Andrea Wan interview
- Mar 22, 2016
We reproduce herebelow parts of the interview made in March 2016 by Urban Spree Resident Artist Andrea Wan to the zuccaBlogZine. After 4 years in Berlin, the talented HK-born, canadian illustrator speaks in-depth about her education, artistic path, move to Berlin, experience and techniques.
Berlin based Visual Artist Andrea Wan, has been an active member of the bustling Berlin art scene for the past four years. She is currently working out of the Urban Spree studios where she commits herself to the wonders of her magical ink techniques, that extend to her dreamlike themes.
zBZ // You were born in Hong Kong, China and grew up in Vancouver, Canada, can you share a bit of your experience coming to setup your new life in Berlin, Germany, for the
first time?
Andrea Wan // It was back in 2012, I decided that I wanted to move to Europe for a change but didn’t know where. After a visit to Berlin I felt that it’s a potential place to live. I told my Vancouver friend all about Berlin after my first visit here, and one month later she told me that she just quit her job and got her visa to move to Berlin. At that time she had never even been to Berlin before. So after that I made up my mind and felt that I also had to come. I initially moved here with my ex-boyfriend Cyril, who is now also my studio mate. We were really excited about moving here, we didn’t know what to expect it was kinda of a spontaneous choice. The first experiences was that it’s a huge city with a lot to offer, and everything was really new and exciting and very different from back home, just like a new playground to explore. After 4 years I still love it here and want to stay longer.
zBZ // How has the German language effected or influenced your daily life here in Berlin? How do you find Berlin as a city to live and work in?
Andrea Wan // I think because I’m a freelancer that makes it easier, to not be able to speak the language, right away and Im still in the process of learning German. It kinda gets in the way, everyday, but it’s not a huge problem for me right now.
Living and working here is very flexible because it’s a very laid back city, filled with a lot of musicians, artists, freelancers and writers. I find that this city pushes you to focus on yourself and really think about what you want, without external influences. And, also there’s a sense of freedom here. I want to be able to speak German though it's going to take quite a while, because whilst having a job, it’s hard for me to split the time. Ideally, I would want to have proper conversations with people in German.
Read the full interview on the zuccaBlogZine
Berlin based Visual Artist Andrea Wan, has been an active member of the bustling Berlin art scene for the past four years. She is currently working out of the Urban Spree studios where she commits herself to the wonders of her magical ink techniques, that extend to her dreamlike themes.
zBZ // You were born in Hong Kong, China and grew up in Vancouver, Canada, can you share a bit of your experience coming to setup your new life in Berlin, Germany, for the
first time?
Andrea Wan // It was back in 2012, I decided that I wanted to move to Europe for a change but didn’t know where. After a visit to Berlin I felt that it’s a potential place to live. I told my Vancouver friend all about Berlin after my first visit here, and one month later she told me that she just quit her job and got her visa to move to Berlin. At that time she had never even been to Berlin before. So after that I made up my mind and felt that I also had to come. I initially moved here with my ex-boyfriend Cyril, who is now also my studio mate. We were really excited about moving here, we didn’t know what to expect it was kinda of a spontaneous choice. The first experiences was that it’s a huge city with a lot to offer, and everything was really new and exciting and very different from back home, just like a new playground to explore. After 4 years I still love it here and want to stay longer.
zBZ // How has the German language effected or influenced your daily life here in Berlin? How do you find Berlin as a city to live and work in?
Andrea Wan // I think because I’m a freelancer that makes it easier, to not be able to speak the language, right away and Im still in the process of learning German. It kinda gets in the way, everyday, but it’s not a huge problem for me right now.
Living and working here is very flexible because it’s a very laid back city, filled with a lot of musicians, artists, freelancers and writers. I find that this city pushes you to focus on yourself and really think about what you want, without external influences. And, also there’s a sense of freedom here. I want to be able to speak German though it's going to take quite a while, because whilst having a job, it’s hard for me to split the time. Ideally, I would want to have proper conversations with people in German.
Read the full interview on the zuccaBlogZine