Today we’d like to introduce you to Sapira Cheuk
Hi Sapira, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
One of my first memories was drawing on my living room floor. Art has been a constant in my life, but the funny thing, I’ve tried to quit so many times. When I was growing up, I grew up with the idea that art isn’t a career and that it’s just a hobby. Being an immigrant, there’s added pressure to be a traditional example of success, and being an artist was not one of them. So, as a dutiful daughter, I tried to follow that path, but I simply could not stop making. I came to realize, that making art is a part of me that wasn’t a choice, that desire and need ALWAYS going to be there.
In the last 20 years, I’ve slowly built my life around what I care about. Incorporating one new aspect of the field at a time, all while making sure I had employment that supported me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest blocks I had was associating employment with identity. I felt I couldn’t call myself an artist if I wasn’t supporting myself through my art. It was a very capitalistic way to quantify a person. This belief had guided me in not fully investing in myself and exploring potentials and opportunities.
Once I unlearned this belief, it was freeing. I was free to be. Art is a part of me, and being able to acknowledge that part felt whole. And moving through the world as a whole person, not part of one is my most cherished privilege.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make ink paintings that utilize pools of ink to form figures. It took about 10 years to develop my characteristic style. The ink I use to create this effect is my own blend of Sumi and India inks. Chinese Sumi ink was first introduced to me when I learned to paint with wet medium in Hong Kong, while the India inks I learned to use through my Western art education. The material is a representation of who I am.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Calling it a ‘Growth Period’.
Whenever I’m in a situation where I feel inadequate, or I’ve failed; I switch my mindset. I acknowledge that I can’t know or be good at everything. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and bitterness, I call it a growth period.
It’s natural for a growth period to be uncomfortable. I’m not dismissing my feelings, while also encouraging learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sappycheuk.wixsite.com/works
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sappycheuk/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sapiracheuk
