We were lucky to catch up with Eileen Wong Cervera recently and have shared our conversation below.
Eileen Wong, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I’ve been fortunate to have a naturally optimistic outlook, which I consider a fundamental part of who I am. This innate positivity helps me approach challenges with hope and resilience, both in my personal life and in my professional endeavors. It allows me to see possibilities for growth and success in difficult situations, which I believe contributes positively to my work and interactions with others.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Having lived in San Jose, CA, for over 20 years, I find myself far from my childhood home in Borneo, where the vibrant landscapes first inspired my artistic pursuits. From a young age, I loved to sketch and color, particularly during landscape pastel lessons in elementary school. Reflecting on those days, I often wish I had preserved some of my early artwork to observe how my skills have evolved. Art has always been a source of joy and fulfillment for me.
Despite this passion, I recognized the practical demands of life and pursued Computer Studies in college, leading to a long career in the IT industry. However, the unique circumstances of 2020 offered a chance to reconnect with my love for art. I began taking online painting lessons, with a focus on oil painting, exploring various subjects like landscapes, still life, and portraits. Influenced by the works of realistic artists like Audrey Flack and Jesus Navarro, and guided by Michael James Smith’s online tutorials, I have honed my craft, concentrating on the meticulous details that capture the essence of each subject with clarity and precision.
In 2023, I launched my online gallery and participated in several online galleries exhibitions, which provided valuable exposure. This year, I am shifting my focus towards more in-person events. I’m excited to make my debut at the Silicon Valley Open Studio, spanning three weekends in May. This represents a significant opportunity to engage directly with art enthusiasts and the community, sharing my work and passion.
You can find the directory of all the artists and their respective open studio information here:
https://svos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SVOS-2024-Online.pdf
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on any personal or professional journey, recognizing the key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have made a big difference is very useful. It helps with personal growth and offers guidance to those just beginning. Here are three important ones, and tips on how you can develop them:
1. Adaptability
Being able to adapt to change is crucial. Life and work environments constantly evolve, and being flexible helps you manage these changes effectively.
How to Develop:
Try new things: Don’t shy away from tasks that are outside your usual routine.
Keep learning: Stay updated with new skills or knowledge through books or online courses.
Learn from mistakes: See every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow.
2. Communication
Good communication helps in expressing ideas and understanding others better. It’s about listening just as much as it is about speaking or writing.
How to Develop:
Listen more: Spend more time listening than speaking to really understand what others are saying.
Talk to different people: Interact with people from various backgrounds to improve how you convey and understand information.
Tailor your messages: Adjust your communication to be clear and effective for different listeners.
3. Critical Thinking
Being able to think critically involves analyzing information and making reasoned decisions. It’s about not taking things at face value and thinking through problems deeply.
How to Develop:
Ask why: Challenge the usual way of doing things and think about whether there’s a better approach.
Solve problems: Engage in activities that require you to come up with solutions.
Seek diverse opinions: Learn from others’ viewpoints to broaden your understanding.
Advice for Newcomers:
As an emerging artist myself, I’m still navigating the complexities of the art industry, so I may not have a wealth of advice to offer newcomers. However, one thing I’ve learned is the importance of believing in what you love to do. Passion for your art can drive you to keep creating and exploring, even when faced with challenges. Believing in your work and your process is crucial—I believe it’s what sustains you as you work towards establishing your presence in the art world.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
One of the main challenges I face is gaining visibility and establishing a presence in a highly competitive art market. The art world is vast and diverse, and standing out requires not just talent but also strategic marketing and networking. Additionally, balancing creative time with the business aspects of art, such as promoting my work, managing sales, and maintaining an online presence, can be quite demanding. This dual focus on creativity and business is essential but challenging, as each requires a different set of skills and a significant amount of time and energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eileenarts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arts_eileen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EileenWArts/
- Other: https://dot.cards/eileenarts_
