We were lucky to catch up with Flavia Chan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Flavia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

While I am currently a practicing artist, I also decided to devote time and energy to curating art shows through my pop up gallery, One More Life. One More Life came about from a time when I felt there was a lack of space and time for creatives to share their work, engage with each other, and celebrate art. I had always been organizing shows since going to art school, but I finally decided it was time to do everything on my own and share my vision in 2023.

The very first show I put on through One More Life was the Spooky Postcard Show. We showcased 64 artists and 368 artworks in that one show alone. This show was and still is so important to me, it marks not only the beginning of something special, but also acts as a reminder to myself that I can make things happen as long as I have the will to.

Since One More Life started, I’ve put on 6 shows, represented over 200 artists, and showcased over 1700 pieces of artwork. Aside from curating the shows, I make sure that my other passion of teaching and working with kids is encapsulated in One More Life. Each show is always accompanied by a free workshop that is open to the public and kid friendly. I believe that art should be for everyone to enjoy and I take pride in making sure my events are welcoming.

When I look back, the numbers and memories of organizing all on my own seem overwhelming, but all the interactions with artists, and the energy from the community at the events are memories I look back on very fondly.

Participating in group shows was pivotal to my own personal growth as an artist. Each show that I had the privilege of joining was a teaching opportunity to get outside of my comfort zone, adhere to deadlines, learn to work within different parameters, and get to know different artists, curators, and collectors. I really don’t think I would be where I am today without partaking in exhibitions and shows. I am so lucky to get to say that I still partake in group shows and those shows have since lead to even bigger adventures and projects in my life. With One More Life, I get to be in a position to give new and emerging artists an opportunity to showcase their work as well as create connections with other creatives in the community.

I came up with the name “One More Life” as a little reminder for myself, that should I be given one more life, to do and experience as I please, I know for certain I will always come back to art. The little black cat logo plays off of cats having multiple lives, but that this one we are living right now, is pretty damn good.

So what’s the next show? Well, One More Life’s next show takes place in May! STICKY is an annual show where local and international artists are invited to create artwork on a sticky note. All artworks are then available for sale for just $25. This show promotes accessibility to materials for artists and accessible pricing for collectors. STICKY was inspired by the Los Angeles-based Post-It Show, curated by Mark Todd and Eric Nakamura of Giant Robot. I have been participating in the Post-It Show for a handful of years, and I thought a Vancouver version to bring accessible artwork to the community would be a good idea!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Flavia is a Vancouver-based artist who beautifully blends cuteness with melancholia through her unique characters. Her art reminds us of the beauty in life’s emotional ebbs and flows and the importance of overcoming darker times.

Flavia specializes in pen and ink, watercolor, digital painting, and toy customization. Her latest projects focus on bringing her characters to life as figurines casted in resin.
She has had the pleasure of exhibiting internationally, with her latest solo show taking place in Tampa, Florida. Her passion for art and teaching flows back into her community through her pop-up gallery, One More Life.

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

Whenever someone takes their time with my artwork, it feels so rewarding. It is immensely warming to know that someone connects with your artwork. We’re all humans who lead different lives, and have experienced different pains, but every now and then, you come across something that means something a little deeper to you. Maybe it reminds you of yourself, or of a specific time in your life, or maybe it’s even an image of where you hope to be. Whatever the reason for the connection, it is impactful to know that art can be reflective, immersive, and important.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, I believe that the best thing society can do for artists and creatives is to really consider how creativity, design, and art impacts their lives.

In my own experience, more often than not, people may sneer at the idea of being an artist and may be quick to judge and claim that artists do not bring any value to society. That couldn’t be further from the truth!

Art is everywhere around us. There are designs that improve our lives, visuals that connect with our emotions and make us feel, creative ideas that push our boundaries. Art is not only all around, but crucial for us to be human.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://catscanpuke.com/, no current website for One More Life,
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onemorelife.gallery/, https://www.instagram.com/catscanpuke/
• Other: No current website for One More Life Gallery.
  It may be published in the next few days, if so I will send a link.

Image Credits

Flavia_GetLucky, photo credit: Char De Silva
Flavia_STICKYShow, photo credit: Aaron Chan