Which new trends or Australian artists do you find inspiring at the moment? I find studying the artists whose styles most different to mine interesting. To that aspect, I enjoy checking out the recent trends in contemporary artworks by concept artists with bright and bold shapes. On the other hand, I have recently attended a figurative drawing workshop by Graeme Drendel. It has certainly inspired me a lot in my approach to figuratives.
Which Australian deceased artist do you most admire and why? It would be Norman Lindsay and Joy Hester. With Joy Hester, I think her works are the perfect examples of manifesting intimate emotions through simplicities. Every time when I look at her works, I could almost feel the emotions that was within her. For me, it is somehow very unforgettable and hence amazing.
Which exhibition that you have visited made the greatest impact on you and why? I have had the fortune to visit the permanent collection of Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Having always been a fan of impressionists, it was amazing to see those master pieces in real life.
Where do you get your inspiration for your work? It can be random. Sometimes from visiting galleries and exhibitions. Other times from browsing other artists’ work on social media!
Do you have any rituals or habits involving your art-making that you can tell us about? I almost never like to paint with white canvases. I like to stain them with neutral colours first. When I was kid, I never liked to clean my paint brushes. However, now it has almost become the exact opposite. When I finish every session, I like to make sure the brushes are cleaned.
What do you like most about being an artist?The creative process of converting something not tangible (a thought, an idea, or emotions) into a visual metaphor. I find I am the happiest when I can paint and draw. It complements my day job as a data scientist a lot.
How do you handle bad days when you experience artist's block?I would try to do more causal sketches and let art take its own cause. And constantly remind myself that what a gift it is being able to paint and draw.
What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?In early 2020, I re-commenced my art practice during lockdown from where I left literally as a teenager. For the first time, I submitted to Albert Park College Art Show. To my greatest surprise, I won the best-in-show prize. I felt extremely appreciative and will certainly always remember the experience.
Do you feel that you want to make a difference to the world or in people's lives? If yes, how?I certainly do and I feel that all the time! I have spent many years working in science prior to picking up my art practice. I certainly think both scientists and artists have the same and the greatest goal of wanting to make the world a better place but with different tools and thought process. And the best way to achieve this goal is through scientists and artists working together.
What are your plans for the coming year?I plan to dedicate more time to develop a body of works and certainly do a lot more sketch book practices and continue to exhibit and submit to art prizes.