We were lucky to catch up with PEI OU recently and have shared our conversation below.

PEI, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

During my undergraduate years, I had the idea of pursuing a career in the art field, although it was still a vague wish at that time. However, in my second year of pursuing a Master’s degree at the School of Visual Arts, I finally gained clarity and made a firm decision to become a true artist, committing myself wholeheartedly to this path. The learning experience at the School of Visual Arts has provided me with invaluable opportunities to continuously improve my skills and deepen my understanding of art. Now, I am ready to fully immerse myself in artistic creation, exploring various mediums and themes, infusing my unique perspective and creative expression into my work, and contributing a distinctive force to the world of art. I am well aware that challenges and opportunities coexist in this industry, but I firmly believe that through persistent efforts and exploration, I can truly achieve success on the artistic journey. I eagerly look forward to the future and witnessing the radiant light I will shine in the realm of art.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Pei Ou, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I am an artist who recently graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious School of Visual Arts.

Ever since my undergraduate years, I had a dream of pursuing a career in the art field, and as time went on, that desire grew stronger and clearer. It was during my second year of pursuing my Master’s degree at the School of Visual Arts when I finally found the courage to embrace my true calling and become a dedicated artist. The enriching experience at the School of Visual Arts provided me with invaluable opportunities to refine my skills and gain a deeper understanding of art, allowing me to mature as an artist and discover my unique creative voice.

I am deeply passionate about artistic expression and continually seek to push the boundaries of my creativity. As an artist, I explore various mediums and themes, always striving to infuse my work with my distinct perspective and personal experiences. For me, art is not just a form of self-expression; it is a powerful means of connecting with the world and conveying emotions and ideas that transcend words.

I am well aware of the challenges that come with pursuing a career in the arts, but my determination and unwavering commitment to my craft fuel my belief in a bright and fulfilling future in this industry. I see every challenge as an opportunity for growth, and I am excited to continue honing my skills and exploring new horizons on my artistic journey.

As I step into this ever-evolving world of art, I look forward to creating meaningful and impactful work, contributing my unique perspective to the realm of art. I am eager to collaborate with fellow artists and art enthusiasts, as I believe that collective creativity and support can lead to incredible breakthroughs.

My oil paintings revolve around the theme of family, which holds profound significance for me. Growing up in a patriarchal household has undoubtedly left a strong impact on my life.

This family environment has shaped my journey of growth and sparked a keen interest in family relationships, roles, and emotions. In my oil paintings, I strive to convey these emotions and complex interpersonal connections through art. I use colors, lines, and shapes to express feelings, allowing viewers to experience various aspects of family life within the artworks.

My oil paintings often depict interactions between family members and capture scenes from their daily lives. These compositions embody warmth, togetherness, conflicts, and challenges. Through my brushstrokes, I aim to capture the joys and sorrows of family life, portraying the most authentic aspects of human nature.

Accompanying my contemplation on family themes is a focus on gender roles. In patriarchal families, gender roles are often strictly defined, leading me to contemplate gender equality and freedom. My oil paintings frequently explore the restrictions and breakthroughs of gender roles, advocating for a more open and inclusive social atmosphere.

Through my oil painting creations, I hope to resonate with the audience, allowing them to find reflections of themselves within the artworks or encouraging them to reflect on their own relationships with family and gender-related topics. I firmly believe in the power of art, as it has the ability to evoke emotions, stimulate contemplation, and sow seeds of positive change in society.

In essence, my oil paintings represent an exploration and reflection on the theme of family and its impact. Through art, I seek to establish a spiritual connection with the audience, jointly experiencing and contemplating the relationships and emotions that constitute the core of our lives. This is the driving force behind my artistic creations and the profound meaning that roots deeply within my oil paintings.

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

I am an aspiring artist, and the idea of securing funding and grants fills me with a sense of anticipation and gratitude. While I haven’t received funding yet, I deeply appreciate the potential support these opportunities can provide. The possibility of obtaining financial assistance excites me because it would enable me to fully dedicate myself to my creative projects and turn my artistic visions into reality. With funding and grants, I could explore new artistic avenues, participate in workshops and residencies, and acquire the necessary art supplies and equipment to enhance my craft. The thought of accessing these resources is truly motivating and inspiring, as it would undoubtedly accelerate my artistic growth and allow me to share my creativity with a broader audience. I am eager to continue my pursuit of funding and grants, as they hold the key to unlocking new possibilities and propelling my artistic journey forward. Additionally, the investment in public art projects and community engagement initiatives brings art closer to people’s daily lives, enriching public spaces with creativity and inspiration. I believe that integrating art and culture into education from an early age is crucial in fostering a greater appreciation for creativity and encouraging future generations to explore careers in the arts. Moreover, the exposure and promotion provided by art galleries, exhibitions, art fairs, and digital platforms play a vital role in sharing my creations with a wider audience, connecting me with art enthusiasts and fellow creatives around the world. Together, these efforts contribute to a thriving creative ecosystem that fuels my passion and allows me to contribute my unique perspective to the world of art.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I think I should have discovered and experienced managing my own social media accounts much earlier. Social media provides artists with a global audience reach. By sharing their artwork on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, artists can connect with people from all over the world who share a similar passion for art. This exposure can lead to increased visibility, new opportunities, and potential collaborations. Social media allows artists to network with other creatives, art collectors, galleries, and art enthusiasts. By following and engaging with other artists, attending virtual art events, and participating in art-related discussions, artists can expand their connections and potentially collaborate on projects or exhibitions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oupei-artportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peiou_studio_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pei-ou-05b548215/