The Pencil Club is proud to present *athenatt's INTERVIEW WITH Lisa M. Rourke - ~LMRourke




Why would you say you are an artist? Does your art have any specific meaning for you (ie, why do you create)?

Wow...you start off with a tough one! Why would I say I'm an artist. Ironically, it's taken me until recently to consider myself one. An artist to my mind was one who had formal training and who made his/her living creating art and as I did neither, it was hard to think of myself as a true artist. But now I would say I'm an artist because I'm the happiess when I'm creating. It gives me a real sense of joy and satisfaction like no other "job" I've had.


Your gallery has strong emphasis on the medium of graphite. Is there any reason you have chosen this medium as favorite means of artistic communication for your talents?

I think I originally chose graphite when I took up portraiture because it seemed the least complicated-(easier to handle and easier to erase your mistakes!)


Some graphite artists use a grid when creating portraits, others prefer a more freehand style. Is there any specific method you use when drawing portraits, and why?

I've always done a freehand style-no grids. Although I've been sorely tempted many times when I've wasted countless hours trying to get the angle or shape of a head right. When I start a drawing, I usually look for a line or shape that strikes me as a good vantage point and go from there. Sometimes it's the eyes, sometimes the curve of a cheek or the neck or shoulders.


Have you had any formal art training? Do you feel it is necessary or important for an artist to have formal training?

No real formal training although I do have a BA in Studio Art (pottery). When I was in college, the last thing I wanted to do was draw. I knew I could copy but I didn't consider it a talent so I didn't persue it other than to take the one or two required basic drawing classes. I don't think it's nescessary for an artist to have formal training (I've seen some pretty outstanding self-taught ones) but I do feel for me, personally, that I would have liked to have had some formal training. It might have given me more confindence to persue drawing and illustration sooner plus it would have exposed me to different mediums and styles.


We noticed some gorgeous colored pencil pieces in your gallery. A lot of artists find this medium challenging. How would you encourage a graphite artist who would like to rise to the colored pencil challenge?

I think color pencils are a logical media step for a graphite artist although they do take some getting used to. With graphite you can shade and blend and erase easily- it's much, much more forgiving. With color pencil, you have to build up layers of color in order to get the same texture and depth. I don't know if I'd recommend this but, when I started out using color pencils I would take one of my completed pencil drawings and erase most of the shading. Then I would attempt to color and shade the drawing like the original. Somtimes it worked out ok but somethimes the pencil that remained would make it greyish and muddy looking. I would suggest starting with a picture that your not attached to But keep trying! I found that the more I used them, the more comfortable I became with them.


Please tell us about the materials you use to accomplish your art work. Are there any specific brands of graphite and paper you would reccommend, and why?

I mostly use 2b pencils to draw the basic portrait and then add 3,4,5 and 6b for depth and shading. Not particular brand (I've been known to use my children's school pencils in a pinch). I prefer Strathmore 70lb heavy weight drawing paper and occasionally smooth Bristol Board. As for color pencils I use Prismacolor.


We notice the majority of your gallery subjects are portraits of people. Is there any specific reason this subject inspires you?

Well, I wouldn't have taken up portraiture if it weren't for the Harry Potter books I was just so inspired by JKR's books that I knew I wanted to draw her characters. It's opened up a whole new world of art for me. I really enjoy drawing people now, not just fictitious ones but family, friends, and members of my favorite singing group too!


You obviously enjoy creating fan art. We've noticed that some Deviants have a negtive opinion of this artform. Have you ever had a negative response to your gallery, or do you mostly experience postive reaction? What are your personal feelings as to why you prefer to create this lovely fanwork?

I've been very fortunate and have pretty much only gotten positive responses to my fan art even from people who don't know who the characters are. I just feel compeled to draw them-it gives me a lot of joy.


A great deal of your fanart portraits seem to come from your imagination. Do you use photo references, or do you prefer making up your own interprtations of the certain characters faces?

