Bio _ Fall 2024
Working at the intersection of visual communication design, fine arts, and liberal studies, Dr. Ying (Sophie) Chen is a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin–Stout. She holds two Master of Fine Arts degrees: one in Visual Communication Design and another in Painting, and a Doctorate in Liberal Studies, where her research explored community-oriented informal public arts and creativity in everyday life. As an artist, scholar, and educator, Dr. Chen integrates diverse disciplines to bridge traditional fine arts with contemporary digital culture and social practice.
Teaching
In her interdisciplinary, student-centered approach, Dr. Chen emphasizes the fusion of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. She guides students in 2D and 3D design, technical drawing, and design thinking, while encouraging them to explore the intersection of art, technology, and society. Her teaching philosophy fosters a supportive, experimental learning environment that inspires innovative visual solutions and critical inquiry.
Research
Dr. Chen’s research examines the interplay between everyday creativity, social change, and the evolving role of art in the digital age. She focuses particularly on how younger generations navigate and engage with creativity through digital tools and social media. Her work, presented and published across the arts and humanities, contributes to discussions on community-building, media ecologies, and the integration of traditional and digital art forms. Her ongoing research investigates how art in informal, public contexts can drive social transformation and cultural reflection.
Artwork
Dr. Chen’s artistic practice explores the tensions between fragility and strength, beauty and ugliness, and the layers of memory and presence. Working across painting, drawing, and installation, she brings together conceptual depth with visual form, often addressing themes of community engagement and the transformative power of art in everyday life. Her work has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and the integration of art into broader social and cultural conversations.