In Conversation with Cafuné Women
Empowered women empower women. Through celebrating women's achievements, we uplift and inspire one another. This spirit of solidarity fosters a community where shared experiences and stories fuel our growth.
In the series "In Conversation with Cafuné Women", we will engage with inspirational women from diverse backgrounds around the world, delving into their journeys to success. As these women open up about their unique experiences, we hope to inspire you to embrace your own stories, foster a culture of confidence and ambition for you to pursue your dreams.
ABOUT KAREN CHAN
Known as Chankalun, Karen is a Paris-based Hong Kong sculptor whose practice illuminates the delicate art of glass neon. Her work bridges the scientific and the soulful—exploring light, time, and craftsmanship as living materials. Since curating “My Light, My Hood” in 2018, she has been devoted to preserving this fading craft, uncovering new meanings in every glow and connection formed along the way.
INTERVIEW WITH KAREN CHAN
What first got you interested in neon?
Back in 2018, I curated a group neon art exhibition called My Light, My Hood, shown at Kong Art Space and the Tai Kwun Parade Ground. While working with the artists and Master Wong, the neon craftsman, I came to appreciate how remarkable this dying art form is — one that combines science, artistry, and intense physical skill in a truly unique way.
What led you to embrace neon as a deeper part of your life and devote yourself fully to the craft?
There was something about neon’s quiet mystery that kept drawing me in — the way the craft felt both hidden and alive at the same time. Each interaction with those who create or simply love the medium opened a window to something new; it became a journey of constant discovery. For years, I balanced exhibition and museum design with my art, but eventually, I knew I wanted to commit wholly to neon — to explore its possibilities and reimagine how this traditional craft could continue to evolve.
What do you believe are the key elements in mastering the art of neon?
Practice, practice and practice! But equally important is the willingness to experiment, to keep refining and searching for new possibilities within the craft. I often find small imperfections in my work, and they become the catalyst for growth. Each project informs the next — Light as Air led me to new installation methods for Courants, which then evolved again in Terre. Every piece shifts slightly each time it’s installed, reminding me that perfection isn’t a fixed point but a continuous journey.
How do these elements shape your creative process?
They’ve made me more mindful in every stage of creation. Working with neon is highly technical — even something as simple as a graceful “swoosh” requires careful planning. I have to consider details like the diameter and length of each tube, how the piece will be packed or transported, and the choice of gas that determines the transformer I use. Every decision, no matter how small, affects how the work comes to life.
In a time when LED lights are everywhere, how do you stay true to the value of hand-bent neon?
There’s a real warmth in every hand-bent tube — you can see it come alive with the gas flowing inside, something LED lights could never replicate. When it comes to longevity, nothing compares to well-made glass neon. LEDs might last a year or two, but a carefully crafted and properly installed neon piece can glow beautifully for over a decade.
Neon is a fading craft. How do you keep it alive through your work?
I’ve been trying to push how people think about neon — by making it sculptural, interactive, or even simple and “non-colourful.” My philosophy follows the idea of finding perfection within imperfection, combining the fluidity of Chinese cursive script with the precision of glass neon. Calligraphy embraces emotion and mistakes, while neon requires careful planning and control. Recently, I’ve also been exploring neon as a time-based practice, where every step — from creation to installation — becomes part of the work’s story as it continues to grow and change over time.
You often work with upcycled glass and waste materials in your collaborations. What are the biggest challenges in making a traditional craft more environmentally mindful?
What I love about glass neon is its flexibility — even when something breaks, it can be repaired and given a new life through glass welding. The challenge lies in experimenting with different upcycled materials to express what I envision. It’s a process filled with trial and adjustment, but I see that as part of the craft’s evolution — finding ways to honour tradition while moving toward something more sustainable and thoughtful.
What common ground do you find between Cafuné’s philosophy of craftsmanship and your own approach to materials like recycled glass?
I see a shared value in caring for the environment, choosing materials thoughtfully, and striving for quality in every detail. In my work, I use high-quality imported glass tubes that not only last longer but also help support the fading supply chain that keeps the neon craft alive. This approach lets me explore a wider range of colours and possibilities in my future pieces.
What defines a Cafuné woman to you, and what qualities do you feel you share with her?
To me, a Cafuné woman is someone who leads with care — for her craft, her surroundings, and the world she inhabits. I try to carry that same mindset in my work, staying aware of the environmental impact behind every piece I create. Each decision, from concept to execution, is an opportunity to choose a more mindful path.
As an empowered female artist, what message or advice would you share with women who hope to turn their passion into a lifelong pursuit?
At the end of the day, you’re the one shaping your own life. Much like neon, it’s full of twists and turns — fragile at times, but always repairable. You can bend and reshape it, just as you can redefine your own path. In a world driven by fast culture, success rarely comes overnight. Building a career around your passion takes patience and intention. It’s important to let people see your process and understand the value behind the work — even the parts that often go unseen.
