Interview with Wallace Woo
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
My name is Wallace Woo, based in Paris. From fashion makeup artist to pouring visuals artist, it has been a challenging and inspiring Journey. The creativity of the Fashion industry impacts me a lot. The way that how people think about the aesthetic, is totally UN limited. I grew up in Hong Kong, it was a colony of British, that why the taste of my aesthetic mixes with Western and Asian culture, it’s directly impacted me from my childhood. My Art Journey was amazingly busy, As I was painting started as a hobby, and still not yet become a full-time artist, Because I am still working in the fashion industry, once I finish work, I will keep myself in the studio, directly start to paint and don’t waste any moment for create my new painting. Full of passion and it can make me paint from day to night. I can say that I am already fully occupied for all of my years starting from the beginning of the year.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
Being an artist is much more than just creating beautiful artwork; it's a lifestyle filled with passion, creativity, and a constant pursuit of inspiration. A typical day for me should begin with an early rise and a commitment to physical well-being. Whether it's a brisk morning jog, a calming yoga session, or a series of invigorating exercises, starting the day with physical activity helps to awaken both body and mind, laying the foundation for a productive day ahead.
I can get inspiration easily from the things around me, special I live in Paris, full of artistic atmosphere, where a significant portion of the day may be devoted to research and exploration. Whether it's visiting art galleries, immersing themselves in literature, or simply taking a stroll through nature, I actively engage with their surroundings, mining them for inspiration and insight.
In addition to the creative aspect of my artwork, I also need to sit in front of the computer, From managing artwork photography, and marketing to communicating with different people, I must juggle various responsibilities to sustain my artistic career. While these tasks may not always be as glamorous as the act of creation itself, they are essential for ensuring the longevity and success of their artistic endeavors.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
My art style is deeply attached to themes of Zen, and spiritual Vipassana meditation, also love the style of traditional ink painting but use the Western technique to create my artwork. These themes serve as both the foundation and the guiding principles of my artistic practice, shaping the content, form, and message of my artworks.
At the heart of my art and the main concept of Zen, a philosophy that emphasizes mindfulness, simplicity, and the pursuit of inner peace. I draw inspiration from the serene beauty of nature, the tranquility of stillness, and the harmony of existence. Through my artwork, I seek to capture the essence of Zen principles, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of introspection and spiritual awakening.
Traditional ink painting serves as the medium through which I express my artistic vision. Drawing upon centuries-old techniques and aesthetics, I borrow a similar feeling of the power of ink and brush to create works that are imbued with a sense of fluidity, spontaneity, and grace. Each movement is infused with energy and vitality, capturing the essence of the moment and the essence of being.
Nature also serves as a boundless wellspring of inspiration for my art. From the delicate petals of a cherry blossom to the rugged contours of a mountain landscape, I find endless beauty and wonder in the natural world. Through my artwork, I seek to capture the fleeting moments of beauty and tranquility that abound in nature, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around them.
4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
My art life has had a profound impact on various aspects of my life, intertwining with my experiences in Paris, my involvement in the fashion world, and my journey of self-discovery.
Paris, often hailed as the epitome of artistic expression, serves as an endless wellspring of inspiration for my creative endeavors. The city's vibrant art scene, characterized by its museums, galleries, and street art, ignites my imagination and fuels my passion for artistic expression. From walking along la Seine to exploring the hidden gems of Montmartre, Paris envelops me in a tapestry of colors, textures, and stories, enriching my artistic vision and infusing my work with a sense of vitality and dynamism.
My engagement with the fashion world further enhances the diversity and richness of my art life. Working in an industry that thrives on creativity, innovation, and self-expression, I am constantly exposed to new ideas, trends, and perspectives. my involvement in the fashion world infuses my art with a sense of sophistication, elegance, and style.
Beyond the external influences of Paris and the fashion industry, my art life profoundly impacts my journey of self-discovery and introspection. Through the act of creating art, I delve deep into the recesses of my mind and soul, exploring the contours of my identity, emotions, and experiences. Each brushstroke, each composition, becomes a reflection of my innermost thoughts and feelings, allowing me to connect with myself on a profound level and gain a deeper understanding of my true personality and essence.
5. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
Throughout my life, I've encountered numerous difficulties and hardships, but I've always approached them with a mindset of resilience, perseverance, humility, and a willingness to adapt and learn from setbacks. Imagine that staying in Paris is not easy, have to learn the language and also the culture, but finial I made it.
One of the key challenges I've faced is the necessity to start from zero when developing new projects or pursuing my artistic endeavors. Whether it's learning the pouring technique or embarking on a creative project from scratch, I often find myself confronted with the daunting task of building something meaningful from the ground up. However, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, I embrace it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
In these moments, I draw strength from my determination to never give up. I understand that progress is often slow and incremental, requiring patience, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to my goals. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks or obstacles along the way, I view them as valuable learning experiences that ultimately propel me forward on my journey. Also, be humble no matter in which status.
There have been times when I've had to confront failure or disappointment, whether it's a project that didn't turn out as planned or a setback that seemed insurmountable. In these moments, I remind myself that it's okay to let go of my attachments and expectations. While it can be difficult to accept defeat, I understand that failure is not a reflection of my worth as an individual but rather an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve.
By embracing the journey with humility, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to my dreams, I continue to navigate life's hardships with grace and resilience, emerging stronger, wiser, and more resilient with each passing day.
6. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
The artist's life can indeed be very lonely. Each time I embark on a new artistic endeavor, I find myself alone with my thoughts, surrounded only by the blank canvas or the empty page, with nothing but the walls of my studio to keep me company. While this solitude may seem daunting to some, I've grown accustomed to it over time, finding solace and comfort in the quietude of creative solitude.
Creating art is a deeply personal and introspective process, one that often requires periods of uninterrupted focus and concentration. In these moments of solitude, I am free to explore the depths of my imagination, delve into the recesses of my mind, and give form to my innermost thoughts and emotions. Far from feeling lonely, I cherish these moments of solitude as opportunities for self-expression and self-discovery, relishing the freedom to create without the distractions of the outside world.
Moreover, I've come to realize that many successful artists and creatives throughout history have embraced solitude as an integral part of their creative process. From Vincent van Gogh to Soulage, from Leonardo da Vinci to Frida Kahlo, countless artists have thrived in the quietude of creative solitude, producing some of the most iconic works of art in history. Indeed, many of these individuals were known for their fiercely independent spirits, their willingness to chart their course, and their unwavering dedication to their craft.
In my own experience, I've found that solitude can be a source of strength, resilience, and creative inspiration. It allows me to fully immerse myself in the creative process, and to connect with my innermost thoughts and emotions.
7. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I am sure 2024 will be an amazing journey for my art career, 3 expositions are coming up in April, Special is happening in Paris – my home my place, it is hard to use any words to describe my feelings to show my art piece in carrousel du Louvre represent by a gallery. I can confirm that in October will have my booth in the same place to do an individual exposition. In the meantime, I still keep in communication with a lot of different art organizations to show my paintings in different locations inside Paris, it's exited and I am looking forward to the next step, which is truly makeable milestone for me. Anyway, I keep painting every day and looking forward to showing bigger artwork in the future to more audiences and promote mindfulness.