Artist in conversation: Wan Yin HO
“even in our darkest moments, there is a path to uplift ourselves and emerge into the light…”
Wan Yin Ho is a remarkable artist who beautifully blends her architectural expertise with her passion for abstract art. Her unique approach to art is an inspiring journey of self-discovery and healing, vividly reflected in every stroke she makes on the canvas.
Wan Yin's artistic journey began in the heart of her family home. Here, she was introduced to the world of visual arts through her father's perspective drawings and traditional Chinese paintings, while her mother's clothing designs nurtured her sense of aesthetics and beauty. This early immersion in diverse artistic expressions sparked a flame within Wan Yin that would continue to burn brightly throughout her life.
Today, Wan Yin's art is a mirror to her soul, a testament to her journey towards self-healing. Her works are a poignant exploration of the interplay between Shadow and Discovery, revealing a raw, honest reflection of her inner self. Each piece is an invitation for us to embark on our own journey of self-discovery, to confront and embrace the true essence of who we are.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My journey as an artist was initially inspired by the rich artistic influences within my family. Growing up, I was surrounded by a diverse array of artistic expressions. My father's interior design perspective drawings and traditional Chinese paintings left a lasting impression on me, nurturing my early appreciation for the world of visual arts. Additionally, my mother's skill in clothing design further enriched my sense of aesthetics and beauty.
As I matured, my passion for the arts led me to pursue a career in architecture in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Here, I had the opportunity to refine my skills in spatial arrangement, delve into the intricacies of color theory, and explore the captivating interplay of light and shadow. While architecture allowed me to comprehend the physical aspects of light and shadow, it also ignited my curiosity about their metaphorical representations—the revealed and concealed facets of our inner selves.
It was during my involvement in art therapy, a transformative experience I had both in Hong Kong and London, that I discovered the profound potential of art as a vehicle for personal growth. Art provided a unique outlet through which I could navigate the depths of my emotions, unravel hidden feelings, and cast light upon my inner world. This personal odyssey of self-discovery and self-healing has emerged as the defining feature of my distinctive artistic style.
In essence, the fusion of my family's artistic legacy, my architectural background, and my exploration of the emotional and psychological dimensions of art have converged to mold the unique and deeply personal artistic expression that I share with the world today.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
In my art, I often explore themes related to internal struggles and finding a path forward. Life presents various challenges, and I find these struggles to be a compelling subject matter.
In my work, I frequently use visual elements like spirals, whirls, and tornadoes to symbolize the downward forces that can pull us into the deepest and darkest recesses of our hearts. These elements represent the challenges and difficulties we encounter in life. However, I believe it's essential to highlight the journey of finding a way out, whether through our own strength or with the support of others.
Ultimately, I'm drawn to these topics because they reflect the universal experiences of human existence—the obstacles we face and the resilience we summon to overcome them. These themes allow me to explore and convey the idea that even in our darkest moments, there is a path to uplift ourselves and emerge into the light.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
One of my daily drawing routines involves recording my emotions, and I had a watercolor visual journal on A4 paper that I particularly cherished. A friend of mine suggested turning one of these journal entries into a larger A1 canvas piece. Initially, I had a bias towards using acrylic paints on canvas because they are known for their solid texture and durability. However, I soon realized that the free-flowing nature of watercolor, which was the essence of my original piece, couldn't be replicated with acrylic.
I experimented with different acrylic colors and tried diluting them, but I couldn't capture the same feeling that the watercolors conveyed. Every attempt to imitate the original left me feeling unsatisfied, and it was a somewhat disheartening process. I kept trying, hoping to find a solution. Eventually, I had a change of heart and decided to stick with watercolors, but on a larger canvas. After several refinements and attempts, I was able to achieve the ideal image I had in mind.
The challenges I faced in this project revolved around my initial resistance to deviate from conventional methods and my struggle to accept unexpected outcomes. Ultimately, it taught me the importance of flexibility and going with the flow of the creative process. It's a valuable lesson in allowing art to evolve naturally, even when faced with unexpected challenges.
Could you share more about how your personal journey towards self-healing inspires your artistic expression?
