Interview with Artist Amelia Chang (@artbysiwen)
There’s something quietly powerful about the way Amelia Chang captures the world around her. Through intricate urban sketches drawn on location, she preserves moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed: an ornate rooftop, a hidden cafe, a calm corner of a bustling city. Her approach is intuitive but thoughtful, blending technical precision with a genuine emotional connection to place. What started as a way to break free from perfectionism has become a form of storytelling, one rooted in memory, feeling, and the quiet beauty of the everyday.
1. How did you first get into art, and what eventually led you to focus on urban sketching as your main form of expression? Was there a particular moment or experience that made you feel like this was the style or medium that resonated with you the most?
I’ve always been taught to draw from observation, ideally from life, and I think that approach still shapes the way I work. I first came across architectural drawing and urban sketching through Pinterest when I was about 13, and I loved it visually. Beyond that, urban sketching was really helpful in overcoming perfectionism for me. Something about its style means that you work quickly, incorporating mistakes into the final product, moving onto a new scene if something isn’t working out. Of course you improve with time, but this mindset was very liberating!
2. Urban sketching often captures fleeting moments in ever-changing environments. How do you know a particular scene or place is something you want to draw? Are there certain elements you tend to look out for, or is it more about following a feeling or instinct in the moment?
I tend to look for depth, looking for where a clear foreground, middleground and background intersect as this creates visual interest. I’m also very drawn to ornate architecture and love to incorporate that into my work when possible, often alongside nature.
3. How has your perception of cities or neighborhoods changed since you started to focus on urban sketching? Do you find yourself viewing everyday spaces differently compared to before you started sketching them?
Definitely! I’ve noticed that as I get more into the habit of urban sketching, I see more as I look around. I feel like when you start looking for places to draw, you gain a new appreciation of quiet beauty that is easily overlooked. Often it’s the most calm, unassuming places which are my favourite to draw, not necessarily the famous ones.
4. You’ve done a range of commissions, helping people commemorate moments close to the heart. How does creating for a specific person or memory change the way you approach a piece, and what have you learned from commissioned work?
For commissions, I really try to capture the feeling that is described to me, as the artwork is more about a memory than any physical environment. That means centering more personal elements from the time of day, to the table they were sitting at, to what they ordered, for example. It’s amazing how much we remember about a special moment like a first date, and on my side it’s about trying to represent that nostalgia.
5. Can you talk about a particularly memorable sketching moment, whether challenging, funny, or unexpectedly emotional, that reminded you why you love what you do?
The first time I showed my sketch to someone I’d drawn really stands out. Usually I would do my sketch, and hurriedly close my sketchbook as I was a bit embarrassed to be sketching in public. This time, I was drawing a food stall in Vietnam and I showed the shopkeeper my drawing afterwards. She loved it and took a photo! It’s such a special memory to me and still makes me smile remembering her reaction.
6. What advice would you offer to artists nervous about drawing in public or starting without formal training?
I think it’s really natural to feel nervous as drawing in front of others can feel quite vulnerable. I would recommend picking quieter spots to sit down and draw, especially at the start. You could try drawing from your window, or even Google Maps as a way to build up confidence before going outside. Many cities also have urban sketching groups, who meet up every week at particular locations to draw together, which is an amazing way to practice and build confidence.
As for those without formal training, there are so many great resources online, particularly on Youtube, which you can use to refine your skills and learn from others. My biggest piece of advice is to get a small sketchbook and keep it in your bag, so whenever you’re bored, or you have a moment to yourself, you can do a quick drawing. You can evoke so many emotions and memories through your art when you look back at it months later.
7. Finally, are there any upcoming projects, locations, or ideas you’re excited to explore through your sketches?
Next year I’ll be living in Taipei and I’m excited to try and capture the city’s energy in my sketches. I’m planning to learn calligraphy and Chinese painting, and maybe incorporate those influences into my work too.
