Shun Jie Yong

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

Shun Yong is a fine art photographer and multidisciplinary artist. A fear of loss, generational trauma and curiosity motivate him to take photographs. Shun’s work investigates his identity as a second-generation Chinese immigrant in Malaysia as well as a new immigrant to the U.S. It has not only helped him achieve a sense of belonging in both places, but also allows him to connect with family and strangers alike. He is also the co-founder of CarryOn Homes, a collaborative dedicated to telling the stories of immigrants and refugees in the U.S. through art. By engaging the public in cross-cultural dialogue, CarryOn Homes creates spaces for immigrants and marginalized communities to feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.

How did you get your job?

By fate? Lazare from Normandale Community College and Chris from Augsburg University reached out and asked if I would like to teach. Then I went through the interviews and become the adjuncts on both institutions.

What inspires you/your work?

My community and identity searching.

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree and what was it in?

Saint Cloud State University, B.S. in physics.

Who was your mentor and what was your relationship like?

Rik Sferra, like family, he is always being there for me.

Describe the work that you make.

Photography and printing at different materials.

Favorite MCAD facility?

Gray Studio, Paper Making Studio and the MFA building.

What did you enjoy most about your MFA experience?

I could stay in my studio all day and night and make works.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Keep reaching out to other people, keep making work and keep writing grants.

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

It is very cold here, and I cannot believe I had been here for 15 years.

What advice do you have for current MCAD students and/or artists at the beginning of their creative careers?

Have fun!

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MFA degree?

It is okay that if you do not know what you want to make, experience all different formats and learn from your peers!

Lastly, do you have a favorite interview question we didn't ask?

Nothing much to share at the moment.