Almost all of my portraits are based on some sort of reference or model. Since I had no formal training, I didn't have the skills to create realistic portrayals on my own. My portraits are part imagination and part reality.


What is the hardest thing for you to draw?

I never would have thought it but- babies.


We noticed a commission in your gallery. Which inspires you more: commisions, or creating for your own enjoyment? How would you encourage fellow artists to obtain commissions of their own?

For my own enjoyment, definitely. I'm currently doing an illustration commission and I can't wait until it's over and I have free time to create what I want to create.
Several of my commissions were from co-workers. They were familiar with my work from the artwork I've done for the store. Word of mouth is always good.


Are there any artists or other sources of inspiration that you feel directly contribute to your creativity?

I've always loved the Dutch Masters and the Renaissance artists-their realism and beauty is something that really speaks to me. I'm also fond of Waterhouse and Rockwell.


Sometimes artists suffer from "artist's block." If you feel your desire to create waning, what do you do to resinspire yourself and restore those creative juices?

Check out all the wonderful galleries here on da, read, talk to my daughter who is also an artist.


As you look ahead, in what direction are you aspiring to take your art? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

Besides being really, really old....I hope to be doing some more professional work. Maybe some more illustration and trying and hopefully mastering new mediums.


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The Pencil Club is proud to present an interview from *athenatt with *shimoda7.





What does your art mean to you (or, why do you enjoy creating art)?

Art means a lot to me. It's not only a door to the outside world through which I can express myself, it's also the path that lies behind that door. A path that leads me to my own thoughts and feelings. When I draw, I'm not only focused on what I'm doing, but also on what I'm feeling. It's kind of a meditation, a perfect way to be alone with your feelings for a while, try to learn from them or just let them go. We don't have to TALK through our art all the time you know, we can also learn to LISTEN through it.


Your gallery has strong emphasis on the medium of graphite. Why have you chosen this medium as favourite means of artistic communication for your talents?

Because it's black! no seriously, I do love B&W images but that's not the only reason. It's because graphite is so controllable. You can draw the tiniest details and still be in control of every stroke, and that is the most important thing to me when it comes to drawing. Another thing I love about graphite is its versatility. Graphite can do much more than any other pencil. And last but not least, its softness. It doesn't damage the surface of your paper but allows you to produce beautiful, warm grey, soft and smooth shadings which is an essential part of creating realistic drawings.


We have noticed your gallery consists of very realistic pencil portraits. Do you use a grid, or do you work freehand, and why?

Yes, I use a grid. Simply because it makes the whole process a lot easier and shorter. I do draw freehand when I'm doodling or sketching for fun or study, but for my "serious" work I use a grid. Especially for commissions, which I try to do more carefully and with more precision. The client wants to see a good likeness after all.


Have you had any formal art training? Do you feel it is necessary or important for an artist to have formal training?

I don't think it's necessary. It's helpful yes, but not necessary. The only art training I've ever had is a short course when I was 16 or so. Couple of lessons about the basic stuff of drawing and painting. Of course I could continue and go to the advanced class but I didn't, due to some personal reasons. I still remember what my teacher (a great artist and a great person) told me when I went to his studio to say goodbye. He said: "If you want to stay on the right path, don't forget your art!"


Please tell us about the materials you use to accomplish your graphite and colored pencil work. What brands of pencils and paper do you use and recommend, and why?

I'm not very picky when it comes to pencils. I just happen to have some Faber Castel graphite pencils, some Cretacolor monolith (woodless) pencils and a box of Caran d'Ache coloured pencils (which are all great I might add). It's the paper that is more important to me. My favourite one is Lana by Winsor & Newton. I just love everything about that paper. Even its name! It is a 100% acid free paper with a clean white, smooth yet strong surface which is perfect for repeated working and erasing. What do I need more? Oh wait, I do need more: cotton pads. You know, the ones women use to clean their faces with. I use them for smudging.


