Meet Wen-Hang Lin

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wen-Hang Lin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wen-Hang, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I do not have a business. May I suggest modifying the question to the following? What was the thought process behind your creativity?

The driving force behind being an artist was a deep desire to tell my own story—one shaped by my emotions, memories, and everyday inspirations. I wanted to create a space where I could freely express the unique perspectives I carry, translating them into artwork that reflects my inner world. Beyond personal expression, I also wanted my work to have a broader impact. I aimed to create art that could inspire others, evoke emotions, or even spark change within the community. By being an artist, I hoped to bridge the gap between personal creativity and meaningful connection, offering art that not only tells my story but also resonates with and uplifts others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply personal, reflecting the themes of memory, identity, time, and place. What sets me apart is my commitment to analog photography. I work primarily with film cameras because they allow me to engage more intimately with the process, offering a tactile connection to my work. This medium resonates with my desire to explore how we perceive and interact with the world around us—both the physical and the emotional landscapes we navigate. I’m most proud of works like ‘The Riff of Silence,’ where I use double-exposure negatives to create layered, abstract images that evoke a sense of mystery and introspection. In my series ‘And I Wander,’ I combine figures with Arizona’s sweeping landscapes, blending the environment’s realism with the subjects’ internal experiences. These projects capture the intertwined nature of our memories and the places we inhabit, allowing viewers to connect on a deeper emotional level.
My journey hasn’t been easy. Coming from Taiwan, where artistic pursuits were not widely encouraged, I faced cultural and logistical challenges. However, I remained dedicated to my passion, pushing forward despite the obstacles. I’ve had to balance a full-time career as a graphic designer while pursuing my photography, and that hasn’t always been easy. But I’ve learned that persistence, adaptability, and self-belief are crucial. Challenges have shaped my work, teaching me to embrace imperfection and lean into the unknown.
What I want the world to know about my story is that art doesn’t require perfect conditions—what it needs is heart and dedication. My work reflects my journey from Taipei to the American Southwest, and each piece I create carries a piece of that story. I hope my art resonates with others, offering them a window into their reflections, memories, and emotions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a week to show my best friend around Arizona, I’d plan a journey that captures the landscape’s wild beauty and unique local experiences.

Day 1:
We’d start in the Phoenix area by immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the Sonoran Desert. We’d hike in South Mountain Park, exploring the desert flora, then head to Desert Botanical Garden to learn more about the unique cacti and plants. We’d eat at a local favorite for dinner—perhaps The Mission in Scottsdale for some flavorful, modern Latin cuisine.

Day 2:
Next, we’d venture north to the Mogollon Rim, where we’d hike amidst the breathtaking views of the towering cliffs and expansive forests. We’d stop by small towns like Payson to taste the local flavor along the way. Maybe enjoy some pie at a roadside diner. We’d camp under the stars in the evening, listening to the wind rustling through the Ponderosa pines.

Day 3:
We’d continue north to Sedona, with its red rocks and stunning vistas. We could explore the art galleries in town and then take a Jeep tour through the unique landscape. We’d grab something healthy and nourishing at ChocolaTree Organic Eatery for dinner. Sedona’s energy would make for a refreshing and inspiring day.

Day 4:
Heading further north, we’d reach the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s natural wonders. We’d spend the day hiking along the South Rim, soaking in the immense views and learning about the canyon’s geology and history. In the evening, we’d relax with a quiet meal at the historic El Tovar Lodge.

Day 5:
Next, we’d journey to Monument Valley, where the sandstone buttes rise majestically from the desert floor. This landscape is of deep significance, and we’d take a guided tour to truly understand its cultural importance. The silence and majesty here would leave a lasting impression.

Day 6:
On the way back, we’d explore some of Arizona’s small, charming towns, like Jerome or Williams, stopping for a bite at a local café or restaurant. This would be a chance to relax and appreciate the slower pace of life in these unique desert communities.

Day 7:
Back in the Phoenix area, we’d wind down by visiting some art galleries and local hangouts like Roosevelt Row, where we could soak in the creativity of the city’s art scene. We’d finish the trip with a delicious meal at Pizzeria Bianco, reflecting on the week’s adventures over great food and drink.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my wife, Kun-Yen Kuo, whose unwavering love and support have been the foundation of everything I do. Her belief in me, even during the most challenging times, has given me the strength and confidence to pursue my passions fully. Without her unconditional love, patience, and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: WensPhoto.com

Instagram: wen.hang

Image Credits
Photo by Wen-Hang Lin