Lufei Pan by JaamZIN Creative Studio

JaamZIN Creative

LUFEI PAN artist

Originally from China and now based in Nova Scotia, Canada, Lufei Pan is a self-taught artist renowned for her vibrant abstract works that explore themes of resilience, growth, and the transformative power of light. Through bold colors and dynamic compositions, Lufei’s art invites reflection and connection. Lufei’s artwork has been displayed at Gallery215 and the Parrsboro Art Fair, and her upcoming exhibition will be at ARTSPLACE in Annapolis, Nova Scotia, from February 15 to March 29, 2025.

Contact: https://www.lufeiart.ca/

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JaamZIN

Can you tell us about the beginning of your artistic journey? What initially inspired you to start creating art, and how has your style evolved over time?

I had never imagined I would paint For years, I was completely immersed in my work as an anesthesiologist in China, pouring all my energy into medicine and leaving no space for anything else My life was consumed by the demands of my profession, and I never realized that creativity could be a part of me In 2021, I relocated to Canada, and it was here that everything changed

Then, in July 2023, my boyfriend brought home some paints We decided to have a painting day, and something awakened in me that I didn’t know was there Since that moment, I haven’t been able to stop The colors I create have become a part of me, like a new language I never knew I could speak

I paint with a whimsical spirit, and the brushstrokes carry the emotions and memories of my past Every piece I create is deeply rooted in my experiences, my journey, and the life I’ve lived At first, I let my imagination flow freely, painting abstract ideas and thoughts, recording them on the canvas Each time I picked up the brush, it felt like an adventure, as if I were a child discovering something new and wonderful After three months of practice, I found myself drawn to portraits, a challenge I hadn’t anticipated. They were difficult, but they pushed me in ways I never imagined possible. Being self-taught, my style changed and grew, as if each stroke added a new chapter to my artistic story.

Eight months later, I began to focus on themes close to my heart Chinese culture, my heritage, the stories that shaped who I am. Now, living in Canada, I can no longer practice medicine, but I’ve found a new way to express myself Painting has become my practice, and color is my new healing tool

Recently, I discovered alcohol ink, and it has become my new obsession, filling me with excitement and wonder. I’ve started blending Chinese and Canadian landscapes, merging the beauty of both worlds, and the results are more vibrant and beautiful than I ever imagined Every piece I create feels like a piece of my soul, and I’m overwhelmed by the journey I’ve begun, one brushstroke at a time

Your recent work embraces a vibrant and abstract style. What has drawn you to this approach, and what do you hope viewers will feel or experience when they see these pieces?

I created this vibrant and abstract style as a way to heal during one of the hardest chapters of my life Just months ago, I was consumed by fear and doubt, paralyzed by worries about my future, my job, and whether my dreams would ever come true I felt trapped, unable to see a way out But deep inside, I found a spark a reminder of why I came here: for a better future, a chance to grow, and to heal

I chose to rise I reminded myself that no matter how difficult it gets, I have the power to move forward This new chapter in my life has brought me light, hope, and a life I’m proud of. Every struggle, every tear, has been part of a greater journey.

We’ve all faced dark moments when we feel lost, helpless, or ready to give up. But I want us to remember: we are not alone. We may doubt ourselves, we may cry, but we will not surrender. Keep moving forward, because the light is waiting for you. Every step, every setback, brings you closer to something bigger Never stop Never give up

I’m excited to announce that I will be having an exhibition in 2025, from February 15 to March 29, at ARTSPLACE in Annapolis, Nova Scotia, where I’ll be showcasing my vibrant series of abstract works This series is a deeply personal exploration of healing and transformation, and I invite you to join me to experience how art can offer hope, healing, and connection no matter where we come from or what challenges we face

INTERVIEW

You’ve shared that your art is influenced by your Chinese heritage and life experiences. How do these elements come together in your work, and in what ways do they shape the themes you explore?