We noticed two pastel pieces in your gallery. Do you often use other mediums besides pencil? Which ones do you enjoy, and which prove to be most challenging?

No I don't use other mediums very often. Every now and then I try something new and different but eventually I go back to graphite. That's what I like most and what I'm best at.
I found white pastel on black paper more challenging than anything else. Not because of using the medium itself, but because of the process of drawing. Normally we draw shadows but now I had to draw the light, so I had to think opposite! But it was really fun to do.


We noticed you mention to use photos as a reference for your drawings. Do you always use photos, or do you also draw from life? Which do you prefer and why?

Drawing from life requires much more than using photos: model, room, light, time, you name it. That's why I only do it for study. The funny thing is, I do like drawing from life more than anything! I don't know, it just feels more... artistic.


What is the hardest thing for you to draw?

Backgrounds! really. I just don't have the patience to colour large areas. Every time I have to do backgrounds I wish I had a 'magic wand' and a 'fill tool' (you know, like in PS or PSP) so I could go click, click, click, done. haha!


We didn't immediately notice any direct commissions in your gallery. Have you ever created drawings on a commission basis? If so, which inspire you more: commissions, or creating for your own enjoyment?

I do commissions, but I don't submit them here on DA. You can see them on my website if you want.
My own work is definitely more inspiring and meaningful. I have more (artistic) freedom when I'm doing my own stuff, so the result is more "me".


What advice would you give to a graphite artist desiring to improve the quality of their own art?

Well, I think we all have our own definition of quality. It's something we must figure out by asking ourselves a couple of questions, like these:

1- WHAT do I want to draw?
2- WHY do I want to draw it?
3- HOW do I want to do it?

If you want quality, either artistic or technical, make sure you know the answers before you touch your pencil. Drawing is a creative process, take it seriously. Get to know the (im)possibilities of your medium. As I said before, graphite is very versatile. Use that. Observe! See the details, even if you can't reproduce all of them. Compare! Focus! Draw your lines carefully! Don't expect too much from yourself, but not too little either. Be ambitious! Think you're a good artist and act like one. Enjoy what you're doing, but take it seriously!


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The Pencil Club is proud to present an interview from *athenatt with Virginia Tupper, *vltz.




Why would you say you are an artist? What does your art mean to you?

I call myself an artist because I create art--creating art is an important part of who and what I am. 'Real' life is so busy and hectic--I sometimes feel that I lose myself--forget who I am--but creating artwork brings me back to myself and allows me the freedom to commune with the spirit.


Your gallery is a wonderful mix of mediums, a concentration of which is colored pencil. Which medium is your favorite means of artistic communication for your own talents, and why?

I like using color pencil, abut lately I've been experimenting with oil pastel--both are vibrant, rich with color--very exciting to my eye.


As mentioned, some of the most notable pieces in your gallery have been created with colored pencil. This is can be a difficult medium for artists. What first inspired you to create with colored pencil? Do you find this medium easier or more difficult than other mediums (like graphite)?

I used graphite for many years. When I did a graphite portrait for my Grandmother she told me that she liked it but would prefer one in color. Because I didn't know how to use color I told her that I would learn and then do one for her. I searched for books on color portraits and came across Ann Kullberg's book "Color Pencil Portraits Step by Step" and from there I was hooked on color. Working with color pencil is very different compared to how I worked with graphite--much more difficult, but I found it very addictive in the challenge.


Please tell us about the materials you use to accomplish your graphite and colored pencil work. What brands of pencils and paper do you use and recommend, and why? Do you have any specific material suggestions for an artist just starting out with colored pencil?

Graphite--mostly the B pencils, sometimes Ebony pencils or charcoal and smooth paper; tissue for blending, eraser and or/Blue tack for pulling highlights, workable fixative to build up layers. Color pencil--Prismacolors, Canson Mi Teintes paper, Blu Tack, sometimes solvents. Starting out with color pencil I would suggest to use artist quality Prisma's and a good paper--you'll be happier with the results.


