1. Can you share a little about your creative journey?
Most likely, I was heavily influenced by my parents and my brother. They’ve always encouraged me to use my creativity and make it work. I had very detail-oriented parents and a very versatile childhood. I’ve always loved drawing and doodling with pen and pencil. Over the years, through schooling and tertiary studies in fashion design, my creative journey truly began, and I’m still painting and exploring today.
Infinity Cranes
2. How would you describe your creative practice today?
I’ve always loved painting, but because I was in fashion, watercolour and gouache were the best options. I do love mixed media though. Being versatile, I would like to continue on that path. I’ve been painting with traditional Chinese brushes using self-taught techniques. It is all a journey of discovery.
3. What usually inspires your work?
Every year and with every collection, I always make sure my paintings project positivity and well wishes. Over the years, I have drawn from my mother’s influence in storytelling and her gift of patience. I manicure my art around that, painting with love and attention to detail. Recently, I’ve delved into composition and use my visual memories and collected objects that influence me — either through love or through a gravitational pull I feel towards them.
Mother Earth
4. What does creativity mean to you personally?
It’s definitely a personal adventure. I was raised to believe with your heart, always push on, and stay dedicated towards the end result. I like to think that I always try to create moving art — meaning art that carries positivity and creativity.
5. If you had to describe yourself and your work in five words, what would they be — and why?
Healing, positive, empathy, colour, and inspirational. I always paint to inspire. I am intentional about creating art that moves people. I create positivity in all my artwork with meaning and use colour to gravitate through moods and empathy.
Welcoming Dance
6. Before fully committing to your creative practice, did you have a previous career or life chapter?
I was in fashion and designed award-winning wear in the dance industry, creating costumes for people who were at the peak of their dance careers. I created lines and beauty in their performances with my understanding of design. Fashion illustration also played an important part in my work. So it was inevitable to move to this chapter in life as an artist. In many ways, I have always been in the creative sector and believe that you need to love what you do.
7. Many artists speak about the importance of having support around them.
My parents and my family have always been my ongoing support. My friendships and the bond we’ve built together have given me strength and encouragement.
The support of creative communities like ArtSHINE Gallery and Licensing has also encouraged and mentored me. The ArtSHINE artist community has always encouraged interaction, and over time, we have become like a family.
Transient Nature
8. How has being part of a broader creative ecosystem like ArtSHINE influenced your confidence or direction as an artist?
The ongoing support plays a major part in my confidence. The scheduling, group events, and deadlines for licensing projects give me ways to be more versatile and try different approaches. It helps me use who I am as an artist while seeking other avenues to better understand that I am heading in the right direction.
9. What has been one of the most meaningful challenges in your creative journey so far?
It’s been a hard year trying to focus and pull myself out of my emotional state. I realised I can only pull myself out of it and release those emotions through my art.
Another meaningful challenge has been handling stress and big events. At times, I can get overwhelmed wearing so many different hats. But I have to turn it around and deal with my challenges head-on, with lots of perseverance.
10. You have a solo exhibition opening next week on Wednesday, 18 February.
Can you tell us about the exhibition — what it’s called, what inspired it, and what visitors can expect to experience?
It’s called “My Curated Life.” The inspiration behind this exhibition is to share my creativity with the audience. Visitors will see artworks with positive messages, objects that are old, borrowed, and new. It will show my vulnerability and feature different mediums. I compose my artwork with visual objects that I have collected or objects that I gravitate towards. There are different themes, carefully chosen. Various techniques are used in this exhibition, and most importantly, there is a very strong Asian flair with many influences and inspiration from my family and friends.
11. What does this exhibition represent for you personally at this point in your creative life?
At this point in my creative life, this exhibition represents growth and determination. It reflects my will and desire to share what I see as beauty and to continue with my theme of moving art. Sending positivity and wellness through my art feels like a meaningful achievement.
12. Looking ahead, what does “success” look like for you as a creative — creatively, personally, or professionally?
Success is what I see in myself. I have embarked on different projects professionally and have enjoyed the process. I realise you have to keep painting and keep sharing your work. I believe I have gained more creativity over the years, especially with my colour and composition. My lines are more free, and through exploring different mediums, I have become a better artist. I am always learning.
Innocently Whispering
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