In our series Behind the Scenes, artists answer questions about their creative process, philosophy, and more. This installment features Danhui Nai. See some of her work here. (Read our other exclusive interviews with artists here.)

What do you consume (art, music, books, film) to help fuel your work?

I listen to music or interview when I paint. Music helps to create a certain mood and emotion. When I paint, I am in the state of seeing colors and shapes happening in front of my eyes and telling a story without words.

Describe your ideal work setting.

A place where I can do whatever I want. It is really messy when I am in the middle of working on a group of paintings but I can always find the things I need in that moment. Stable, simulated daylight. No other noises except what is playing in my computer or speaker.

Send an image of your workspace.

Send an image that makes you feel at home, and write a short blurb why.

I should really use pictures of my husband and my daughter but for privacy reasons I am using the photo of my dog Jamie, whose unconditional love reminds me of the ones who make the place a home for me.

If you could have any artist, living or dead, paint a portrait of you, who would you choose?

I would love to see my husband paint a portrait of me. My husband took art lessons when he was little. He was told early on that he had no artistic talent and no business being in art school. He is not an artist by conventional definition, yet his drawings has a distinct style which is his own visual language.

How do you know when a work is finished?

Once the piece looks good, I usually take a break, asking myself: “Is there anything else you want to say?” If the answer is “ no”, I will stop.

What do you feel when you look at your past work?

I was diligent, and was trying hard to achieve the traditional, realistic look that was taught in art schools in China.

What will make you feel successful?

Being able to do what I love to do and loved by people I love.

Send an image that represents what success means to you.

Is it better for an artist to take herself too seriously or not seriously enough?

Very often, when I told people that I am an artist, they would immediately ask: “What does your husband do?”, instead of, “What type of painting do you do? What medium do you use? Which company do you work for?” Many assume that I am a stay-at-home mom who paints as a hobby. And that is ok. I am glad that I can bring joy to the buyers of my art and make a living by doing what I love. That’s all.

Is it better for an artist to be an optimist or a pessimist?

I am very optimistic and pretty much always have a smile on my face. Feeling happy and hopeful works for me. I can’t speak for others.

What would you be if you weren’t an artist?

I would love to learn to write well. My mind is often filled with images, colors and shapes, instead of words. Maybe learning to write well would help me to think more often in words.

What do you think is the age at which people are at their most creative?

I know I am at my most creative recently, after I sent my daughter off to college. I am pretty experienced, still very energetic, don’t have much ego, and I’m eager to explore new ways of expressing myself using the visual image.