In looking at your earliest colored pencil work to your most current, we have noticed a change in the method you use. Could you please tell us what this "circulism" method is all about, how and why you started using it, and if (and why) you prefer it over other colored pencil techniques.

I came across the Circulism method on the CP Challenge site and thought it looked like fun. [link] Prior to this I had used the method in the backgrounds of my graphite portraits -- never thought to use it for the whole portrait. Circulism is very relaxing--basically it's just scribbling with color--not so much pressure for perfection because every scribble contributes beautifully to the whole.



We notice the majority of your gallery subjects are portraits of animals and people. What inspires you to draw these subjects instead of, say, mechanical things or landscapes?

I've always drawn people and/or animals since I was a child--I don't really know why--it's just a natural attraction for me.



Your portraits are so realistic. Do you use a grid, or do you work freehand, and why?

I use the transfer method--soft pastel on the back of a tracing. I hate grids because they feel too technical for me and freehand takes me too much time--I prefer to jump right into the fun stuff as fast as I can.



Have you had any formal art training? Do you feel it is necessary or important to have formal training?

I went back to school as a mature student and took a two year animation course which I found to be extremely difficult and challenging! I learned a lot and I feel I came out of it a better artist. I don't feel it's necessary or important in all cases to have formal training, but it can't hurt--at least it didn't hurt for me. Every one is unique and learns differently so I think it's up to the individual.



Are there any artists or specific sources that directly inspire your creativity?

As I had mentioned earlier, Ann Kullberg's book opened my eyes to color and her work is a great inspiration to me. [link] I've come across many, many artists online, here at DA also at WetCanvas, ArtPapa, Scribble, and the Yahoo Groups that are inspiring and motivating--and I'm sure I'll continue to come across more.


Your gallery (and your scraps) show us that you enjoy taking photos. Do you use these photos as a reference for your drawings? Do you prefer working from photos or from real life, and why?

I do enjoy taking pictures with my digital camera--easy to work with, edit on my computer, and great for getting reference photos to draw from....so many photo references, so little time.......... I do prefer working from photos--I can work on and off as I please, it usually takes me weeks to complete one portrait working an hour more or less per night when I have free time.



What is the hardest thing for you to draw?

Animation.....


We didn't immedately notice any direct commissions in your gallery. Have you ever created drawings on a commission basis? If so, do you find it easier to create due to a commission, or do you prefer to create for your own enjoyment?

I do the occasional commission but I prefer to create for my own enjoyment.



As you look ahead, in what direction are you aspiring to take your art? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

I expect to have more free time for art--time to experiment and play with different mediums and methods.



What advice would you give to a graphite or colored pencil artist desiring to improve the quality of their own art?

Practice, practice, practice. Read many art books, talk with other artists, view other artwork, be open to critique and advice, continue to grow and have fun.



Is there any piece in particular in your gallery that has special meaning for you, and why?

I grow through each piece, I'm so much part of them all that I can't say any particular one has more than another.


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Once again *ThePencilClub is proud to present another great interview. Our interview with ~imaginee comes to us through special permission from ~jundam. Jason is also a member of the club and as a form of celebration for his first year at DA he produced a special Anniversary Journal in which he interviewed several of his friends and admired artists. ~imaginee was one of the wonderful artist he interviewed and he has graciously allowed us to copy his interview here. So with special thanks to ~jundam, we proudly present an interview with ~imaginee.






What made you want to become an artist?

My hands, my eyes, my mind when I was a little girl, I loved to draw everything...and did.


Who (or what) has had an influence on your artistic progression? What influenced you to create your most faved piece, Halle Close-up?

Once again I had the most influence on what i did, wanting to draw and get better has been a driving force of mine. My Halle portrait was the first try at photorealistic drawing. I learned from other artist on the Internet about different techniques and better art supplies, I watched, asked questions, and tried out all I learned, this produced "Halle".


Where do you think your talent will have taken you ten years from now?

