Cheuk-Lam Cheung: I hope my art brings a sense of calm to those who see it

Thursday, June 27, 2024

How did you get started as an artist?

I've always been into drawing and painting since I was a kid, but I got more into science subjects in high school and kind of put art on hold. In college, even though I wasn't studying art, I picked it up again during my junior year. It became a hobby that I couldn't let go of. In 2022, I decided to take the plunge and go to art school to see if I could really make it as an artist.

 

What themes does your work involve?

I'm still figuring things out, so I try not to box myself in with specific themes. But I do find myself gravitating towards figurative work, still life, and landscapes. I like to paint subjects that feel personal to me.

Inspiration comes from all over—life experiences, movies, masterpieces, other artists' work, and even conversations with friends

What is your source of inspiration?

Inspiration comes from all over—life experiences, movies, masterpieces, other artists' work, and even conversations with friends. Listening to artists' interviews and being around other creatives also sparks a lot of ideas for me.

 

Can you describe your creative process?

I usually start by picking a theme that resonates with me or something I'm curious about. Then I browse online to see how other artists tackle similar themes, looking at things like brush strokes, colors, and composition. Sometimes I'll do quick thumbnail sketches to figure out the composition before diving into the painting. I try not to get too bogged down in details and prefer to keep my work impressionistic. I also tend to finish my paintings in one day because I get impatient working on the same piece for too long.

Do you have any artistic goals for the future that you would like to share?

I don't have any specific goals since I tend to go with the flow. I just want to keep making art for as long as I can and create pieces that resonate with people, something they can connect with. I hope my art brings a sense of calm to those who see it.