We were lucky to catch up with Pei Ou recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pei, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
As an artist, when exploring the question, “Where does your optimism come from?” introspection is a crucial starting point. In my role as an artist, I can delve deep into my inner world, revisiting key moments in life and emotional experiences to better understand the roots of my personal optimism. This may include special moments in my life, significant interpersonal relationships, and even the challenges and adversities I’ve faced. These experiences and emotions not only serve as a wellspring of inspiration for my creative work but can also become the medium through which I express optimistic feelings in my art.
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?
I am an artist from China who graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in May 2023. My major is in painting, and I have been deeply passionate about exploring the intricacies of family relationships and trauma, a fascination that I began delving into during my graduate studies. Through my art, I have chosen to employ the symbolism of trees to depict the intricate narratives of trauma and healing within familial relationships. Much like human beings, trees respond to their surroundings and are shaped by the unique conditions they encounter. They grow and adapt, just as we do in response to the dynamic challenges and changes in our own lives. This symbolism not only serves as a metaphor but also as a profound reflection of the human condition.
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?
An artist’s journey revolves around three pivotal elements. Firstly, creativity and expressiveness are at the core of their craft, allowing for the generation of unique ideas and the innovative expression of emotions and thoughts through various mediums. Second, keen observational skills and an acute attention to detail enable artists to capture the subtle nuances of everyday life, adding depth and richness to their creations. Lastly, a solid understanding of art history and cultural backgrounds provides a wellspring of inspiration and contextualizes their work within a broader historical and cultural tapestry, enhancing their artistic perspective. These three elements collectively shape an artist’s path of self-expression and creation.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
From the perspective of a recent graduate from a master’s program in art, the past 12 months have marked a period of significant growth and improvement in various aspects of my artistic journey. One of the most notable areas of progress has been my creative skills. In an academic setting, I had the opportunity to delve deeply into the study and experimentation of diverse artistic techniques and media, allowing me to continuously explore, learn, and expand my artistic language. I’ve also heightened my creative capacity, venturing into new themes and concepts, enriching my portfolio, and pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression.
Most importantly, I’ve experienced profound growth in self-awareness and emotional connection over the past year. I have gained a deeper understanding of my creative motivations and goals, learning to infuse my personal emotions into my artwork. This has injected greater authenticity and depth into my creations while strengthening the emotional connection with my audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peioustudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peiou_studio_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pei-ou-05b548215/
