EYES & EDGE: Tell us the story of how it all began. When did you first begin making art?

DAN LAM: I’ve been creating art since I was a child. I grew up in Houston, Texas; during middle & high school, I took art classes in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. However, my unique style & voice developed during my undergraduate studies at the University of North Texas in Denton.

**EYES & EDGE: Do you feel pressure from social media to always be creating & productive? How do you deal with being on with social media a click away?**

[~1M following between Instagram & TikTok]

DAN LAM: I don’t let social media pressure me into constantly creating content. I give myself the freedom to create at my own pace & take breaks to reflect. I prioritize the creative process & limit my use of social media to maintain a healthier relationship with it. This includes turning off notifications & avoiding reading comments after the first hour of posting. While there may be a temptation to post frequently, I focus on creating something I’m excited to share rather than creating just for the sake of posting.

EYES & EDGE: How does your background of being born in the Philippines then immigrating from Vietnam show up in your work? Describe how your background influences your present creative drive.

DAN LAM: Although I was born in the Philippines, there is no visible connection between my birthplace & my work.

However, I believe that my strong work ethic & focus are deeply rooted in the cultural influence of being raised by a resilient mother who overcame significant challenges to bring our family to America. Her unwavering determination to succeed has inspired me to work hard & strive for success.

EYES & EDGE: What are your goals for your work this year? In the future?

Dan lam: My goal is to continuously improve and challenge myself while honing my intuition. Although I sometimes feel anxious about the future, I understand that ideas manifest when the time is right. The pace of progress varies when creating, and that is normal. In terms of specific goals, I am excited to create larger sculptures, installations, and showcase my work in more museum exhibitions.

**E&E:**
**What advice would you tell your young self today?**

Dan Lam:

Trust your instincts - they always guide you in the right direction.

EYES & EDGE: What are your goals for your work this year? In the future?

Dan lam: My goal is to continuously improve & challenge myself while honing my intuition. Although I sometimes feel anxious about the future, I understand that ideas manifest when the time is right. The pace of progress varies when creating, & that is normal. In terms of specific goals, I am excited to create larger sculptures, installations, & showcase my work in more museum exhibitions.

EYES & EDGE: Favorite meal right now? What is it and what restaurant can we get it at?

Dan lam: One of my favorite meals right now is a Vietnamese dish called com thit nuong, which consists of rice, grilled pork, and fish sauce. I personally enjoy having it with a fried egg as well. There’s a great restaurant in Garland, Texas called Pho Bang where I like to order this dish.

eyes & edge: where can we buy your art?

Dan lam: You can buy my artwork directly from me! Just send me a message through my website at bydanlam.com. Solo exhibition : Chefas Projects Portland, Oregon