Artist Spotlight: Lessons from Painting Cats & Mountains with Zue Chan
Ask Zue Chan about mountains, and she won't just describe them visually. She'll tell you they're a life lesson.
Zue graduated from Stage Production and Scenery at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), later earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in Theatre and Entertainment Arts. That training — which involves thinking in scale, atmosphere, and building a stage that reels in an audience — still shapes every artwork, even if she's shifted from the stage to a canvas.
In 2016, Zue studied under ink artist Lien Jui-Fen to deepen her contemporary techniques, later completing her ink painting diploma at the School of Continuing Education of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2020.
It was one lesson from a teacher that has shaped her philosophy:
"You are halfway up the mountain. If you keep walking, you will eventually reach the summit. But when you arrive at the top, you will see many possibilities in front of you. You can choose to sit and appreciate the view, look back at the path you have travelled, or continue towards another mountain."
At the time, Zue admits she was too focused on the climb to imagine the view. But the lesson stayed — a reminder that finishing one piece, or reaching one goal, was never really the point. At the risk of quoting a pop song: "There's always gonna be another mountain."
That mindset now runs through everything she makes. Zue doesn't limit herself to a single medium, cross-using Chinese ink and Western pigments, letting fluid, unpredictable textures guide the painting rather than forcing it into a plan. Nature — mountains, sea of clouds, Hong Kong's quiet corners — remain her constant subject, often alongside an unlikely muse: her cat, Peipei, who's made her way into pieces like "Peipei Mountain in Sheung Wan."
Even as recognition has grown — locally and internationally, from Venice to Milan — Zue keeps looking toward the next mountain.
In this Artist Spotlight exclusive, The Beat Asia sits down with Zue to talk about the lessons behind her artistic philosophy, blending Eastern and Western techniques on a canvas, and Peipei's place in her creative world.
You trained in Stage Production and Scenery. Do you think your years designing for theatre still shape how you compose your pieces?
My training at HKAPA greatly shaped the way I approach my artwork today. Unlike traditional fine art training, scenic art taught me to think beyond a single image — to consider scale, space, color, atmosphere, and how an audience emotionally connects with a scene.
Working on theatrical productions also taught me that there is no single way to create art. Different materials and techniques serve different purposes, and the key is finding the most suitable approach to express an idea.
This mindset continues to influence my paintings today. I don't limit myself to one medium; instead, I combine Chinese ink, acrylic, and contemporary materials to build textures and atmospheres that reflect my emotions and observations of nature and the city.
For me, art is not only about creating an image, but creating a space where people can step in, pause, and experience a story.
What is one lesson you learned at the Academy that you still carry with you to this day?
When I was struggling with a demanding project, my teacher told me: "You are halfway up the mountain. If you keep walking, you will eventually reach the summit. But when you arrive at the top, you will see many possibilities in front of you. You can choose to sit and appreciate the view, look back at the path you have travelled, or continue towards another mountain."
At that moment, I was so focused on the difficulty of the journey that I could only see the steep slope in front of me. I couldn't imagine how beautiful the view would be once I reached the top.
This metaphor has stayed with me throughout my artistic journey. It reminds me that when we are facing challenges, we should not only focus on the struggles in front of us. But also trust that every step forward will bring new perspectives and possibilities.
As an artist, I may complete one body of work or achieve one goal, but there will always be another landscape to explore and another perspective to discover.
In 2016, you studied under Lien Jiu-Fen to develop your contemporary ink techniques. What did she teach you that changed the way you approach ink painting?
Studying under Lien Jiu-Fen changed the way I viewed ink painting. Coming from a Western painting background, I initially found Chinese ink challenging because I wasn't familiar with its language and philosophy.
What she taught me was to pay closer attention to the creative process itself and to observe nature more deeply. I gradually realized that ink painting is not as distant or difficult as I first imagined. It is actually a medium with endless possibilities.
Beyond traditional techniques, there are many ways to experiment with ink, textures, and expressions. Through her guidance, I learned to appreciate the balance between control and spontaneity. Instead of forcing the painting to become what I imagined, I learned to listen to the flow of the materials and allow the work to develop naturally.
