In the quest for breaking through the soil, a seed accumulates strength in silence. This is not only the preface of “Silent Seed,” the latest cross-genre work by Taiwanese-American violinist Joanne Lin, but also a true reflection of her artistic journey.
Amidst the wave of globalization in the art world, Lin, with her profound classical foundation, has successfully transcended geographical and disciplinary boundaries. Recently, a reporter from the Epoch Times interviewed this Taiwanese artist who is active in the American music scene, exploring how she has established a lasting artistic presence abroad through her professional competence in “international transferrability.”
Lin graduated from The Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division and DePaul University’s School of Music, with her formative years crucial in shaping her skillset.
Reflecting on her artistic path, Lin humorously describes it as an “accident”: a young Lin, accompanying her elder brother to the United States for music studies, serendipitously encountered a mentor. With strong encouragement from instructors and support from her family, she embarked on a youthful artistic journey in America.
“All precise techniques were honed during the intensive training from age 13 to 18,” reminisced Lin. At that time, after school hours, she would immerse herself in endless practice sessions until late into the night. The long-term, systematic conservatory training endowed her with a solid foundation of “hard power.” In the contemporary, diverse cross-genre performance environment, this deep classical music background has been pivotal in maintaining the high quality and irreplaceability of her works.
Arriving in the U.S. at 12 for further studies, Lin faced not only the advancement of her musical prowess but also a shift in cultural context. However, she did not merely adapt to the American environment but actively transformed cultural differences into professional advantages.
With keen observation, Lin developed outstanding cross-cultural leadership skills. Understanding the subtle differences in work approaches, artistic aesthetics, and communication boundaries between Taiwan and the U.S., she has been able to adeptly play the role of an “artistic bridge.” During the creation of “Silent Seed,” she successfully mobilized musicians and dancers from different cultural backgrounds to find a balance between improvisation and rules. This highly “internationally transferrable” professional quality allows her to swiftly establish high-quality collaborative platforms in any city and cultural setting.
Lin’s professional influence has extended beyond the ivory tower of pure art. During her time in New York, she participated in image and art projects related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrated performances at numerous meetings addressing women’s rights and international women’s issues.
These experiences highlight her close integration of artistic pursuit with universal values. Through advocating for public issues through music, Lin demonstrates the sense of responsibility of an artist as a social citizen. This practice of possessing social influence has expanded her career beyond stage performances, reaching into the realms of diplomacy and international cooperation, embodying the high value of art in the public domain.
On November 15, “Silent Seed” successfully premiered in Dallas, Texas, once again confirming the resilience and potential of Joanne Lin’s works. She blends classical music with jazz elements and modern dance, showcasing her mastery of a “non-typical” career development model in diverse artistic vocabularies.
“The United States provides an open soil, while my cultural roots give me the depth to create,” says Lin. Her works not only exhibit adaptability to localization but also the potential to continue influencing mainstream American society.
Lin’s journey proves that an exceptional international artist not only requires a solid foundation rooted in tradition but also the flexibility to transcend cultural boundaries. With her unique professional qualities, she continues to script a brilliant chapter for Taiwanese artists on the international stage. ◇