Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anita Yan Wong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Anita Yan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I am an Artist and Art Professor, I have found my purpose through Art creations. My artworks has been dealing with the role of “Contemporary Traditional” art form (in particular preserving and pushing the boundaries of Traditional Lingnan Style Chinese Painting to the next level) in the Informational Art age.
Through art creations, I am able to see myself clearly as a person and found my purpose in life.
Art creation allows me to unite, celebrate and find beauty in both eastern and western cultures that I grow up in.
Both Traditional and Hip Cultural; Western and Eastern Arts reflects who I am and plays a key role in my art creation and my journey of finding myself. My ultimate dream as an artist is to continue developing unique styles of “Contemporary traditional arts” (in particular Lingnan) that reflects our current time and speaks to viewers in the Millennium.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an Asian American Artist and Art Professor.
I have taught at UC Berkeley S.F. extension California in recent years, I am a 4th generation Lingnan painter (which originated in southern China in the late 19th century, known for the fusion of mastering modern Chinese, Japanese and Western painting approaches.). I worked as an art Professor for over 15 years at MICA, SVA and Temple University before returning to a sole focus on my art in 2015. My works are currently featured Internationally on over 80 Traditional and Hip Cultural Blogs & Art Magazines including N.Y. Arts, ESPN, Disney Inc., official Bruce Lee Family Foundation, Daily Arts Magazine, Flower Magazine, KTSF Channel 26 News, Komo News Seattle, Seattle Chinese Times, American Lifestyle Magazine and a cover story of Works & Conversations Magazine.
I am most excited about sharing my “Contemporary Traditional” art with the viewers and students as I hope that my art would inspire and bring out their interests in Traditional Art and learning about different Cultures. Our World is getting smaller and smaller with technology, I feel that it is important for creators and artists to explore different cultures and explore both the digital tools and the tools of traditional art forms. It is important for me as an artist to both preserve and create with these tools.
I am currently curating and preparing to exhibit my Cat art for the 1st fine art focused Cat Art Show at Yuan Ru Art Center, Bellevue Washington. (Opening June, 2024) This is an exciting event in the city of Bellevue in the Spring of 2024!
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?
Looking back, I believe Education/willingness of learning (for life) and believing in a dream (never give up on my dream) are the most impactful qualities in my journey.
In terms of education, I believe a good foundation and mastering the basic tools are very important in any area. I can never master my skills unless I know my tools.
I started traditional Lingnan Painting lessons at the age of five with Master painter Hsin Pengjiu – first female students of Chao Shao An and Pu Hsin-Yu (Aisin-Gioro Puru), cousin of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China. I have received her first western art education – B.A. (Honors) in Graphic Design from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London after graduating from Hong Kong Polytechnic University Art and Design department; her M.F.A. and M.A. in Digital Photography and Digital Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art.
In terms of the next steps ( after gaining a good foundation), it is to find my voice in the area I specialized in. This might take some time and there are times that you might feel you will never get there, however, the key is to never give up. I had no clue what I wanted and how things would turn out as I begin my art journey. I do however know from the very beginning that I will keep on mastering my skills and never give up on my tasks. I can say with confidence that these are the advice I would give to my students and anyone who are early in their journey. Focus on what you do and know what you do best, never give up even if you feel defeated at times, the road will become more clear if you focus on finishing the daily tasks.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Art can be subjective for both the creator and artist. An artist must understand that one cannot create Art to please the world. I feel that it is important to stay true to myself as an artist, it is hard sometimes as everyone has something different to say about the piece. There were occasions where I was told to move on to abstract art since it sells better but I didn’t follow this advice as I was not willing to give up on what identify me as an artist and an individual. I wanted to create art that speaks of my background and captures what I have experienced as a person. So I hold on to my belief and keep on going, because blindly following a new trend or someone else’s footstep will not fulfill me as an artist. This road might be harder but I know by heart that it is the one I’m meant to walk on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anitayanwong.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitayanwong/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/joybrush
Image Credits
Yuan Ru Art Center Sammamish City Hall International Art Museum of America
