We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Quyen Phan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Quyen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My artistic path has been quite unconventional and unexpected compared to many other artists that I know. Most artists’ stories begin with exposure to and interest in art at a young age, that then led them to years of creative endeavors and artistic development. My story is quite different in that I did not begin doing art in the form of painting and photography until later in life.

I began my artistic journey about four years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I work full-time as an infectious disease epidemiologist at a state health department and have been in this field for over 20 years. It is a career that has been incredibly fulfilling, that I am grateful to have. The pandemic altered all of our lives, but without doubt, for those who work in public health, COVID-19 took a special toll on those charged with tracking the deadly pandemic. During this time, I began to seek ways to better balance my busy work life with personal pursuits. I bought my very first camera (an Olympus) and began learning how to use it. I also joined my local camera club and have learned so much about photography through my involvement with the club. It was also during this time, that I took an “Intro to Painting” group class offered by a local artist and friend. Prior to this, I had never picked up a paint brush, other than the required art classes during grade school and the occasional “paint night” outings with friends. Little did I know how much I would come to enjoy painting and photography. For me, finding this “artistic” side of myself and developing as an artist, are silver linings to the pandemic.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

“The painter constructs, the photographer discloses,” a quote by the renowned writer and activist Susan Sontag, resonates with me. As a painter, oil is the medium I work with. It is the medium with which I learned to paint and I enjoy creating with it because of its rich color depth and flexibility. I enjoy painting a wide range of subject matters, anything that I find captivating and allows me to continue to grow as a painter. As a photographer, I am drawn to imagery that reveals the innate beauty of nature, wildlife, our surroundings, and captures that one singular moment that can tell a story beyond any written words. Being outdoors with a camera in hand is one of my greatest joys.

I sometimes get asked what I like more, painting or photography. The answer is, I love both equally, and I am proud to have been able to learn both disciplines and I look forward to continuing to develop my skills and creative voice through both painting and photography.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

First and foremost, for me, the pursuit of art is the creation of sanctuary for the self. I enjoy the process itself immensely, even though the process can be fraught with frustrations at times. Being an artist makes you learn to slow down and simply be in the moment. We artists pour ourselves, our heart and soul, into our work. When our work resonates and connects deeply with another individual, that is very rewarding.

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

I believe that the process of creating art has given me a sanctuary, a place for internal peace and calm, a place of joy, a place to excite and rejuvenate the mind and soul. It is in these quiet moments of sanctuary that the human spirit can build resiliency.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://phanquyen3.wixsite.com/quyen
• Instagram: @quyen_n_phan
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quyen.phan.182/
• Other: [email protected]