I will say right here where I am but with even better drawing skills. I want to try my hand at sculpture too. I also see myself entering art shows and exhibits in the near future, oh and maybe even have a piece in a gallery.


How did you learn about DA?

I saw a link to a gallery of an artist i admired, i then joined.


What do you like most about DA, and would you describe your fondest memory concerning the community?

DA is one of the largest artist communities I belong to and I have to say I love it here. I have enjoyed meeting other artist and viewing all the different works of art. To me it's like visiting a Big art gallery each time, I also became friends with a few members and I love them dearly!


What do you dislike most about DA, and would you describe your worst memory concerning the community?

If you could change something about DA, what would it be? The way the DA server slows down and has a lag bothers me. I would also like to seee more DD's that are for artwork done with pencil. Oh and a worst memory would be when I had my eyes opened to "fake" pencil artist(s) it made me feel sick that people would deceive 1000's just to gain praise!


How do you choose the subject(s) of your art?

I have fun researching stock photo's and collect many of them, I look at celebs that may be interesting to draw...I like to draw someone or something a bit different each time, not that I do, but I like to.


What is your process when creating your amazing artwork? What materials do you utilize?

Patience is the main thing, I find that having little makes my work look very unfinished, so I have learned to have lots of it!! Enjoying and having a desire to draw is very important for me, also practice, lots of practice! The materials I use at this time are Smooth Bristol paper, Derwent pencils H, 2b, 3b and a mech. hb, Blending sticks in all sizes, plain tissue, kneaded erase and some blu-tack.


Do you feel you have reached a level of satisfaction in achieving your unique artistic style? Do you think you are finally at your peak, or that you still have a long way to go before achieving your potential?

Good question and my answer "no" I still have a long ways to go to reach the level of satisfaction I desire, once again patient comes into play. I do Know my drawing skills have advanced greatly in just the past few years, this is due to me drawing much more and trying to push myself a lot harder.


For the artists that devwatch you and are fans of you and your amazing work, what advice would you like to pass along to them?

Work hard and long on each piece, do not and I will say this again, DO NOT rush a drawing, it takes much time and you should learn to slow down and draw every tiny detail. View other artist works, ask questions, listen to the answers and try them out, we only learn by doing my friends. You'll see a difference in your work if you indeed take your time creating it...oh and thank you to all that watch me!


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The Pencil Club is proud to present and interview with Isabel Chiang, =IsabelChiang.




Why would you say that you are you an artist? In other words, why do you draw?

I draw because it makes me happy, because it makes me feel as if I have a purpose in this world. I wouldn’t call myself an artist simply because I can draw. Being a good drawer doesn’t automatically make a person an artist. You could draw like a monster or a drawing machine, but if your work is unmoving, soulless and cold, it doesn’t make it a work of art in my opinion but that’s a subjective thing, I don’t wanna get into too much detail here. Art is a means of communication after all. I think artists are storytellers, one way or another, they are telling stories, expressing themselves through their artwork. Although I mainly do portraits, my portraits are not just about someone’s likeness, they’re about attitude, emotion and soul, stories of a person. They’re also a part of me. When you see my work, you’re not only seeing the subject, you’re seeing my soul, confronting with my view, communicating with me. And that makes me an artist. Well, if my work moves you, it means something to you, that is.


When do you feel you really began to take your art seriously and why?

I always loved drawing as a kid, but it was only a hobby then. I did dream about becoming an artist someday but wasn’t encouraged so I gave up that childhood dream eventually. After a few years break from art, I started drawing again in Sept 2003 out of boredom at first. I had no idea how much I missed it. In a very short time, it became the passion of my life again, only stronger than before. In Oct 2003 I joined DA, and accidentally found the gallery of *nimra (Armin Mersmann). His works totally left me speechless. His work opened up my eyes to the world of Graphite Art. After exchanging a few comments and letters, he officially became my No.1 personal super hero, my mentor and my friend. Since then I started taking drawing seriously. I want to become a great artist like him. I’m not one of those that believe in fate but I know this must happen for a reason, it’s meant to be, and I sure am not letting it go this time. Art is not a hobby or a game; it’s my life, my future and my destiny…. It is a life long passion.