What's the most enduring lesson she's taught you?
The most enduring lesson she has taught me is to remain curious — to keep asking questions and searching for new possibilities.
For me, being an artist is not only about mastering techniques. It is about staying curious, observing the world, and constantly exploring new perspectives. Every question leads to another discovery, and that process of learning continues to shape my artistic journey.
You've described painting as "a page of a diary" that records what you feel in nature. When you start to paint, is there a set vision — or does the painting change as you go?
When I begin a painting, I usually have a general concept in mind. For example, I may want to create a piece inspired by Lion Rock, but the final work is not completely planned from the beginning.
I usually start with the sky, which is often created through my fluid art process. Since this technique involves a certain level of unpredictability, I cannot immediately know exactly how the colors and textures will develop. I have to observe, respond, and make decisions throughout the process. This is the most fun part.
For me, painting is a conversation between myself, the materials, and nature. I follow my feelings and allow the artwork to gradually reveal itself rather than forcing it to become something predetermined.
I describe my painting as pages of a diary because each work records a particular moment, feeling, and state of mind. Even if I paint the same subject, I cannot recreate exactly the same artwork again because my emotions, experiences, and observations are always changing.
When I have time away from scheduled work, I enjoy spending a full day in my studio, from morning until evening, allowing myself to immerse completely in the creative process. Those quiet moments become a personal dialogue between myself and the world around me, and the painting becomes a record of that experience.
Your work is influenced by Eastern and Western cultures. How do you fuse these influences and make them speak to each other in one piece?
My connection with both Eastern and Western art developed naturally throughout my journey.
I started learning Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting when I was young, and after completing my bachelor's degree, I further studied Chinese ink painting. Through this process, I discovered that Chinese ink and Western painting share a similar foundation — both begin with fundamental elements that gradually develop into a complete visual language.
At the same time, I grew up in Hong Kong, a place where Eastern traditions and Western influences naturally coexist. Having received education from both perspectives, combining these two artistic languages feels like an authentic reflection of my own background and identity.
For me, the fusion is not about simply placing two different styles together. It's about exploring the possibilities that emerge when they communicate with each other — allowing the spirit and spontaneity of ink to meet the colors, textures, and expressions of contemporary painting.
Because my creative process involves a certain level of unpredictability, I don't always know what the final image will look like when I begin. I usually don't consider a painting finished immediately after completing it. Instead, I leave it for some time and return to observe it with fresh eyes.
If every time I look at the painting, I still feel a sense of happiness, comfort, and connection with it, I know that the work is complete. If not, I'll continue adjusting it until the elements feel harmonious.
For me, letting go means recognizing when the artwork has developed its own identity. At a certain point, adding more doesn't necessarily enhance a painting, but interrupts the balance that has naturally formed.
You also run art workshops and teach, what led you to these teaching opportunities?
My teaching journey began with an opportunity given to me by a long-time teacher. After graduating from secondary school, I was offered to teach art to children. At first, I simply saw it as a new experience, but I gradually discovered how much I enjoyed sharing art with others.
Over time, my teaching expanded into different areas, including running art workshops at my studio, leading mural projects, and collaborating with schools and different communities.
Recently, I also began working with the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department as a part-time mural instructor for the Community Service Orders Scheme. Becoming an artist-in-residence at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC) has also allowed me to connect with artists and people from different backgrounds.
Through these experiences, I have realized that art is not only about personal expression, but also a way to create connections and share ideas with others.
What do you find you gain from teaching others?
Growing up, I was not someone who was very good at expressing myself through words. Instead, I often used painting as a way to express my emotions and thoughts.
Teaching has become another way for me to learn how to express myself and communicate with others. It has taught me how to share my ideas more clearly, listen to different perspectives, and connect with people through art.
At the same time, teaching allows me to see creativity from different viewpoints. Every student has their own way of observing and interpreting the world, and their curiosity often reminds me to stay open-minded in my own artistic practice.
Seeing students gain confidence, discover their own creative approaches, or simply find relaxation and joy through art is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
How does teaching and painting in a community setting affect your personal work?
It's changed the way I observe the relationship between people, nature, and the city.
