We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bo Sapphire a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bo , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I undoubtedly inherit resilience from my mother.
Growing up in 1990s China with a single parent, especially a single mother, was not the societal norm. Despite this, she persevered, tirelessly advocating for what she believed was best for both me and our family. Refusing to be confined by societal expectations, she never allowed others to dictate what she could or couldn’t achieve. Her unwavering strength has been a guiding force throughout my life. Today, I stand as an independent and strong woman, a testament to the enduring impact of her influence.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an artist specializing in the cyanotype process, an alternative photographic technique dating back to 1842. This method employs a photosensitive solution that, when exposed to ultraviolet light, undergoes a chemical reaction, resulting in a distinctive blue pigment. Commonly referred to as sun prints or blueprints, cyanotypes are a unique and captivating art form.
In my current artistic practice, I focus on using local flowers and plants as my subjects. Through my work, I aim to document the intimate relationship between these botanical elements and the sun, exploring the dynamic interplay between light and nature.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The defining characteristic of my art lies in my deep passion for nature. Throughout my artistic journey, nature has consistently been the focal point of my creative expressions. The allure of being immersed in natural surroundings, whether through hiking, camping, or marveling at mountains and oceans, has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
Having experienced various traumas during my upbringing, I discovered a profound coping mechanism in the healing power of nature. When grappling with mental struggles and emotional wounds, I found solace by immersing myself in the natural world. There’s a profound sense of peace that envelops me when I connect with nature, and this tranquility has become an integral part of my artistic process.
In particular, creating botanical cyanotypes has evolved into a therapeutic journey for me. The meditative act of crafting these prints allows me to channel my emotions and find a sense of healing through the intricate dance of light and the organic beauty of botanical elements.
A notable strength of mine is my adaptability, a skill honed through my personal experiences. Since the age of 18, I have been living overseas, encountering consistent changes in my living environment throughout my adulthood. This constant evolution has taught me the art of adaptation as a survival skill—a trait I actively apply in my art business.
In navigating the dynamic landscape of my life, I’ve developed a capacity to learn from mistakes, adapt swiftly, and continuously strive for improvement. This adaptive mindset has proven instrumental in my artistic pursuits, enabling me to navigate challenges, evolve creatively, and ultimately become a more resilient and accomplished artist.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is my unwavering commitment to being a full-time artist. Since the moment I took the leap to become my own boss in the realm of art, I recognized it as a lifelong career path. I’ve embraced the understanding that as long as I continue to create, I will forever be an artist—there is no concept of retirement in this vocation.
The realm of art is incredibly expansive, with myriad forms and endless opportunities for learning and experimentation. Being an artist is an ongoing journey that demands perpetual growth and a willingness to face challenges—a dynamic that I wholeheartedly embrace and love. This career offers a continuous avenue for improvement, making every step of the way a gratifying and enriching experience.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The foremost challenge I encounter in my art business revolves around mastering the intricacies of marketing. Currently, I’m engrossed in learning the ropes of email marketing and social media marketing. Devoting roughly 70% of my time to marketing has been a necessity, yet the returns have been modest due to my novice status in this domain. Ideally, I aspire to allocate 50% of my time to the creative process, dedicating more hours to crafting and producing art.
To enhance my marketing efforts, I am striving for increased consistency, especially in engagement on platforms like Instagram and through email campaigns. Although I don’t particularly relish this aspect of the business, I appreciate the challenges it presents. Every effort is geared towards personal growth and fulfillment, reinforcing the fact that I engage in marketing for myself, not solely for external validation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littlegemgallery.com/shop-art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlegemgallery/
