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Windy Chien

Artist, Apple, Aquarius Records

Windy Chien is a Chinese-American artist best known for her 2016 work, "The Year of Knots," in which she learned a new knot every day for a year.13 She is the founder and artist at Studio Windy Chien, which she launched in 2015 after long careers at Apple and as the owner of the legendary music shop Aquarius Records.13

Chien's artistic work focuses on knots, ranging from small hand-held pieces to large room-sized installations.1 Her clients include prestigious organizations such as the National Geographic Society, the De Young Museum, San Francisco MOMA, Nobu Hotels, Google, and the Kering Group.13

Career Highlights

  • 2015-present: Founder and artist at Studio Windy Chien2
  • 2010-2013: App Store Managing Editor at Apple2
  • 2005-2010: iTunes Promotions and Product Manager at Apple2
  • 1989-2003: Sole proprietor and manager of Aquarius Records in San Francisco2

Notable Achievements

  • Published a book about her work with Abrams in 20191
  • Created a 28-foot-long dragon installation for the de Young Museum4
  • Her work has been featured in Wired, The New York Times, and Martha Stewart1
  • Co-holds three patents for video user interface from her time at Apple3

Chien's unique background, which includes experience in the music industry, technology sector, and now fine arts, has shaped her approach to creativity and craftsmanship.5 Her work often explores the intersection of technology and craft, drawing inspiration from both traditional techniques and modern aesthetics.5

Highlights

Aug 29 · linkedin

WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT / I’m so excited to spend a week with you this Nov at Mendocino’s Inn at Newport Ranch. Come learn knots with me and together we’ll create a large artwork at one of the most beautiful places on earth. Part workshop, part retreat (with plenty of time to relax with partners/friends) — it’s just bliss. Come reinvigorate your creativity with me.

— Info: https://lnkd.in/gE_ckkcQ —

In this workshop, up to 18 participants will have the opportunity to learn the art of knot tying from Windy Chien, San Francisco artist and author of The Year of Knots.

Knots are artifacts of human ingenuity: an ancient technology predating the wheel and use of fire. And each is a perfectly designed object. To the intersection of function, mathematics, and history where knots reside, Windy’s practice introduces aesthetics to illuminate what’s most fascinating about them: the journey of the line.

As Windy explains how a line’s journey creates strength and meaning in each knot, she will also detail her own creative journey — starting with the yearlong project carried out in 2016 to learn a new knot each day into an overview of how she runs a thriving art practice today.

During the workshop, participants will learn several knotting techniques, then each person will build upon the skills they’ve learned to co-create a large scale group artwork to be installed permanently at the Inn, as well as creative pieces they can take home with them.

Workshop attendees will walk away with knowledge of the history and utility of various knots, new skills, their own art piece . . . and the story of why it’s never too late to start living a creative life.

Jun 11 · linkedin

Anything is possible in VR. Super psyched to see my work prototyped HUGE with LMNL Studio, Jamie Shaw, and Marcus Guillard. Link for our upcoming online talk and walkthrough: https://lnkd.in/gTKwwHA7

I am always an early adopter of new technology and have been playing around in VR for almost ten years, mostly games and exercise (utterly addicted to Supernatural) but hadn't quite figured how to make art in this world. Getting closer with my friends at LMNL Studio. Excited.

Related Questions

What inspired Windy Chien to create "The Year of Knots"?
How did Windy Chien transition from working at Apple to becoming an artist?
What are some notable projects Windy Chien has worked on?
How does Windy Chien's background influence her art?
What materials does Windy Chien typically use in her installations?
Windy Chien
Windy Chien, photo 1
Windy Chien, photo 2
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Location

San Francisco, California, United States