Chen Du
Chen Du’s life and work are deeply intertwined with the rich traditions of literature, art, and writing. Growing up in a family that valued these disciplines, Chen was surrounded by books, calligraphy, and artistic expression from an early age. "My dad, an Associate Professor in philosophy, and my mom, who was good at drawing and art, both influenced my creative journey," Chen recalls. This nurturing environment laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for writing and translation, leading Chen to excel in literary pursuits from a young age.
A Childhood Steeped in Creativity
Chen’s parents played a pivotal role in fostering a love for literature and the arts. "They provided me with a nice family environment and encouraged me to engage in all sorts of creative works," Chen says. The family’s influence extended beyond mere encouragement; Chen’s father, a skilled calligrapher and academic writer, often shared his knowledge and passion, while Chen’s mother introduced the young artist to the world of drawing and art. These early experiences were instrumental in shaping Chen’s creative voice, which was further honed by formal education in translation and interpretation studies.
A Shift from Science to Literature
Chen’s educational journey is as diverse as it is impressive. After earning Master’s degrees in Biophysics and Radio Physics, Chen’s path took an unexpected turn due to health issues. "About twenty years ago, for various reasons including health problems, I had to write English essays and translate materials from Chinese to English for a living," Chen explains. This shift from the sciences to literature was not just a career change but a transformation that broadened Chen’s way of thinking and unleashed a new level of creativity.
Experimentation and Innovation
Chen is a writer and translator who thrives on exploring different genres and styles. "I not only translate Chinese literature into English but also write English essays and poetry," Chen shares. This creative impulse and ambition drive Chen to constantly experiment with new forms of expression. Unlike many writers who revisit recurring themes, Chen sees each creative work as a new attempt, bringing fresh perspectives to every project.
The influence of classic poets, both Western and Chinese, has been significant in shaping Chen’s approach to writing and translation. "All the classic poets’ work, including William Shakespeare’s poetry and ancient Chinese poetry, has significantly influenced my work," Chen notes. These influences have helped develop a sound sense of rhymes and rhythms, which are evident in Chen’s poetic translations.
The Art of Translation
Chen’s translation process is a careful balance of staying true to the original poetry while integrating personal creativity. "I have integrated traditional translation skills with transcreation techniques because I love creating and discovering new things," Chen explains. This approach involves a mix of word-for-word translation, sense-for-sense translation, and creative reinterpretation. "It’s just like cooking the same dish with different spices and cooking steps," Chen says, illustrating the nuanced process of translation.
When choosing works to translate, Chen is guided by the potential of the material to resonate with Western audiences. "I favor works that are abstract, brain-burning, complicated, and sophisticated," Chen says, noting that these types of works align with a scientific background in biology and physics. This careful selection process ensures that the translations not only preserve the original’s literary quality but also introduce unique cultural elements to a new audience.
Creative Process and Inspiration
Chen’s creative process is both disciplined and intuitive. "Sometimes I write when I have inspirations, but other times I force myself to write English poems on a particular topic," Chen shares. Inspiration often comes from the surroundings and personal experiences, as in the case of an essay written about the family’s pet dog, Potato. "I realized that I should write something for him, and it was very important for both him and my family," Chen recalls.
The translation process itself is a rewarding challenge for Chen, who views every piece as an opportunity to perfect the craft. "From my years of practice in the literary translation and writing fields, I have learned that delving into the creation process while forgetting everything else is most important," Chen reflects. This dedication to the art of translation has resulted in numerous high-quality publications, a source of great fulfillment.
Reflections and Aspirations
Chen’s work is deeply rooted in the desire to introduce Chinese literature, particularly from Shaanxi, to the Western world. "I hope to communicate different ways of thinking, creativity, sophistication, etc., to my audience," Chen says. The most fulfilling aspect of this journey has been seeing co-translated works published by first-rate literary journals in the English-speaking world.
Looking ahead, Chen aspires to help a Shaanxi poet, writer, or essayist win a significant literary award in the U.S., a goal that reflects both personal and professional ambitions. Confidence in personal capacities and a commitment to staying true to creative visions guide Chen’s work, despite external pressures and trends.
A Message of Resilience
Chen’s personal experiences, including a serious illness in 2016, have deeply influenced the work. "Writing English poetry had comforted me and helped me vent my negative emotions," Chen shares. This experience has taught the importance of transforming all life experiences, whether positive or negative, into meaningful creative expression.
Chen Du’s journey as a writer and translator is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and cultural exchange. Through a unique blend of scientific precision and artistic expression, Chen continues to build bridges between Eastern and Western literary traditions, enriching both in the process.
