Interview with Dominie Chan
Dominie Chan (b. 1995) is passionate about eco-art and eco-aesthetics; she produces ephemeral, site-specific installations and paintings in which the body and mind and nature interact and influence each other in the process of creation. As an eco-artist, she is aware of the impact that poses of artists, not only in the artist community but also on society and the environment. Her goal is to use fine art as a way to raise awareness about nature and the need to conserve it.
Can you tell us about the moment you decided to pursue a career as an artist?
- When I was young, my mother would help us with our schoolwork. One day, she realised that I was fascinated with pictures. So she drew a picture of a bicycle which so astounded me. With a few simple lines, she expressed so much. That was the only moment that my mother ever revealed her more artistic side to me, and it has left an indelible impression on me. That moment triggered my own artistic instincts and inclinations, and I have been engaged in artistic endeavours ever since.
What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?
- I see myself as becoming an eco-artist and to work as often as I can in collaboration with Nature. I work across many artistic genres. I am a painter. In my paints, I express shapes and patterns that Nature has revealed to me. I also produce ephemeral art in the form of situated installations using natural materials in their natural settings. I then use photography or video to document and disseminate my ideas through various media.
What do you want your art to convey to the people who see it? What is the meaning or creative motivation behind your work?
- I want to convey my personal joys of associating with Nature and would like to share this love of and joy in Nature with a public through my art. It is hoped that in the shared feelings between me, Nature and my audience that they too can feel the joys of associating with Nature and that with such an experience and understanding, they will redirect their own engagements with Nature.
Can you tell us about the process you use to create your works? What is your typical workday routine?
- I commune with Nature on a regular basis and while there, I would feel, learn and assimilate all that Nature would teach me. From that, I would often produce work in-situ, like playing on the beach when I was young. Otherwise, I would use the lessons learnt and insights gained in my studio paintings. On the days I am in my studio, my breakfast is my inspiration. I would study and appreciate each ingredient, their textures, colours and flavours, and I would place them in arrangements or patterns to kickstart my artistic endeavours for the day.
Where do you find inspiration? What motivates you to create?
- I would like to speak with and about Nature. I would like my art to speak about and for Nature. I would like to show that we as humans can communicate with Nature and I hope that my art can build such bridges of communion with Nature.
What has been your most outstanding achievement to date?
- My video piece ’The Sea and Me’ was a finalist in the Earthbeat Challenge 2021, one of the participating organisations in COP26. The Challenge is a platform for young people to share 'their stories and actions for a greener world'. The video was shown at the COP26 and to date, the selection of my work for this momentous event is an example of what I hope to do in my future work, to speak about and for Nature.
What are your ultimate career goals?
- To continue collaborating with Nature, to learn more from Nature and to use what I learnt to create art that has a positive impact on this planet.
What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you soon?
I have recently taken to long walks in the woods and have become increasingly inspired by the local flora and fauna. I intend to incorporate these new inspirations and insights into a body of work around the topic of ‘Mother Nature and Mother’. I will work across numerous media but the first piece is a painting that is again inspired by the shapes and patterns of Nature. And on ‘completion’ of my painting, I intend to bring the work into natural environments where it will be exposed to the natural elements which will put in the ‘finishing touches’ to the work. As such, I am collaborating with Nature on several levels, using is as a source fo knowledge and inspiration, and engaging and working with Nature on a material-physical level also.
