We recently connected with Fang Sullivan and have shared our conversation below.

Fang, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I’d be on a creative path since early childhood. I was born into an artists’ family. Both of my parents were professional artists who taught at an art university in China. My training in drawing and painting started at five years old. I received excellent art education from my parents. However, I always wondered what else was there for me to try, so I also studied dance and music. After moving to NYC, I studied graphic design at SVA and went into advertising. Although I stayed in the creative field, I always felt there was a calling for more expressive artistic pursuits. After many years working in the commercial world, I went back to my roots: fine art painting. I feel I’m finally on the path I’m meant for.

Fang, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started drawing and painting at five. I grew up on the campus of an art university in China, where both of my parents taught art classes. They provided me with excellent art education. The expectation was always for me to follow in their footsteps and become a visual artist. However, I wanted to try other creative outlets, so I also studied dance and music.

After moving to NYC, I attended the School of Visual Arts and obtained my BFA in graphic design and went into advertising. I’ve been working as a professional Art/creative director for advertising agencies since then. But I started to crave more creative freedom, and decided to go back to my roots as a fine artist. I started painting more, especially during the pandemic when I had more time at my home studio. The joy and contentment painting brought me was overwhelming. That’s when I realized I’ve finally found my purpose.

Although I received a strict academic art education, I’ve always had my personal style, I’ve developed a unique approach to colors. I paint with rich and pure pigments, often without mixing. My preferred mediums are soft pastel and oil paint. My work depicts the subtle lights, reflections, and hidden hues on the subjects. Every artwork I create is inspired from life through an imaginative approach. I love capturing the essence of my subjects. I don’t limit myself to certain subject matter, so you can see portraits, landscapes, still-lifes, and various scenes in my portfolio. These are all based on my own experiences and inspirations.

I started to share some of my time-lapse painting videos on Instagram and received positive responses. People love watching my painting process. I really enjoy sharing my art and process with my audience; it motivates me to paint more and create more content. I post regularly on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and enjoy interacting with my followers very much.

I’m a resident artist at the Salmagundi club NYC, a member of the American Impressionist Society, Pastel Society of America, The National Association of Women Artists (NAWA), and The American Artists Professional League (AAPL). My artworks have been on display at the Pictor Gallery in Chelsea, NYC, and have been selected and shown in many juried shows around the country. I won many awards from Salmagundi Club, NAWA, and AAPL in recent years. I feel extremely lucky to have met wonderful supportive artist friends and artist organizations since I started my professional art career.

I also give live demonstrations, judge art shows, and occasionally teach on-line live drawing classes, which has been a success. And I always enjoy interviews where I can share my experience and journey with fellow artists and creatives. I’m hoping to inspire others to pursue their own path as well.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I enjoy sharing my art with an audience. I feel an artist’s job is to show everyone how beautiful and profound life can be. Art is about communication between the artist and the viewers. As nobody has the same personality or experience, no two artists are alike. Each of us can bring a different kind of inspiration to the world. I often see beauty in the most ordinary subjects, and I want to share that with everyone. When I hear someone telling me how enjoyable it is for them to see my art and watch my time-lapse videos, I feel a great sense of satisfaction.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I vividly remember the day I moved to NYC when I was 18. That was the most wonderful day that changed my life forever. Being creative, I was not quite accepted into the Chinese communist society. I yearned for a place where people embrace creativity and I found it when I arrived in NYC. It was hard for me as an immigrant who didn’t speak English and had no income. But I managed to support myself through art school and continued my pursuit of a creative career. I’d say the practical side of making a living was one of the reasons I went into graphic design/advertising instead of fine art. But I’m glad I did. I enjoy my advertising career very much. But it is also important for me to follow my dreams and desires as an artist, so I’m happily pursuing a fine art career as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fangsullivan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fangsullivan/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drunkenheart

Image Credits
Fang Sullivan