Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Chiang.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My earliest memories of creating art are happy ones. My mom enrolled me in classes alongside my younger brother when we were in elementary school. I remember sitting at tables in a garage classroom with my brother, my best friend and other kids learning everything from pencil to acrylic painting.
I won the grand prize in a local competition when I was 16, and the reward was to take summer art classes at a local art college. I ended up being the youngest person in the classes, and I enrolled in a nude drawing class and a still life class. I probably don’t need to mention that it was QUITE the experience for a 16-year-old, but I absolutely loved it.
I went on to college undecided on what I would major in. After attending an Econ class (pretty sure they were speaking a foreign language) and a computer science class (now that’s really a foreign language), I decided I had better stick with a major that was more creative and figured I would give architecture a try. I loved it and graduated with a BA in Architecture which became my career for over a decade.
My minimal art aesthetic probably comes from my education and former career as an architect. I’ve worked on large teams designing buildings and campuses and eventually moved into interior design working on small projects sometimes with only a few people. Architectural design requires making clear decisions on everything you’re putting into your drawings. Every line you draw on a floor plan has a reason to be there and can mean the difference of leaving enough room for someone to feel comfortable at their desk or totally cramped.
I learned a lot about being thoughtful about space from architecture, and I really believe it has contributed to my artistic style and overall design sense.
Please tell us about your art.
I mostly paint with watercolors and also spend a great deal of time on the computer creating digital versions of my artwork for prints as well as helpful digital content like blog posts and videos for my website. I teach foundational classes both in-person and online.
The style I paint in is very simple and minimal, and as a result, I believe it makes watercolors feel more approachable for those that aspire to paint with it. I enjoy sharing what I know and how I approach watercolors because I believe that it’s a beautiful medium that anyone can learn.
I hope that people feel encouraged and inspired to use the creativity they have and find a way to express it – whether or not it’s through watercolors or another outlet.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Art and creativity is delicate, and we need to be careful not to crush it with the burden of financial pressure – especially when first starting out. Personally, I have found balance by taking on a part-time job to supplement my income so that I can focus on creating without as much financial pressure.
I believe that if I grow my art and creative business slowly and steadily, there will be a time when it is mature enough to lean on without breaking its spirit.
At the end of the day, every personality is different, and we have to be honest with ourselves and do what works best for each of us individually.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be found on my Instagram @raeandlily, through my website www.raeandlily.com and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/raeandlily
Contact Info:
- Website: https://raeandlily.com/
- Email: hello@raeandlily.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raeandlily/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raeandlily/
Image Credit:
Joy Theory Co.
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