The wait is over, here is the interview between me and Susan Chan!
Sorry for being so late! I was organizing the presentation and stuff before this sneak peek comes out!
I have a really great talk with the artist, unbelievably pleasant conversation and this interview clears my doubt about almost everything in the local industry.
My interview with Susan was in a more causal way so the questions below may not be in chronological order :) Also, photos will only be shown during the presentation
J:Jen S:Susan
J: Where is your inspiration from for this artwork?
S: There is actually a story for this artwork, I have created another work before which is of similar concept, with the two iconic character. The purpose for creating the artwork is to let people from the neighborhood understand since they are in their 50s or 60s.
J: It must be challenging to be an artist in Hong Kong, what do you think it's most important when you start to create an artwork?
S: of course, the most important part is to bring out the message but it is also important to make sure what you make is useful. Also, try not to waste anything during the creation process. I think wasting more than it should be it's a problem of our industry.
J: So what was the order of the showcase of this artwork? Is it from woofer ten to art walk then Osage exhibition?
S: I actually created the artwork for art walk first in March 2012 then showcase at Woofer Ten, later at Woofer Ten.
J: That means the artwork is created mainly for communication in art walk, I was there and aware of the art walk too. I remember it was put outside Amelia Johnson's gallery along the staircases, is that by choice or art walk decide?
S: I actually intended to put the artwork there, totally by choice. Because people can stay for longer walking staircases, also there are some participating galleries on the sides, it drives traffic to us.
J:Interesting, why you make it like one of the old style cartoon board? Also, they really look like the original character.
S: Thank you, I want people to get involve and they care more when they are part of the artwork (their heads combine with the artwork) I want them to find out the difference themselves, also there is a paper explaining the artwork if they look close enough.
J: Really? None of my friends sees this. How do you come across with art walk? Do you apply for it?
S: The organizer found me and ask if I can do something for them since I miss it last time. So I specially designed this for them, also because of the Donald Tsang's incident at the moment. I want to trick people into taking pictures without knowing what it is. so they post photos on face book, also i want to tease those rich people going to art walk just to drink and take photos of everything. They take pictures with this without knowing it is being ironic towards them. Also, for people that want to stay away from politics, i want more youngsters to get involved.
J: This is so nice of you, do you feel difficult when doing art for politics or social problems?
S: It is not easy, some people call us marginal artist since we do art work that does not make a lot of money.
J: I thought it gets better these years after seeing the exhibition at Osage? Seems like many of you get involved.
S: It's not true, this is just a very small part of local art. Many of them are still money-driven. But I just believe I want to do something for society, even it may not be very effective.
J: I feel really grateful that you get involved and keep doing this. Sometimes we need a group of people with same beliefs to support each other. Just like we go on the street to protest and you can use art to express the same thing. But sometimes when it comes to the problem of money how do you deal with it to support your artist life?
S: Actually it's not that difficult as other people said. I was working full time for a magazine before and right now I focus on my artwork and have my own studio. I have other freelance jobs like design work to support what I like to do. I find it a good balance until now.
J: I believe our students are very inspired by you! Can you say something to our students to inspire them or anything?
S: Sure. I would say "Do as much as you can do" The meaning is try to do one thing multiple ways, just be brave and believe in yourself, just do it!
J: Thank you so much Susan, it was a great talk with you and thanks for the calendar
S: Thanks for your card and gift, come back to Woofer Ten when you have time later, we still have other upcoming exhibition later on.
I have some personal talk with Susan later on, of course it should not be included here :)
She is a very kind-hearted and inspiring person!
