Chan Suk On | Hong Kong
Art Manual addresses the question of whether concepts need to be explained. I picked up the sundries in the room. Time passed, the thick manual was outdated, and the camera model was constantly updated. I tried to fold different sculptural forms. The texts were about photography randomly distributed.
Art Manual - A Gift
Contemporary Art Station: Tell us about how you got started. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I studied photography at the university and graduated as a photographer in the newspaper. I concern social affairs. One day, I have a hole in my heart. I think I neglect myself. Then, I hope to do my personal work and enrolling in the Master Degree of Fine Arts. I studied contemporary art history and learn more about the artist's work. I believe in art. Art can speak my voice. My art journey is going from documentary photography to conceptual art. On is an editor, photographer and artist.
CAS: What is your process like, from initial idea to the creation of the piece? Do you usually develop the idea for a project before you find the "canvas", or vice versa?
First of all, I write down the initial idea and make a draft. Then I select the material to make the work by hand, trim and fold the sculptural forms. Choosing background paper and test the lighting to take a shot. After finishing the work, I will look for different people, such as relatives, classmates and friends to see their reactions and opinions. The process of sharing works is very interesting, they have different backgrounds and professions. Sometimes I will accept the opinions of others and modify the work.
CAS: What do you love most about your creative process?
Creation is a process that starts from zero to transform ideas into works of art. It gives me fresh feeling, constantly exploring the unknown possibilities from the creation. It is very satisfying when sharing with others. As with the “Art Manual”, I used an expired camera manual to create a new life. It is an upcycling process.
Art Manual - A Onion
CAS: What role does art and the artist play in the broader social conversation today?
The role of artist is like catalyst, artwork as yeast for making bread. The artworks of different ages have different artistic styles, reflecting the cultural and social features of the time. In the Internet, artists can respond to the times with their works quickly to the audience through the social media.
CAS: Name a few of your favourite artists and influences.
Yue Minjun is an outstanding contemporary Chinese artist. His work is very humorous and satirizes social phenomena with a signature smile. Repeat his own portraits to form a group, each person with the same smile, the hidden tears behind the story.
Kenya Hara is a famous Japanese designer. I have read a book “100 Whites”. He wrote the different interpretations of white in cultural contexts. “The importance of White in design - not only as a colour but as a philosophy.” I admire his imagination and observation of color, which is worth learning.
CAS: What is the best advice you received as an artist?
Art can heal my heart. It is the source of spirituality. In my creation, I found the emotional exit and found the happiness of creation. When I sad, I want to express my insight doing artwork.
CAS: When did you discover your voice as an artist?
When I was studying art, I have a lot of ideas in my mind. I want to express it in the form of art. Art is like a metaphor and there is a bit of vagueness that triggers the audience to think. Like I said the beginning of the story, the audience will feel the art pieces. Art never gives an answer.
CAS: What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their own?
Artists must bravely express their opinions and reflect social conditions. They try to build your own style of creation. Originality is very important. Don't have the shadow of others.
Art Manual - A Rose
