Interview with Carole Wu
Can you delve into the significance of Seneca's quote, "I was not born for one corner; the whole world is my native land," and how it has shaped both your personal and artistic identity over the years?
I encountered the book "Off the Beaten Track: A Traveler's Anthology" by Laura Stoddart during my schooling. It was a collection of brief quotes about travel and exploration from intrepid travelers across centuries. This is where I first deeply resonated with Seneca's idea that the world is one big family to which I belong, yet apart. This quote inspired me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace a more open-minded approach to life.
Reflecting on your transition from a seasoned visual effects artist to an emerging, self-taught animator and painter, what were the pivotal moments or influences during the Covid-19 pandemic that catalyzed this profound change in your career trajectory?
I was fortunate to grow up in an era with readily accessible online resources and tutorials, surrounded by talented individuals. My nearly ten-year career as a visual effects artist offered opportunities to work with amazing people in different countries, but it was also demanding and skill-focused. Deep down, I yearned to create my own work and enjoy the process of painting and self-expression. The lockdown provided an opportunity for reflection on my career path and what I truly wanted to pursue without regrets. Additionally, this marked an exciting new adventure to share my work with others and build connections.
Given your sensitivity to environmental changes, could you provide a detailed account of a particular location or setting that had a transformative impact on your artistic output, and how this influence manifested in your work?
In May 2023, I was thrilled to be chosen for the Arteles Creative Center's residency program in Finland. Immersing myself in the heart of the Nordic forest alongside twelve diverse artists for a month, completely disconnected from the internet, was an unforgettable experience. This program wasn't just about "back to basics"; it was about connecting with nature, Finnish culture (sauna, anyone?), and a vibrant international community. I learned firsthand how deeply Finns cherish and protect their natural haven, drawing inspiration from it. The tranquility of the forest, a stark contrast to my bustling city life, allowed me to observe nature closely, noticing the unique colors, and scents of the high-altitude landscape.
The influence of Impressionist artists is evident in your style. Could you discuss specific techniques or philosophies from the Impressionist movement that resonate with you, and how you reinterpret these elements within the context of contemporary art?
Impressionism's emphasis on capturing light, color, and fleeting moments profoundly resonates with my artistic process. I employ techniques like loose brushstrokes and a focus on visual impressions to evoke a similar sense of spontaneity. However, I reinterpret these elements through a contemporary lens, incorporating mixed media and exploring themes that reflect our modern world. For instance, while Impressionists often depicted landscapes, I might explore environments or scenarios I experienced by using their techniques to capture the energy and transience of moments dearly embeded in my memory.
When working with diverse mediums such as charcoal, color pencil, and oil pastels, what is your decision-making process for selecting the appropriate medium for a specific piece, and what do you believe each medium uniquely contributes to your artistic expression?
I chose charcoal and color pencils on paper to start with because they are easy to use and travel with. Above all, they reminded me to draw or paint intuitively, like a child. Later, I tried applying oil pastels to add another layer and depth to reflect my raw emotions more fully.
Your exploration of themes ranging from mundane daily life to intense emotions like depression and anger suggests a broad emotional spectrum in your work. How do you navigate and convey such varied experiences through your artistic process?
I usually process my emotions internally and only express them when the urge is overwhelming. Letting them flow onto paper, accompanied by music, provides immense relief.
The role of travel and cultural exchange in your creative practice is profound. Can you share a detailed narrative of an artist residency or cultural encounter that significantly influenced your work, and how it altered your creative perspective?
My recent residency at Hektor in Lanzarote, Spain, was an exotic experience. The Mars-like landscape and inviting atmosphere inspired me to paint with a fresh perspective. I was impressed by Cesar Manrique's prolific works on the island. His architecture, art, philosophy, and deep love for Lanzarote were truly inspiring. I found a resilient spirit everywhere, from the cacti to the surfers, the winemakers, and even the art lovers I met.
The concept of a virtual museum for your artworks is quite innovative. How do you envision this virtual space enhancing the engagement and interaction of viewers with your art, compared to traditional physical gallery?
In a virtual environment, I envision some of my works serving as concept art for a whimsical, wild space where viewers can immerse themselves and explore freely. This experience would be carefree and fun. The biggest difference from a traditional physical gallery is the freedom from time zone and geographical constraints for viewers. Additionally, the virtual world allows for an expandable and organic space to evolve as I continue to create new works.
Considering your background in visual effects and your current focus on 2D animation and traditional art forms, what role does technology play in your creative process, and how do you balance digital and traditional techniques in your work?
I am passionate about animation, film, and moving imagery. While my visual effects background fostered an appreciation for detail and storytelling, my current focus lies predominantly in traditional analog painting. I believe spontaneity and intuition are essential to my creative process, often prioritizing organic expression over meticulous planning. This allows me to fully immerse myself in the tactile experience of working with paint, exploring color and texture intuitively.
As an emerging artist striving for recognition in the competitive art world, what do you identify as the most significant challenges you face, and what strategies or approaches are you employing to overcome these obstacles and reach a diverse, global audience?
I aim to cultivate a deep connection with viewers who truly appreciate my work. To do so, I believe it is essential to experience life fully and engage with the world beyond my comfort zone. My goal is to create art that resonates universally and fosters a sense of shared human experience. To increase visibility and recognition, I plan to actively participate in art fairs and competitions overseas. Balancing competitiveness with mindfulness is essential in this process. Meditation helps!
