Meet Megan Tsai | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Tsai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The short answer? Being an artist runs in my blood. It always has been and it always will be.

The long answer… Oftentimes people ask how long ago was it that I began drawing, painting, making things, documenting the journey. Truthfully, I don’t remember a time where I /wasn’t/ creating in some way, shape or form. That spark had always been there. Just like my mother and father before me (she, a fashion designer and crafter, he, a talented writer), my grandfather (an incredible photographer) before them, it runs deep in the family. Drawing time was my favorite part of the day in pre-school. Crayons out every morning. A rainbow splatter all over the pages of our handmade coloring books. I remember the first time I figured out how to draw necks on stick figures. The realization that pigs were closer to “peach” and not simply “pink.” That it was mostly okay—though frowned upon—to doodle all over the school desks, as long as you could could hastily erase it before the teacher caught you. That last habit ended up followed me well into high school, and even today my fingers itch to doodle on whatever random piece of paper happens to cross my path.

As I grew older, my emotions became more complex, and so too did my art. I realized that the creative process was a way for humans to externalize the whirlwind of feelings and thoughts that we so often struggle with internally. Art is a safe space, a playground, a sanctuary. An artist is capable of crafting entire worlds, weaving stories and painting pictures throughout a universe that belongs solely to them, unless they choose to let others into their precious haven. As dreamers and empaths (and sometimes even visionaries), I think our purpose in this world is exactly that. To share with others what we have built from the depths of our imagination. To connect with those who are experiencing the same pain, hopes, dreams and fears. To reach out to those who don’t understand. To listen, speak up, take a stand, or perhaps simply to take a deep breath and process. To inspire.

Art hasn’t always been a linear path for me. It’s been quite the dance between self-doubt and the persistent hope of “making it” as a creative. But never could I imagine a day where I give up creating. This deep-rooted love for the craft has not once flickered. And that’s enough to know that this is the journey I’m meant to be on.

Alright, so let’s move onto what sets you apart as an artist? What inspires and excites you the most?
My style can be described as an eclectic mixture of pop surrealism and dark art. Lately I’ve really enjoyed oil painting and ink illustrations in particular, though I’m a mixed media artist by definition. Artworks range from bright and whimsical to dark and dystopian, with hints of cyberpunk, fantastical and storytelling elements woven throughout.

There’s something so special about the way art reflects the person you are. I’ve spent my entire childhood and young adult life experiencing life in different cities (shoutout to my hometown, San Francisco)! Amidst these neverending streams of people, lights, color and sound, the only constant for me was the inevitability of change. That type of energy is absolutely fascinating. It draws me in. It drives my work. The idea of juxtaposition also pops up pretty often—natural vs. manmade, escapism vs. reality, connectivity vs. solitude—these are all deeply inspiring themes. While my work centers on individual experiences and emotions unique to my own life … It also seeks to capture universal aspects of human nature. What does it mean to live and love, to dream and hope, to fear, to suffer, to die and be reborn again?

Art is inherently unique if you’re willing to dedicate a piece of your heart to honing your craft. I take pride in always striving for authenticity. It might sound contradictory—but I learned how to share my voice and authentic self through social media, of all places! As an introvert, self-promotion has always been a challenge. Through visual platforms like Instagram, however, I’ve learned that it’s okay to proudly show your art to the rest of the world. Sharing my work with others both in person and online taught me the value of putting yourself out there, of finding your tribe, of taking the time to understand how your art and actions are perceived by others. It’s helped me build a community just as passionate as I am. It’s helped me learn that failure is a part of the journey, as long as you remember to always fail forward. To this day, I sometimes still push up against my comfort zone when talking about art and being vulnerable. But the sheer number of meaningful conversations and genuine interactions I’ve had as a result have been 100% worth it, without a shadow of a doubt. This community truly means everything to me.

If I could tell the world one thing, it’s this: “You’re not alone.” The path here wasn’t always easy. For a long time during my adolescence I felt alone and excluded despite always being surrounded by people. Till this day that was one of the most painful, most difficult experiences of my life. It hurt. Those formative years taught me never to take silence for granted, and to always, always practice empathy and compassion. Through art, I’ve also learned that it’s always worth it to work through your emotions, no matter how challenging that may be. Art can help others feel heard. It can help them see a glimmer of hope. It can surprise, delight, and inspire minds. A key message in my art is to gently remind others that they’re never truly alone. There’s always room to connect with others on this wildly beautiful planet we call home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Balboa Park: Definitely one of my favorite places in the city! There’s a reason it’s dubbed the “Jewel of San Diego.” Gorgeous architecture nestled among lush greenery and lively park trails. It’s peaceful and so easy to forget you’re right in the middle of the city. Take a walk along the trails, explore the world-class art museums, or just enjoy a simple picnic on the beautiful park grounds. You’ll love it, I promise.

Quartyard: The best spot for awesome vibes, great food/drinks, and a memorable time. As a downtown local, I love Quartyard for its lively atmosphere and diverse mix of entertainment. They host regular live music performances and other activities—including THE best Twisted Trivia night my friends and I have ever enjoyed. Shoutout to the host, Dan, for keeping us well-entertained, week after week, with his quick wit and boundless energy.

InsideOut: Be sure to visit InsideOUT in Hillcrest! It’s an amazing restaurant filled with delicious food, friendly service, and beautifully-crafted decor (pro tip: check out their one-of-a-kind patio setup)! I highly recommend trying their small plates; they’re perfect for sharing, artfully crafted and packed with flavor. They also feature some pretty creative cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else. InsideOUT is all about celebrating diversity and community, so you’ll feel right at home no matter where you’re from.

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park: Hit up the Rady Shell if you’re a music lover! It’s one of the coolest spots around town to catch a good show. The outdoor venue’s right by the Waterfront. You’ll get a great view alongside top-notch sound and an immersive music experience. They host everything from symphony concerts to pop artists—I’m biased towards electronic music myself—so there’s something for everyone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
100%. Thumbprint Gallery, located in La Jolla, is an absolute gem of a find. It’s a unique and captivating art space that brings together an incredibly diverse collection of work from talented artists in the community. The gallery curates monthly and pop-up exhibitions featuring emerging, mid-career, and established artists with a focus on contemporary pop culture, nostalgia, urban art and pop surrealism. I love the people behind Thumbprint Gallery (shoutout to Johnny Tran and Paul Ecdao, the co-founders!) because of their genuine efforts to support artists from all different walks of life. They’ve built such a warm and wonderful community here in San Diego. I’m incredibly happy to have crossed paths with them.

P.S. Be sure to check out the gallery if you’re ever up in La Jolla. Thumbprint does a fantastic job curating an ever-evolving collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. It’s an immersive and thought-provoking experience. There’s something different every time you drop by, and well worth the visit! 

Website: www.megantsai.space

Instagram: @_megantsai

Other: Email: meganxtsai@gmail.com

Image Credits
Megan Tsai