eepmon

eepmon-LAC Cir Open Doors Ottawa

Eric Chan, professionally known as eepmon, is a trailblazing digital and generative artist based in Ottawa, renowned for fusing art and code in his creative practice. As an innovative entrepreneur and advocate for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), he has partnered with major cultural institutions and international brands such as Canada Goose and Marvel Entertainment. His work has been exhibited in galleries, libraries, museums, and archives, leaving a lasting mark at the intersection of art and technology.

You are just over halfway through your residency. What’s been the most challenging part of the project to date?

I would say the most challenging is narrowing the focus of my Creator in Residence research. I am interested in so many things and with LAC’s vast, rich collection–infinite canvas to explore–the first two months involved diving into multiple topics before focusing on one: the time period between the Chinese Immigration Act of 1885, the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 (known as the Chinese Exclusion Act), towards its repeal in 1947. A dark time in Canadian history.

eepmon "General Registers Chinese Immigration

What has been your biggest takeaway on this project so far?

If there’s one thing that stands out the most, it would be the incredible wealth of knowledge and education that I am going through with my research. I often say, “How deep does the rabbit hole go?”, because oftentimes I find myself going deep in one direction, and then into another based on new information. All this, and I still think I’m just scratching the surface.

Have you come across artistic challenges, unexpected ones?

As a digital artist, I’ve faced unexpected artistic challenges that shaped my creative process. Early on, I let external feedback dilute my vision, learning to filter advice and trust my instincts while staying open to growth. I was surprised by the need to advocate for digital art’s legitimacy, often countering questions like, “Is it hand-drawn?” Embracing uncertainty became a creative playground, leading to breakthroughs. Creative blocks taught me to step back and recharge outdoors, while tight client budgets pushed me to turn constraints into opportunities. Collaborating with those who don’t match my passion was frustrating, so I now set clear expectations. Staying agile and mindful opened doors to overlooked opportunities. These hurdles, though tough, taught me resilience and adaptability, turning obstacles into stepping stones for growth.

eepmon "Unforgettable Gala-Phil Sakanashi"

How do you stay inspired?

I’d call myself a stoic optimist, if that’s a thing! I stay inspired by observing the state of our society through various lenses—cultural, technological, personal, and even financial. This blend sparks fresh epiphanies about why things are the way they are. Of course, nothing beats traveling and immersing myself at ground level to fuel new perspectives.

What is the most difficult piece you worked on? What were the challenges?

There was one brand project I worked on that involved with an IP. The design team of the brand provided me with concept mood boards. We had to go through at least 5 full iterations and ended up with the version that was pretty much similar to the first. Despite our clear communication, sometimes things need to go a roundabout way to get to the destination so we all must be mindful of that.

eepmon "NFT Citylights"

Outside of this project, what is one project you are most proud of? What was your creative process? 

One project I’m most proud of is my mural, The Paper Trail Towards the Red Sun, created for the Canadian Museum of History. This was in timing for the panel event, “The Paper Trail: A History of the Chinese Exclusion Act in Canada,” on May 23, 2024. This event brought together the Chinese community across generations, and I was deeply moved by the discussions among the audience, guest panelists, curator Catherine Clement, and Melissa Lee, CEO of the Chinese Canadian Museum.

I’m honoured to have contributed to this symbolic occasion, using my art to respond to the dark period of the Chinese Exclusion Act of July 1st, 1923. My creative process involved researching historical documents and community stories, which inspired the mural’s imagery of resilience and hope. The overall colour composition is a jade green, where jade in Chinese culture conveys many virtues and associations including wisdom, courage, and protection. Witnessing how my work broke down barriers, fostered empathy, and contributed to healing was profoundly meaningful. This experience sparked my ongoing research into Chinese immigration from 1885–1949 as LAC’s Creator in Residence.

We look forward to following eepmon in his new adventure!

IG: @eepmon | X: @eepmon