We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eileen Wong Cervera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eileen below.

Hi Eileen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved the process of creating. Just as my life path has taken me through many journeys and adventures, my love for creating art has also evolved. Art is not only my passion. Today, I consider painting as an extension of my personal story, my therapy.

Eileen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Born in the quaint town of Kuching, Malaysia, I discovered my love for painting at a very young age. I’d spend hours sketching and with crayons in hand, capturing the beauty of my surroundings on paper. However, as life unfolded, my passion took a backseat, and I pursued a career in IT. Years went by, and I found myself working as an IT engineer for years. I later met my future husband and moved to the hub of Silicon Valley. We got married and started a family, which further consumed my time and energy. While I had left my childhood dreams of becoming an artist behind, the spark of creativity within me remained.

Then, the year 2020 brought an unexpected turn of events—the world went into lock down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, the pace of life slowed down, and people were forced to find new ways to fill their time at home. It was during this period that I rediscovered my long-lost passion for painting.

With acrylic paints & brush in hand, I began to create landscapes that transported me back to the serene beauty of my hometown in Kuching. It was a therapeutic escape from the stresses of the outside world. As I continued to paint, seeking to refine my technique and learn new skills, I stumbled upon a YouTube video featuring the artist Michael James Smith.
Captivated by his breathtakingly realistic painting style, I began following Michael James Smith’s work closely, watching his videos and tutorials for months on end. I found myself inspired and intrigued by his photo-realistic approach to painting. Recognizing the invaluable opportunity to learn from a master, I decided to give myself the ultimate birthday gift—a sign-up for his online painting class.

Enrolling in Michael James Smith’s online class was a turning point for me. I delved deep into the intricacies of his painting techniques, eagerly absorbing every lesson and applying them to my own work.
It was through Michael James Smith lessons that I honed my ability to capture realistic details. I painted breathtaking sunsets, majestic mountains, and serene seascapes, each piece reflecting my newfound understanding of light, texture, and composition. However, it was his portrait lessons that made me fall in love with portraiture.
As my online class progressed, I shared my progress on social media, connecting with other artists, receiving feedback, and showcasing my growth.

The journey from a small town in Malaysia to the bustling tech world of Silicon Valley had been a long and winding one. Yet, it was during the lock down, amidst the chaos of a global pandemic, that I rediscovered my passion. With my newfound skills and a renewed sense of purpose, I set my sights on sharing my art with the world. I dreamed of exhibiting my work in galleries, participating in art shows, and inspiring others through my paintings. The journey had just begun, and I’m determined to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new styles, and creating art that resonated deeply with my viewers.
In the end, it was not just about becoming a skilled artist; it was about reclaiming a part of myself that had been dormant for far too long.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2022, a life-changing event occurred that made me reassess my life and priorities. This event served as a catalyst, prompting me to make a bold decision to quit the corporate world and fully commit to my creative journey. It made me question my current path, the sacrifices she I’ve made, and the impact it had on my artistic aspirations. I realized that time was slipping away, and I couldn’t ignore my true passion any longer.

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, I decided to take a leap of faith and leave behind the security and familiarity of the corporate world. It was a difficult decision, but I knew deep down that I had to follow my heart.
With this newfound freedom, I dedicated my days to my art. I expanded my creative horizons, exploring different mediums, styles, and subjects. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in my craft, dedicating uninterrupted time to experiment, learn, and grow as an artist.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I sought out opportunities to showcase my work, connecting with galleries, participating in exhibitions, and collaborating with fellow artists .As I embraced my creative path, I discovered a sense of fulfillment and purpose that had eluded me in the corporate world. The act of creating became a form of self-expression, a way to communicate my innermost thoughts and emotions. My goal is to touch the hearts of others, provoking reflection and inspiring them to pursue their own passion with mine. There were moments of self-doubt, financial uncertainties, and the need to adapt to a different lifestyle. It was a choice that allowed me to unlock my potential, believing one day will leave an indelible mark on my artistic journey and inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.eileenarts.com
• Instagram: arts_eileen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EileenWArts