Delighted to be showcasing the work of Emily Shih who is Inspired by daily life, beautiful scenery and things that touch her heart. Shih is fascinated by colour and the journey of living. Through art, Shih can express her truth.
Self-taught or art school?
My painting is self-taught. I have a BA in Cinema and Drama.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
The Scream by Edvard Munch (Maybe I can own this painting in a parallel world)
How would you describe your style?
I use the colour block composition to paint because I feel that using this method can make the image present a good 3D effect, and the flat colour block has more tension than the traditional realistic painting. Such colour blocks are like a large piece of rough-cut coloured paper, layer by layer to create depth of field and 3D effect. This silhouette style is very attractive to me and can give people more reverie and fun. I think flat coating without shadows can bring a sense of volume, and bright colours have a decorative effect.
Before I paint, I use image processing software to segment the image, and then I arrange the geometric shapes and various hue blocks alternatively and simplify the details of the scenery. In the process of painting, I will adjust the shape and colour to make the picture present a harmonious effect. I would like to show the spatial extensity, rhythm and the impressionism with the colours, and furthermore I hope to construct new imagery and resonance visually.
Is narrative important within your work?
I use the images to narrate, my works are the medium that I want to express my emotions and feelings. Most of my works are depicting natural landscapes, such as sunsets, mountains and rivers, reflections of water, places I have travelled and places I want to go. In addition, I like the themes of positivity, optimism and joy. I want people to look at my artworks and feel the same thing that I do – peace, happiness, joy and always believing in something good.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
Paul Gauguin-love his use of expressive colours, flat planes, and simplified, distorted forms in paintings; Claude Monet-He has given us an unexcelled record of the passing of time as seen in the movement of light over identical forms; Vincent van Gogh-His works are unique, beautiful, emotional, colourful and vivid. His paintings and figure sketches are very touching; Edvard Munch-His concentration on emotional essentials led to radical simplifications of form and an expressive, rather than descriptive, use of colour; Piet Mondrian-love his composition with colours and lines; Tamara de Lempicka-Her paintings capture the beauty and fierce independence of women; Giorgio de Chirico-I like the mystery and weirdness in his paintings, which give people space to imagine; I also like David Hockney’s works, especially his landscape paintings. I like its colour and style, which is very impressive.
What or who inspires your art?
My artworks are inspired by nature’s beauty. I love using rich and vivid colour on painting. By piling up different shapes of hue blocks, I transform the realist world into a bright and splendid world of my own. This is how I praise nature and a way of self-expression.
Paul Cezanne’s artistic concept has a great influence on my work. He pays great attention to the volume of the objects and the depth of the images. For this reason, he gave up the linear perspective method. This volume is not expressed by lines, but by the colour, blocks freely combined by the author. I personally admire Cezanne’s works and his art practice and persistence in art.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
I don’t have a personal studio, my room is where I paint. I have an easel and a small folding table, and all my works are done on it. I hope to have an independent studio in the future that I can fully use without worrying about the size of the space.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Working on my piece on the small folding table in my cosy room, and accompanied with my favourite music and a cup of coffee. It always brings me such a good mood and joy.
What are you working on currently?
Due to COVID-19, some of my exhibitions have been postponed or cancelled. I think many artists also face the same problems. Artists around the world are adapting to shutdowns by swapping physical performance spaces for virtual ones. Now, more than ever, it’s time to harness the power of the internet to strengthen artists online presence. During this period, I participated in eight virtual group exhibitions and published my works in some online art magazines. In addition, I cooperated with three online art galleries to sell my paintings and accepted two art interviews. I also tried to make some collages and small-sized works. Doing these less time-consuming works can relax and reduce stress. I’m now preparing for a solo exhibition at the gallery in September.
Where can we buy your art?
I use social media like Facebook and Instagram to share my artworks. I engage with my followers most frequently through these online platforms. It’s great for networking professionally and personally and for building micro-communities and niche interest groups. My paintings can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/emilyshih/ Instagram handle: @cat2791
