Can you tell me a little bit about you?
I am a Taiwanese painter who recently graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA degree in painting, and I am currently live in New York with my paintings. During my education, I was mostly talking to myself and my paintings in the studio. It was a glorious time to think about nothing more but colors in the small space.
When did you first discover art, or realize you wanted to make it yourself?
I never find it an easy thing to communicate with others with language since I was little. So I draw, I paint, I collage, I do everything that can help me to express all the feelings properly in order to understand myself and everyone else.
What do you like most about working where you do?
One might have a hard time to feel bored in New York City. No one can anticipate what would happen in 5 seconds in this wild city.
What ideas are you exploring in your practice?
It’s always about the beauty of space, color, and shape.
What is your process like?
When I was painting in Pratt studio, I worked on different ones at the same time and witnessed their development. But I don’t have a studio now, so I paint in my tiny room, smelling the oil paints the whole day and feeling alive. I admire so many painters, so I imagine talking to them before I start another new piece.
Is there any subject or theme you’ve been particularly interested in lately?
I have started a new series named Confessions of a Weightless Mind. It’s about me, myself, and all the decisions that I had made for the moments,
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever had to do for art?
I had emailed David Hockney twice in my life. I haven’t gotten any replies yet, so I might send another one. Just a fangirl letter.
Do you have a day job or other work that you split your time between?
I am trying really hard to get one now in order to stay in this energetic city.
Do you have a mentor, or a piece of advice (or both), which has influenced your practice?
Everyone I met has an impact on my mind.
Is there any piece of advice you would offer to others?
If I could tell the future me I’d say “Just keep painting.”
What does it mean to you to have a “community?”
I like my life during the time that my classmates and I all painted in the studio. We painted, critiqued, laughed, and felt frustrated but hopeful together. I think it’s a blessing to have someone enjoy art together.
What is your studio like?
I paint in my bedroom now, so it’s…interesting…..
Do you have any routines or rituals in the studio that get you into the mode or mindset to make your work?
Currently, I paint from 10 am to 5 pm and I go bike after in the summer.
How significant has attending art school been on your practice?
I think I have met a lot of incredible people in the institute, so I’ll say I like it.
What do you find most daunting, challenging, or frustrating about pursuing art?
I’m an international student, and it’s extremely hard for me to stay in the US. Time, time is the thing that I worry about the most for now.
How would you define “success” in art?
If I could paint without quitting until my death, I’d say it’s a marvelous success.
What are you working on right now?
A painting that’s about love.
Find more at threetwoo.com and on Instagram @threetwoo!
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