Through workshops and mural projects, I've met people from different backgrounds and experienced different communities across Hong Kong. The travel also allows me to see parts of the city I might not have noticed before.
These journeys have helped me discover the many different faces of Hong Kong — from busy urban areas to quieter neighborhoods and natural landscapes.
In my own artistic practice, I have become more interested in capturing the connections between people and their surroundings, and how nature and the city coexist together.
They also remind me that art does not only belong in galleries. Art can become part of everyday life, creating conversations, bringing people together, and helping us appreciate the places we live in.
We've seen your cat, Peipei, in some of your pieces. Can you take us back to when she first found her way into your artwork?
Peipei first appeared in my artwork in a piece called "Peipei Mountain in Sheung Wan." It wasn't something I planned intentionally; instead, she naturally became part of my creative world because of the role she plays in my everyday life.
I am someone who enjoys quiet spaces and often finds energy and inspiration from nature. However, as someone living in Hong Kong, many urban areas are filled with buildings and crowds, with limited access to natural landscapes.
In this artwork, I wanted to create a small space of comfort within the city, so I introduced Peipei as my own source of energy and companionship.
She's more than a pet in the painting. She represents a sense of warmth, calmness, and a personal connection to nature — a little reminder that even in a busy city, we can still find moments of peace.
Peipei has her own Instagram account. Does she have opinions about being your muse?
I think Peipei would probably ask me to paint more artworks of her, so people can see her different personalities and expressions. (laughs)
Peipei is my first pet as an adult, and she has a very independent personality. I don't think she sees herself as a model or muse. She simply lives naturally, and I capture the little moments that make her special.
Having Peipei around has also taught me to slow down and observe more carefully. Cats are very present in the moment — they pay attention to their surroundings and live according to their own rhythm.
In many ways, this has influenced my creative process and reminds me to appreciate the beauty in everyday life.
How different is capturing a moving subject like Peipei versus a still subject like a mountain?
Capturing Peipei and painting a mountain require different ways of observing.
When I paint a mountain, I am often drawn to the shape and rhythm of the mountain range — lines, textures, the relationship between the peaks and the surrounding space. Through these elements, I try to express the energy and atmosphere of the landscape.
Peipei, however, is a living subject. Unlike a mountain that can remain still, she moves according to her own rhythm. I need to observe her own gestures, expressions, and small movements, capturing moments that reveal her personality.
Although they are very different subjects, both require patience and careful observation. Whether it's the changing lines of a mountain range or the movement of a cat, I believe every subject has its own unique language.
As an artist, I try to understand and translate that language into my work.
What do you want people to feel when they look at your artwork?
I hope my artwork can create a moment of wonder — a feeling of "wow" that makes people stop and look again.
Living in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong, many people carry a lot of pressure in their daily lives. Sometimes, we become so focused on responsibilities and routines that we forget the simple feeling of being amazed by something beautiful.
Through my paintings, I hope to bring back that sense of wonder — a moment where people can pause, feel curious, and reconnect with their emotions and imagination.
Beyond creating a visually striking image, I hope my work allows viewers to discover their own feelings and memories within the painting. Everyone has different experiences, so I believe each person can find their own story and connection with the artwork.
Ultimately, I hope my paintings bring a sense of surprise, warmth, and inspiration — reminding people that even in a busy city, there are still beautiful moments waiting to be discovered.
What's next for Zue Chan?
Moving forward, I hope to continue exploring new possibilities in my artistic practice while finding new ways to share my work with a wider audience. I am currently exploring projection mapping as a new way to present my artwork, allowing paintings to go beyond a static image and create a more immersive experience.
I am also developing art prints and other creative side projects, with the hope of launching them towards the end of this year.
At the same time, I will continue developing my Hong Kong-inspired works and share art through workshops and community projects. Connecting with people through art remains an important part of my journey.
Ultimately, I hope to keep learning, experimenting, and discovering new ways for my artwork to connect with people.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
To sign up for Zue Chan's workshops or to learn more about her art, visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Follow Peipei and her studio, Evanza Art, on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Artist Spotlight profiles here.
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