Art is a conversation. (Sometimes a weird one, but still a conversation.) At its core, it’s about what the artwork says to you—and trust me, it always says something. Even if that “something” is, “Move along, I’m not for you.”
Take The Healer, one of my own artworks, which I presented at the Westbund Art & Design Fair in Shanghai. Bold, vibrant, and deceptively simple, it inspired a wide range of interpretations. I’ve collected some of the most interesting ones from conversations during studio visits, chats, and even casual remarks.
Because I love working with archetypes—they’re such a useful way to make sense of things—I assigned one to each person based on how they described the piece. These aren’t rigid labels, just a playful way to group their perspectives.
I hope you enjoy this introduction to how I engage with others about my work. It’s always fascinating to see how one piece of art can mean so many different things to so many people.
1. The Optimist
“Oh, it’s such a happy piece! Just look at that smile—it’s so full of life. They look like they’re carrying something really special, maybe a treasure or a pot of gold. The colors are so bright and joyful. It just makes me happy to look at it.”
2. The Symbolist
“That necklace—it looks like an eclipse, doesn’t it? There’s definitely something cosmic about it, like they’re a spiritual guide. And the pot—it feels like it’s holding something symbolic. Maybe dreams, or memories, or even hidden knowledge. It’s so meaningful.”
3. The Child
“Wow! This is like a superhero! Look how big and happy he is. And he is carrying something cool. Is it candy? Yeah, I think it’s candy. And the colors are awesome—it’s like a big party! I’d want to be friends with him!”
4. The Intellectual
“There’s a striking tension here. The bold colors and shapes evoke a childlike simplicity, yet there’s a ritualistic quality in the figure’s pose and accessories. It’s as though the artist is exploring the balance between innocence and tradition, between play and purpose.”
5. The Pragmatist
“This looks like someone who works hard and takes pride in what he has accomplished. Maybe he is a farmer, carrying a harvest, or someone returning from the market. It’s straightforward and honest. I like how it feels grounded, even in such a surreal setting.”
6. The Minimalist
“I love how pared down this is. The shapes are so bold, and the colors are raw and direct. There’s no clutter—everything is exactly where it needs to be. It’s all about presence, and that’s what makes it so powerful.”
7. The Art Historian
“This reminds me of tribal masks, particularly in the exaggerated features and ceremonial feel of the figure. It feels like a modern take on those traditional forms, blending folklore with contemporary aesthetics. It’s rooted in history, but still fresh and new.”
8. The Empath
“The smile is so sweet, but it feels like there’s more to it. It’s almost like he is carrying something heavy but choosing to stay positive. There’s a resilience here, a kind of quiet determination that really touches me.”
9. The Dreamer
“This feels magical, like they’re a guardian or a traveler from another realm. The pot—it could be full of stardust, or wishes, or something wonderful he is bringing to the world. I imagine him walking under a sky of falling stars, spreading light and joy wherever he goes.”
10. The Critic
“There’s a lot happening here. The playful colors and shapes give it a childlike quality, but the exaggerated features feel deliberate, even satirical. It’s almost like the artist is critiquing how we balance the mystical and the mundane. It’s whimsical, but it has an edge.”
And there you have it—ten wildly different ways to interpret The Healer, each as unique as the person behind it. What does that say about the artwork? Maybe nothing. Maybe everything.
For me, this is the beauty of art: it doesn’t just reveal the artist’s vision; it reflects something back to every person who sees it. It’s not just about the work itself, but about the conversation it sparks—and the parts of ourselves we discover along the way.
So, which perspective resonates with you the most? I’d love to hear your thoughts. And I hope this playful look at The Healer gave you a little insight into my process, and how I try to navigate the endlessly fascinating relationship between art and perspectives.