in one’s work, a sense of dignity and decorum, and a clear purpose in the work you do are what I prioritise.
Artistic satisfaction is what I strive for. I am satisfied if the work was created from my conviction and not from compromise. Everything a designer does is connected.
Once you’re done with this story about Theseus Chan, click here to catch up with our November 2021 issue!
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