Ming-Chen was inspired to study on the Illustration MFA by ECA design tutor, Jonathan Gibbs's wood engraving works which she was able to view online. The course presented the opportunity to combine the poetic elements of artwork with the classics of asian literature and the physical practice of crafting.
Since graduating Ming-Chen has exhibited her work in several exhibitions and continues to expand her crafting skill-set through short courses in woodworking, ceramics, and fibre crafts.
Why I chose to study Illustration - MFA
Before pursuing my studies in illustration at ECA, I had a passion for literature and was fascinated by the history and philosophy which has existed throughout ancient China. My research into the hidden meaning of classic Chinese poems has become the inspiration for much of my illustration work.
When I was choosing a school to study the MFA I was inspired by ECA design tutor, Jonathan Gibbs' wood engraving works which I was able to view online. I was soon fascinated by the exquisite imagery, which depicted an intricate landscape, and so ECA became my first choice of school to study illustration. I hoped during my time enrolled on the MFA to learn to combine the poetic elements of artwork with the classics of asian literature and the physical practice of crafting. I hoped to be able to expand my skillset to areas like printmaking.
I was apprehensive about applying to ECA because I had not previously studied an art or design-based degree. I thought it might take time for me to find my own artistic language but my application was accepted by ECA, and I enrolled on the two-year Illustration MFA programme.