To Paraphrase …

(I would like to apologize for the late posting of this installment.  I started a new job this week and had orientation all day yesterday.)

Every other Thursday, I will be featuring a new artist here on the blog!  To be clear, I’m using the word “artist(s)” to cover fine artists, photographers, musicians, crafters, fashion designers, anyone who creates something.

Today’s feature is Wendy Chan!

• To start, please tell us a bit about yourself.  What’s your story? 

Growing up in Brooklyn, being a female artist was hard. Since elementary school, there was only 2 “artists” in the class. I was one of them and the other was a male. We were of the same level yet, the prizes were always awarded to the guy. I wasn’t taken seriously. This continued on into junior high school where the situation was the same until I reached high school where I got accepted into a art school. I went through many art stages in high school. I created still lives but then suddenly became fascinated with my Asian culture and started to make paintings with cultural icons splashed onto a board. Then I became  deeply influenced by graffiti and began to create artwork beyond the typical still life and portraits. My work was now edgier and very masculine as some would call it.  My graffiti characters and illustrations got me accepted into the School of Visual Arts of New York City. There I am studying graphic design now where I’m slowly allowing feminine characteristics into my work. That is greatly influenced by Japanese characters and kawaii culture.

• How long have you been creating?

I want to say my whole life but I didn’t start to take it seriously until the end of 8th grade where I tried out for a art school. And from there I was set to create.

• What inspires you?

The interaction of different colors, music and diverse culture. The three of these make up the work I do

• What’s your favourite piece that you’ve done?

I like all my work the same :]

• Do you have any advice to give others?

Don’t be afraid of color. I’ve been told by so many teachers to use gray toned colors for everything because those colors are more sophisticated. I’ve given in many times but I feel like color just brings life to everything. Incorporate it into your work and don’t let anyone else rule what you create.

• What’s coming up for you; any big plans artistically?

My new paper goods are going to be for sale at online shop www.Maustudio.com

• Recommend 3-5 artists the rest of the world should know about.

John Burgerman, Roger Shimomura, Takashi Murakami, EWOK

• Where can people find your work?

http://jellydesigns.etsy.com

Coming Soon: MauStudio : http://www.maustudio.com