Tricia Kuo Art

2021.02.03

"Art elevates man to a high level, he can make every vibration of his soul noble, wonderfully beautiful." - Nyikolaj Vasziljevics Gogol

Can you tell us a few words about yourself?

I'm Tricia from Taiwan. I live with my South African boyfriend, JD, in a loft apartment filled with leafy foliage plants. I'm an introvert (INFP) and highly sensitive person (HSP), I don't talk much but think to myself. If I can't create or make things is like I can't freely express myself in the world. I'm an aesthete. I have deep sensitivity to the bauty of art and nature. My grandma is an Atayal aborigine. Atayal is one of Taiwan's 16 recognized indigenous tribes. The aborigional blood running in our family enables us to connect with nature more deeply than others. And my grandma, mom and I are all into plants very much!

How did you fall into the world of artists? When was the first time you thought you wanted to deal with this?

I was 18, doing an exchange year in the Washington state. When my host mom, Peggy, asked me if I wanted to take art class in the public high school, I was like 'Alright, I will try but I'm not sure if it's my thing'. Thanks to her, it was my very first time learning basic techniques and I was surprised to find myself getting lost in the process and the finished pieces kinda emerged out of my free hands like a wonder. At the end of the exchange year, she even commissioned me to do my very first large canvases to hang at her dance studio, which I think you can still see them at the studio now!

I stopped arting after I came back from the states at 19 because I was busy facing the reality of a new life going into the university in Taiwan, back to listening to the society's demands. I ignored and suppressed the true calling in me. Instead, I was listening to what others wanted me to be or do. Chasing after things that were never meant for me, like pursuing a fashion buyer dream that I actually hated and serving the notorious consumerism world with no real meanings and connections. I didn't know how to be happy and satisfied anymore. The darkest 10 years of my life followed by abandoning art. Very dramatica and similar to the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, I quit my job and never looked back again after the last buying trip to Milan. Ten years later, during those insomnia nights because of job hunting, I picked up my paint brushes again. This time, I realized how much I needed art to heal me and keep me sane, both when I was feeling lonely, studying in the states and when I was trying to survive those job hunting nights, not knowing what the future holds. I haven't stopped painting ever since and I NEVER will again. I'm a maker and creator. Art is the only thing that flows naturally from me. I need art to keep me sane and my talent is worh being seen in the world.

What work method do you use? What creative path have you taken so far?

I do watercolor and acrylic mostly, but also oil pastel, gauche and pens. I mix a lot of different gold mediums in my works. I've never studied at any art school. The only art lessons I had were the ones at American public high school when I did my exchange year at the age of 18. I've only begun to paint more since 2017. I do everything intuitively and self taught pretty much everything ever since.

You do several workflows on a project, but what is closest to you? How would you define yourself?

I think the painting process is still my favorite. I'm learning to love comupter tasks to market my works but I still need some time. Ohh and I love the packaging process lots!

What aspects do you consider important during the creative process?

The beauty is in the process itself. Without process, I won't be able to keep going. It's not about the end result. It's about the process. If I enjoy the process, it's a good piece.

How would you define your own style? Was it difficult to take the first steps?

Intriguing fantasy & delicate comfort with detailed gold accsent are the words I use to describe my style. My brand vibe is moody, romantic and sometimes dramatic. My eyes are very detailed, and so are my works. I tend to go realistic but I've been having fun with abstract florals, too.

I spent about 2 years just practicing and painting whatever makes me happy. It didn't bother me too much when I didn't have a style. I just wanted to paint to calm myself down. As I paint more, I started to have a better idea of what I care about and how I want my art to feel only a year ago. I've been intentionally implementing the mood and vibe I want my art to feel. I'm getting closer to the visions I envisioned my art to be.

Can we talk about the technical side? What techniques and tools do you use in your projects? What equipments are you currently working on?

I like to mix mediums a little. Watercolor, gauche, sometimes acrylic, pen, oil pastel on paper. Acrylic on canvas & wood panel. I really don't know much about techniques. I paint intuitively to get the envisioned image. It's more about feeling connected with my paint brushes to make them work for me.

Inspiration is very important in art. What inspires you, what are the things that inspire you?

I'm a super planty person. Half of our living room is filled with plants, both house plants and dry treasures collected in the wilderness. I can't bear to see cut flowers die so I paint a lot of flowers at the moment.

Ocean & mountain are my two biggest inspiration sources. Very blessed in Taiwan, we have both. I will never take them for granted and I want to share them with you. I can sit in quietness for hours to soak in the view. I'm a total starer when it comes to beautiful natural scenes. And I'm not guilty about it.

Could you tell us a little more about what you have learned so far? Have you pursued any studies that have helped / facilitated your current career?

I took the course called 'Making Art Work' by Emily Jeffords and it has been lif changing. I'm also in her membership called the 'Collective'. I highly recommend artist friends who want to make art as career.

How typical is instinct for your work? How do you get started with a work, could you describe the process? What do you need to create?

I usually start with reference photos. I use my own photos I take in nature or some flower photos that I find on Pinterest but I add my own twists always. I really don't think much when I create. I trust the process and my hands for each step.

So far, I found myself creating lots of abstract florals and realistic landscapes. I'm painting more moons lately, too.

Which part of your work do you like the most? What do you like to create best?

The process is definitely the most enjoyable part and packaging art work is my favorite process. I could imagine the collector during packaging process to make the painting more unique and personal to the collector.

Your work is strikingly different in style from the main striking directions. What could you most like your art to? Do you consciously shape your own style?

I don't try to shape my style. I believe my art evolves with me as I evolve a person. I'm a work in progress myself. If I take good care of myself, my art will grow into the right direction.