My Chinese heritage and life experiences have deeply shaped the way I see art For seven years, I worked in an operating room, witnessing the full spectrum of human emotion people dying, people crying, and people smiling I felt every one of those moments, deeply connecting with the rawness of life I’m a sentimental person, and the experiences I’ve lived through have left a profound mark on me

This sensitivity has led me to blend elements of Chinese culture with the landscapes I now call home I merge traditional Chinese symbols like bamboo boats, traditional outfits, and iconic landscapes with the stunning beauty of the Canadian wilderness The Chinese bamboo boat, for example, represents the journey I’ve made, both physical and emotional, and the resilience needed to navigate through life’s currents The traditional Chinese outfits and the karst landscapes remind me of my roots growing up in a village where, when I opened the door, all I could see were mountains. Those mountains, and the world I knew, feel familiar, grounding, and full of meaning.

In my art, I also introduce vibrant lights, not only reflecting the Northern Lights I now see in Canada but also symbolizing the hope and opportunities I’ve found in this new chapter. The fusion of Chinese elements with Canadian landscapes reflects my own journey a blending of past and present, of tradition and transformation It’s a reminder that, no matter where we come from, we can always find light and hope in the world around us Through this, I express the belief that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward

How does living and working in Canada influence your perspective and purpose as an artist? Are there particular aspects of Canadian culture or nature that have impacted your creative process?

Living and working in Canada has had a profound influence on my perspective and purpose as an artist. The Canadian landscape its vast wilderness and stunning natural beauty awakens a childlike sense of wonder in me, like the joy of child’s play. It’s a place where I feel free to explore, to dream, and to create without the heavy pressure that once weighed on me The people here are kind, and the atmosphere is simple and genuine There’s no need for masks or pretenses I can just be myself This is something I couldn’t always do back in my home country, where the competitive environment often pushed me to hide my true self and constantly strive to be better than everyone else, just to hold on to my place In that world, I always had to prove myself, to outdo others, and that pressure left little room for self-expression

Here in Canada, I don’t feel judged or scrutinized No one is pointing fingers or telling me what I should or shouldn’t do For the first time, I’ve been able to breathe, to really think about what I want, what I like not what others expect of me I can create art freely, without the fear of failure or judgment I can experiment with colors that make me happy, and every time I pick up my brushes, it feels like a moment of joy, a return to innocence

The culture and the environment here have given me the space to relax and reconnect with my inner child the playful, curious spirit I had lost in the hustle of my previous life The freedom to explore my new passions and to be unapologetically myself is the greatest gift I’ve received. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about creating from a place of authenticity and joy, something that was hard to do when I was constantly battling against external pressures. Canada has given me the space to be who I am, and that has completely transformed my art and my life.

INTERVIEW

Your art seems to be both a personal expression and a way to connect with others. How do you see the role of art in healing and bringing light to shared human experiences?

My art is not only a personal expression but also a way to connect with others As I begin this new chapter as an artist here in Nova Scotia, I’m passionate about building a community of cultural exchange through art I envision creating spaces where both newcomers and local people can come together whether it’s through paint days, holiday paint gatherings, or other art activities I believe art can bridge gaps, especially for immigrants who are starting over in a new country

The process of immigrating is incredibly challenging leaving behind everything you know to build a new life For many, there are language barriers that make it hard to connect with others Some people feel isolated, scared to socialize, especially when they don’t speak English fluently Through art, I want to create a welcoming space where people can come together without the need for words, where they can share laughter and joy through creativity

Through these art activities, I hope to help people fight against loneliness, build bonds, and gain confidence. Art creates a shared space for connection, where people can open up, support one another, and form lasting friendships As we create together, we will find strength in each other and in the process itself In the end, we will build a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and truly at home

Art has the power to inspire and heal It can draw people in, offer strength in times of need, and become a story a message that transcends language The process of creating something beautiful can be deeply healing, both for the artist and for those who experience the work Art carries powerful symbols and messages that can motivate and uplift, changing not only how we see the world but how we approach life I believe in the transformative power of art how it can change our daily lives, shift our attitudes, and inspire a better future Through this shared creative experience, I hope to build connections, foster understanding, and offer a space for healing and hope for everyone who joins And together, we’ll finally call Nova Scotia home