My personal journey towards self-healing has a profound influence on my artistic expression. As Rita Simon aptly put it in her book "The Symbolism of Style: Art as Therapy," "Art therapy is a mirror the patient makes to find their own self reflected."
In my art, I see this reflection vividly. Each artwork I create is like a mirror that reflects both the revealed and hidden aspects of myself. I often use fluid art techniques, where the fluidity of paint allows me to work with controlled and sometimes uncontrolled movements, much like the ebb and flow of emotions.
After completing a piece, the images within it become like another world, speaking their own language. They act as a third medium, providing me with a clearer picture of my inner self. This process of self-reflection and self-expression through art not only helps me in my personal journey of healing but also forms the essence of my artistic expression.
How do the interplay between Shadow and Discovery manifest in your artwork, and what emotions do you hope to evoke through your art?
The interplay between shadow and discovery is a central theme in my artwork. This dynamic is manifested through the use of bold contrasting colors in a chaotic arrangement, which symbolizes the presence of shadows, while calm and orderly colors represent a peaceful mind and heart.
Through my art, I aim to evoke a range of emotions. I believe it's important to express both the calm and strong emotions that reside within us. It's about embracing the entirety of our emotional spectrum and accepting ourselves as we are. Ultimately, I hope that my art conveys a message of encouraging individuals to reveal their emotions and embark on a journey of self-care, self-discovery, and self-healing.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
Feedback from critics and audiences holds significant importance in my artistic practice. Constructive feedback serves as nourishment for the growth of my work, allowing me to refine my style and techniques. However, it's essential to strike a balance between integrating external feedback and remaining true to my own artistic intuition.
When feedback aligns with my artistic vision, it's easier to incorporate suggestions and make improvements. It's a valuable process of evolution and refinement. However, when feedback diverges from my core artistic beliefs, it becomes a delicate balancing act. While I remain open to objective perspectives, I also prioritize staying true to my subjective artistic intuition. This balance enables me to maintain the uniqueness and authenticity of my work, even in the face of external input.
In summary, feedback from critics and audiences is a valuable resource for artistic growth, but it's crucial to retain a strong connection to my own artistic vision and intuition to ensure that my work remains true to my creative identity.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I find motivation and inspiration even in the face of setbacks or creative blocks through various strategies:
Connecting with Nature: Nature never fails to inspire me with its beauty, colors, and textures. Taking time to immerse myself in natural surroundings often sparks new ideas and revitalizes my creative energy.
Physical Activity: Going for a run or getting some fresh air is another way I stay motivated. Physical activity helps clear my mind and rejuvenate my creative spirit. It allows me to return to my art with a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm.
In essence, these activities help me overcome creative challenges and maintain my motivation, allowing me to push through setbacks and continue creating art.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am incredibly excited and honored to be exhibiting my artworks with The Holy Art Gallery. This marks a significant milestone in my journey as an artist, especially since it's my first time being part of an art gallery exhibition. What makes this even more special is that I relocated to London from Hong Kong for a year, adding a unique dimension to this experience.
An additional layer of excitement is that the last day of the exhibition falls on my birthday, which is an incredible and meaningful gift to me.
This exhibition provides me with a wonderful opportunity to share my work with a wider audience, and it feels like a meaningful affirmation of my path as an artist. Moreover, it allows me to connect with fellow artists and stay in tune with the ever-evolving art world.
In summary, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the chance to exhibit with The Holy Art Gallery, and I believe it will be a memorable and pivotal moment in my artistic journey.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goals and aspirations as an artist revolve around conveying a powerful message. I aim to inspire individuals to embrace their emotions, fostering a journey of self-care, self-discovery, and self-healing through my art. Simultaneously, I aspire to expand my reach by participating in international Art Fairs and exhibitions in the near future.
To achieve these goals, I plan to continue creating art that resonates with people on a deep emotional level. I will actively seek opportunities to exhibit my work internationally, connect with a diverse audience, and collaborate with fellow artists who share similar visions. Additionally, I will leverage digital platforms and social media to reach a broader global audience and stay connected with the evolving art world.
In essence, my long-term vision is to use my art as a catalyst for personal growth and healing, while also striving to make a meaningful impact on the international art scene through exhibitions and collaborations.