Could you give an example where random discoveries have affected your creations?

Very inspired by a little exercise called blind drawing at an artist meet-up with some like-minded friends, I outlined with oil pastel by looking at my caladium Thai without looking at the paper. I'm absolutely in love with oil pastel texture on rough paper. It was a beautiful accident of dropping oil pastel on paper, which led me to discover a new way of making marks. The accidental and uncontrollable part of art making is addictive. I then intentionally added a few more effortless dots after the first one. Then, I spread the pigments more intuitively than normal so that I wouldn't ruin the effortless feeling that this painting has chosen for itself.

If there was no barrier to money, what would you like to deal with?

I want to try working with interior design and art therapy. I'm planning to get into art therapy this year as I want to find out how to help people better.

How do you have fun, what does this concept mean to you?

I have fun by spending time in nature and just observe. I don't like going to big parties and talking to many people. I need alone time to recharge me. Being at big parties drains me.

If we want to get to know your creations better, where can we do that?

My favorite platform is still Instagram and I'm @triciakuoart . I also have a FB page called Tricia Kuo Art. And to have the best and immersive experience, please visit my website www.triciakuo.art

How personal is the basis of your work? Do you always create from personal motivation?

It's 100% personal. I don't like doing commissions. They brought me too much anxiety and stress, so I limite that to minimum. The only way to enjoy the process is to think of it as creating for myself.

What do you think has changed the concept of art projected for each generation, and if so, how?

With social media and online platforms, our generation is definitely previlidged of showcasing our works and communicating our personal views better. We can be in charge of putting ourselves out there in the world. Past artists like Monet and Van Gogh, my two favorite artists wouldn't have the chance to express themselves like we do now.

Is there a work, perhaps recognition, that you are especially proud of?

I would say my bamboo forest. It's very origional, 100% based on my personal experience that I had at my parent's mountain cabin.

What expectations must be met by those who want to thrive as an artist in the future?

We must take care of ourselves as the human, the business and the creative practice. These 3 aspects have to be checked back from time to time and be honest with ourselves to see what can be improved and if our energy is good enough to create good works. If we don't take care of them all, we will get burnout.

How do you remember the initial wing rehearsals? Do you look back on your work as an enthusiastic "amateur"?

Oh yes, of course! I've been painting more moons lately and I still keep the first moon that I created 2 years ago. I can see myself progress for sure. It's very interesting that we can see our growth in the works. I value the freedom in enthusiastic amateur stage tho because things were created with pure intentions.

What content do you enjoy consuming in your free time?

I like to watch documentaries, especially DW documentaries and everything about nature. I also like to watch Youtube videos about plants. I don't like Netflix or drama series.

How do you see people's attitudes towards art?

I see it becoming more commonly accepted than when I was growing up. People are starting to realise they need art in life to deal with the chaotic world.

How critical are you to your work?

I think all artists are very critical towards our works as we are so close to our creation and we often are perfectionists in some way since no one can tell us what to do or do it for us. I'm the most critical to my work but I try not to let it overwhelm me too much by setting a limit to let go.

For many creative people, it can be observed that their careers can be broken down into epochs. Looking back on your career so far, do you have them, and if so, what eras?

I think I'm between hobbist and emerging artist right now.

How long does an image take to shape between your hands? When is a drawing ready for you? (although I know it depends on a lot...)

My abstract florals can be done in one day but my realistic landscapes with acrylic can take up to a few months.

Each creator can usually name at least one person whom he considers a mentor who has had a great influence on him. Can you tell us a little bit about this?

My mentor would be Emily Jeffords. She's a fine artist and an educator. She teaches her students not only the practical business sides but also the right mindset to create good works. She shares her methods behind the scenes completely and honestly.

What are you doing when you do not work on a drawing because your days go by? What are your goals? What other things do you care about? Do you have another hobby?

I go on adventures in nature with my bf. I stare at all the beautiful natural scenes all day if I can. I've also been writing more and I think I will incorporate it more into my daily practices. My goal is to launch my first collection this year. I care about human rights, mental health and plants.

How does your lifestyle affect your social relationships? Where do you have so much energy from for so many things?

After I started painting and getting to know myself better. I recharge by spending time alone and having deep conversations. Big parties and small talks drain me. I'm starting to set my boundaires and cut off some people who drain me from my life. I wouldn't say I have a lot of energy but I want to use my energy on things and people that matter.

Do you think art is a better tool for networking?

I guess so as people who are into art are generally nice people. Since we share similar interests, they are more my people and can understand me better.

How do you see similarities or even differences between artists from different countries or the reactions they evoke?

I haven't got to know too many other artists from other countries. Each artist has their unique voice due to their different experiences. We all care about different things and have different values. I feel I can't judge then from where they are from. I might stereotype them.

How do you see the possibilities of artistry in cyberspace? Can we create spaces where a virtual identity can convey its own artistic content?

Yes, I think a website is a good place to give people the most comprehensive feelings. Also I like IG stories a lot. It's another platform to convey my messages well.

Do you still see that you have made the right decision to choose this path?

Ohh yes! Can't be more right. This is my true calling.

If you could have a super ability, what would you choose?

Mind reading and going invisible.

If you could go anywhere, where would you most like to go?

New Zealand.

Are you a designer, a goal-setting artist, or do you trust your destiny that everything will always be achieved at the right moment anyway?

I'm learning to set goals this year to have a more clear direction but I won't let my goals overwhelm me. I don't want to feel too upset if I end up not achieving them and goals are changable. Goals are there for leading me closer to what I envision myself being.

How do you envision your life in 10 years?

I hope to be a professional fine artist and doing multi-facet business, maybe pattern design, art therapy, licensing & teaching, not just painting.