You seem to favor graphite as your artistic medium. When was it that you discovered graphite as a means of artistic communication for your talents?

I love sketching, we had to do lots of life drawing in high school but other than sketching, pencils were mainly used for preliminary work then. I didn’t see it as a means of artistic communication until I saw Armin's (*nimra) work for the first time. Believe it or not, I’m still amazed by what a simply pencil can do these days.


Besides graphite, we are aware you have created some fantastic pieces with colored pencil. What inspired you to create with that medium? Do you create art with any other mediums besides pencil?

Thanks. The colored pencil piece was just experiment, really. After reading a book on CP techniques, I decided to give it a go. I think it’s important to keep exploring and experimenting. Besides pencils, I also work with watercolor, acrylic and pastel, although I haven’t painted anything in a while now. I’m currently working on a pastel piece.


Please tell us about the materials you use to accomplish your art. Are there any particular materials you have found to be more advantageous, and why?

Just the normal stuff, nothing special. I mainly use 0.5 and 0.3 mechanical pencils for my “tight” drawings because they give me plenty of control, great for detail work. I also use a kneaded eraser to make corrections. The only blending tool I use is paper stump, don’t ask me why. I’ve tried tissue, never worked. For the loose drawings, I like to use regular pencils, because they’re faster and produce more natural looking lines. I’ve also started drawing on toned paper with a white pastel for high lights recently. The white pastel creates really cool effect.


We notice you primarily draw portraits. Is there something particular about the human face that inspires you? Do you draw anything other than people?

Everyone has 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 nose and 1 mouth but no 2 persons look exactly the same. Fascinating, isn’t it? Besides, everyone has emotion, personality, attitude and experience. It’s all unique. I just love capturing that uniqueness. My favorite part is drawing eyes. You can tell so much about a person by looking into his eyes. Besides portraits, I also draw still life.


You used to draw a lot of celebrity art. Now you are focusing on creating portraits of non-famous persons, and have stated that there is a new theme running through your latest works. Please explain the reason for the shift in your artistic focus, and what this new theme is and why it has become your new focus.

Let’s be honest, drawing celebrity was never my goal. It was a stepping stone, a good way to practice drawing techniques. I did enjoy drawing them but as I become a better drawer I started asking myself: Where’s the creative process in this? Where’s the thinking process? Do I really know these people? What am I trying to do? Drawing celebrity photos or other published photos doesn’t give me the chance to do what I want. All these published photos have all the good lighting, good camera work done. The concept, the compositions are not mine, there’s very little creative process involved. Besides, I don’t really know these people, those publicity photos doesn’t show me their real personality, only the images their PR companies want us to see, plus loads of fake lighting and Photoshop airbrush, etc. Sure I can learn a lot of technical stuff drawing them but I’d done enough of practicing. It’s time to take a step forward, doing something more personal, more conceptual, more expressive and more meaningful. I know I can do a decent job of rendering but my real challenge is to capture life, to share the emotional impact the sitter has on me and to do a drawing that’s truly unique, reinventing not reproducing.

“Attitude” is the main focus of the 3 major portraits I’ve completed recently (Portrait of Dina, An introspection and The Mysterious Alice). These are people of my generation, people that influence me as a person. More or less, we share the same quality and beliefs. I see myself in them, and I see them in me. If we’re lucky, we will go through different stages in life. These portraits are “witnesses” of this particular stage of our life. I want to explore our thoughts, our attitude at this very moment. For now, you see me, you see them, and you see us. It’d be even more interesting to look at them again a few years from now. But that’s not all; I’m still at the experimentation stage. Eventually, I’d like to take my tight drawings to a more conceptual level. Some of you might have noticed that I’ve been working on a lot of loose drawing lately. Style wise, I really enjoy doing loose portraits as they give me a lot of freedom and experimentation opportunities. So I guess you will be seeing a lot of them in the future. When it comes to the tight style, which I’ve always been working on, I wanna work even bigger more detailed than before but it won’t be just an ordinary posed portrait. I’m saving all my time and energy for the really exciting stuff… Those would be my major projects of the year.


