Interview with Jocelyn Teng
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts?
As long as I can remember, I've always had crayons and paper to draw with. The most distintive memory I had in art making was when I was probably around six or seven. After an afternoon of swimming in the ravine with family friends, my dad covered the entire living room floor with Chinese rice paper. Then he gave the children paintbrushes and buckets of ink. I remember running around the living room in with wet hair and just painting freely.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
I am a very passionate and driven person who values simplicity in life.
The pieces I create are fluid with movement. Similar to the traditional Chinese writing technique, the brush strokes are continuous, simple but done with strength and control. My art is about the mentality and state of mind, to live in a beautiful state. They are all reflections of my emotions and beliefs that have kept me doing what I love to do, to create. I want to continue to play and dream… to progress and find authentic fulfillment.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspirations come the people I encounter in my life, my family and my friends. They also come from music, design magazines, museums, the outdoors…
What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?
I hope the viewers experience curiosity, freedom and a sense of calmness, without pressure or fear. I hope to inspire others to fully express themselves and be true and authentic.
When do you know that an artwork is finished ?
It is all about the feeling. When I feel right...
What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?
One of the exciting moments for me would be when Louis Vuitton contacted me for commissioned work. But I know there will be many more exciting moments in the future.
How long does it take to produce one work?
It all really varies. Sometimes a piece can be finished in a few hours. But other times I would rework the same piece over and over again until it feels right. That may take a week to two weeks. Sometimes a few months later I would still come back to the same painting to redo it. The odd times I know that the piece may not work at all so I would just move on. That is the beauty of art. It is all about how it feels. A piece could take five minutes, or five months. There is never a definitive time line.
What exciting projects are you working on right now? Can you share some of the future plans for your artworks?
I am playing with the idea of doing oversized pieces. I am also hoping to collaborate with a few more Canadian suppliers.
Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?
Nothing solidified yet, but I am in talks of a solo exhibition. Stay tuned!
Where do you see your art going in five years?
In five years, I hope to have done a few solo exhibitions. I also see my art in international galleries. I cannot wait to travel with my pieces and meet amazing people around the world.
Website: www.jocelynteng.com
Email: hello@jocelynteng.com
Instagram @jocelynteng_
