Rainy days don't have to be gloomy. Just look at this joyful CBC Arts logo by Evelyn Tan
Inspired by Asian Heritage Month the artist captured how she connects to nature as a Chinese Canadian
Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!
In the picture above, Evelyn Tan has conjured a springtime landscape that reminds her of Vancouver. The artist is a recent graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, but for Tan, the "Wet Coast" will always be home, and memories of her girlhood in B.C. infuse much of her work.
Tan describes her style as equal parts "cute, dreamy, nostalgic and grotesque," and for this assignment, she imagined the CBC Gem as a glassy puddle which ripples and expands as a heavy raindrop hits the surface. She talked to us about the project over email, and explained how her design is more than a tribute to her hometown. It's also inspired by her identity as a Chinese Canadian.
Name: Evelyn Tan
Age: 23
Homebase: Vancouver
What sources do you often turn to for ideas and inspiration?
Interesting but mundane scenes in nature — like an odd looking log that is unnaturally tangential to a rock, or an especially smooth and shapely piece of kelp. Also dreams, Art Nouveau, rubber-hose cartoons, anime, blueprints and many artists on and offline.
Let's talk about your logo! What inspired the concept?
Since it's Asian Heritage Month, I was thinking a lot about how I connect to nature as a Chinese Canadian. Growing up in Vancouver, rain was always a large part of my experience and is how I feel connected to home even when away. Funnily enough, it's actually ingrained in my Chinese name (Tan Xiao Yu 譚笑雨) which means "laughing in the rain." The essence of that is that while rain is often associated with gloom and melancholy, I would (hopefully) be able to find the joy to laugh and smile.
What's the project you're most proud of?
I'm quite proud of my Silkworm series. I think it is the first larger scale work I've created that feels truly representative of the art that I would like to continue making.
What's new in your world? What are you working on these days?
I'm working on some exhibitions that I'm quite excited for. I've been experimenting more with amorphous shapes, iridescence and unconventional substrates that I'm hoping to add to my practice. Also, I finally got my drivers license at the ripe age of 23 so I feel more like a grown woman (which is a current theme in my artwork).
Who's the last artist you discovered online?
Moon Mean. They make these crazy beautiful sculptural, bas relief-esque paintings.
What work of art do you wish you owned?
I would love a Do Ho Suh piece. How cool would it be to walk into a room where another room floats above it?
Are there any arts events on your radar this May? What are you excited to check out?
My friend Qian Cheng is having her solo show at Afternoon Projects. I'm so excited to see what she's been working on!
Where can we see more from you?
My Instagram and Tiktok (@o3oeve). Also www.evelyntan.net <3
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