What artists have influenced you?

Apparently Armin Mersmann (*nimra) has the greatest influence on me. He not only inspired me to become an artist in the first place, his constant support and words of wisdom are very important to my artistic growth. I become a better artist because of him. Other artists like Albert Moore, Gustav Klimt and Leonardo da Vinci also have significant influences on me.


Do you have any other serious interests besides art? Do these interests influence or enhance your creative side, or do you use them as a diversion away from art for awhile?

Wow! Besides art and studying, do you seriously think I have time for other serious interests? Nah…. But I like cooking, reading, watching movies, etc. I used to collect stamps, they are so beautiful. I guess the stamps did inspire me to draw and paint when I was a kid.


A lot of artists experience difficult periods where it seems impossible to be creative. Has this ever happened to you, and if so, how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

Yes it happened to me sometimes. The best way to beat it is to get out my school text books and start studying. I’d get back to the drawing mood in a couple of hours, because those books are so boring that it reminds me how much I LOVE drawing. Believe me, it woks! Surfing DA also helps.


Were any of your pieces ever created for commission? If so, how did you feel about drawing something specific for a client vs. drawing for your own artistic reasons? Do you find it more difficult or more enjoyable to draw for a client?

No I haven’t done any commission yet, (mainly because I hardly have time to draw for myself, I don’t wanna draw for other people) but I’ve sold my drawings before. I don’t think I’m gonna enjoy doing commission unless I find the client visually interesting.


A lot of young artists wonder if they should attend art school. Since you've attended college, do you have any advice for them in that regard?

Well, I haven’t been to art school or received any formal art training. I don’t believe you have to have a degree to become an artist. Art is about passion, as long as you’re passionate enough, persistent enough, provided you have a bit of talent, you can do anything. However, I think I’d be a much happier person if I’m studying art right now. Unfortunately I’m a 3 rd year business student, struggling to get through my boring course. I hate it so much that it’s pathetic. So my best advice to everyone is simply to do whatever you’re passionate about and be persistent! Don’t get into a course because you think it’d get you a secured job or you’d earn big money. If you don’t like it, it’s not gonna happen. You’ll only regret it later.


Some would say the quality of your graphite work improved dramatically over the last two years from fantastic to spectacular. What did you do to improve the quality of your work, and what advice would you give to other graphite artists desiring to improve the quality of their own art?

Oh yeah…. I draw 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, so I get to practice all the time. JUST KIDDING!!!!!! Honestly I don’t know the answer. I guess knowing what a simple pencil can do is really important, hence I know what I should be striving for. I draw with my heart, I pour all my soul into drawing, I think about it all the time, I never stop challenging myself, and I put 150% effort into each new drawing. If you need my advice, it’ll always be: LOOK, THINK and DRAW DARW DRAW….


As you look to the future, in what direction are you aspiring to take your art? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years?

Like I said earlier, I’ll keep experimenting and exploring with different styles, ideas and medium. Also, I’d like to take graphite realism towards a more conceptual level. Where do I see my self in 5 or 10 years? I don’t know... The only thing I know for sure is I’ll continue striving to become a better artist each and everyday. Nothing will change that. Hopefully I’ll be working as full time fine artist then. I do hope to open my own gallery and exhibit my work worldwide sometime in the future.


Is there any particular piece in your gallery that has special meaning for you, and why?

The most personal piece in my gallery is “An Introspection” because it’s completely about me. I added quite a lot of symbolism in it. That piece represented my emotional states of the first 21 years of my life. It wasn’t a pleasant image of me, I don’t usually show that side to everyone.

Isabel Chiang


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