An Interview With Elvis Li, by Chris Giles

Elvis Li is a 3rd year art and performance studies student at Simon Fraser University. I sat down with him to talk about his thoughts are art and being creative as a professional.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Elvis and I am an international student studying at SFU. My major is Art and performance studies and it’s my second year here, my third year in Vancouver.

What is integral to the work of an artist?

The most important thing for an artist is his or her own experience of something and what are the thoughts put into the experience to make art and also their world view and surroundings.

What role does the artist/dancer/composer have in society?

Hmm, for me it’s… I don’t know how to say. If I was not studying art now, before I thought those jobs were not jobs. Artists are like entertainment for society.

Now what do you think?

But I changed my mind right now, artists are like a minority in our society, they have a special existence in society If the world become more terrible, art becomes more abstract.

What work do you most enjoy doing?

For me, reading and also I enjoy performing.

What food, drink, or song inspires you?

I think not. I don’t make art actually.

What is your favorite food?

Curry.

Does it inspire you?

Well, not yet.

What about drink?

I would say lemon water.

Do you have a favourite brand?

Céline.

I see. What about songs?

ehh, my favourite songs.. One of my favourite songs in called ‘great expectations’ because every time I listen to this song, it takes me back to the past, when I was suffering from depression. The time I was really stressful.

You enjoy this?

Yes.

What do you dislike about the art world?

Commercialism, copying and reproduction.

Like plagiarism?

Yes.

Is any art made for money commercial and, therefore, bad?

Actually, I think art itself is commercial in the contemporary world. If you wanted to do art in the 18th or 19th century you could call it art but now you have to combine it with business. It is inevitable.

Do all artists do this?

Maybe not all of them. I dislike art in commercial form because many people don’t know art and they go to the gallery just to take photos and post them on social media.

Should art be funded?

Yes. I think so.

What superpower would you have and why?

I would control the world laughter no no no. Actually, I don’t want any superpower. I think my current condition is fine.

Why not?

Wealth and fame create a lot of pressure. I just want to be a normal person.

What do you strive for then?

I just want to run a shop and maybe do some graduate studies.

what is the best advice you have been give?

Just to accept myself when I was suffering from depression.

Is that hard for you?

It is always hard for me. I am always being sad and cynical.

I think it’s hard for everyone.

Everyone wants to be perfect.

If you met someone perfect would you like them?

No hahaha. Everyone focuses on what other people think of them. I don’t do that as much as I used to.