Artist Q & A!

Get to know more about me and my practice!

Fior holding her artwork, Warmth: A Beating Drum, 2021

Before we get started, I wanted to let you know that I will be doing a couple of markets this month! Hosted by the Anti-Robot Club Marketplace at Farm Fresh RI, it's a fun way to meet and support a bunch of local creatives and small businesses. My next markets are March 12th AND March 19th! Come find my booth to check out smaller scale art pieces that are exclusively reserved for markets. Check out my event calendar page, "Find Me" to see me at locations such as: art shows, exhibitions, markets, and more!

I'm answering all of your questions from social media! Thank you to all who submitted in the question box :) A lot of the questions were similar, so I kept the most asked ones here.

I know I don't show much of myself on social media, but I am trying to still figure out what type of content people are interested in. So, I'm trying different things! Proceed with caution, I might over share a bit...👀

How old are you?

Valid! I know I look much younger than what I actually am. Sometimes makeup helps add some years to me. I'm 24! I'll be turning 25 in June :) #gemini

How did you get started?

Well, I have been into art since I was around I want to say 8ish - when I was introduced to it at summer camp (you can read more about my introduction towards the bottom of the page here). Growing up, I only did the basics - coloring with colored pencils, markers, etc. I took some art classes in high school, which helped me learn the basic concepts of art and design. Since I didn't get into art school, it completely made me stop doing things art related. I was torn and also subconsciously mad at myself for not continuing to do something that I loved. I ended up studying Fashion Merchandising in college. I did have quite a few art projects which helped me temporarily release my creative energy then. I was creating fun little digital paintings in this digital art class that I took in college. I ended up building out my own website just so I can start having a place to see the "prints" or digital paintings I created. But I never had much time to get back into art, so I wasn't really consistent with it. I interned for this small sustainable designer during my last semester in college, where I was really inspired. I loved being in creative environments, and looking back at it now - I always put myself into any creative pursuits even if it wasn't for myself.

I officially started getting back into art when the pandemic hit in 2020. Work (post college) was getting harder, more stressful. I finally picked up my paintbrush again and felt a huge relief. I was painting little by little whenever I could. When I lost my job at the end of that summer is when I decided to take art more seriously. I was like "well, I guess I don't have anything else to lose...deep down I've always wanted to do this. I hope I can keep this going".

I helped my older sister start her business Envision Nutrition last year and I've been there since it opened. So, I was barely painting while working at the shake bar 7 days a week with my sisters. Finally, once we were settled in, I was able to cut down my hours there. I was soon able to dedicate more energy into my art. From there, I was able to create more art at a faster speed.

How long have you been into abstract art?

Senior year of high school, I discovered painting without fine lines. All I was exposed to was like "traditional" art styles like realism, impressionism, or you know art history stuff. When we started learning about Modern art in class, and I was like "okay this is cool to me". I started seeing art pieces with looser brush strokes and it spoke to me. Our whole lives we were told to "color within the lines". I saw the messy brushstrokes as a way of not conforming to the rules. And I appreciated that. I was always a rule follower (and in a way, I still am). This is just my way of rule breaking. I get to unleash everything on a canvas and I let myself feel. That's how I feel free, it's how I feel vulnerable.

What gave you that push to pursue & start to post your artwork?

At my previous job I was talking to a coworker about life, and she asked me what I wanted to do. I told her, "well I wish I can travel the world in a van and just do something much more creative in life. I wish I was doing art again". And she said to me, "well what are you doing here then"? That woke me up. Coincidentally, a month after that (during the prime of the pandemic I was let go from my job). That was like "my push". I saw my peers starting families, having these prestigious jobs, buying houses, and just moving forward with their lives. During that time my self worth felt like it was being poured down the drain...

I always felt stuck or unhappy with what I was doing. I told myself, "just try this art thing for a bit and see where it goes". For the first time in my life I felt inclined to never let myself quit something. I feel like I am finally moving forward!

Last year, I put out my first collection called Using Your Words.

To say that I have made it farther than I thought I would is an understatement. I didn't think I'd make it this far with a hobby (now turning into career), but I am so glad I am here!!! Now, I am putting my art in gallery spaces, participating in pop up markets, to actually having my own art business, FD Studio :) I'm finally excited for life again and I beg the universe to let me continue to follow my dream.

As for posting my artwork:

I came across the discover page and saw some really cool art pieces. I saw people posting their hobbies, so I decided to start posting them. Initially, I was honestly so nervous posting my artwork because I thought it wasn't good enough. I just started to post because I wanted see my progress, growth, and to track everything I created. So, in 2018 I created this website to have a little portfolio to myself. I then started to post on my art on Instagram like late 2020. Little by little, I saw that others were starting to enjoy my work and it motivated me to keep creating!!! So thank you so much to everyone who continued to show support <3

What's your favorite process? What's your least favorite process?

Hmmm 🤔

I looooovvveeeee working with spray paint. Its so versatile! I can use them to fill up background space quickly. Also, its kind of challenging trying to paint with it too because you have less control compared to using a paintbrush. I also love working with the high flow acrylics as well. I play with the water before I let it dry, so it makes me feel like a kid again 😂

Sometimes, I have all this creative energy I need to release. But then I don't have a set idea into place. I'll freely throw anything onto a canvas while I start creating. I don't really have an end goal, but I'll build and build until I feel like I am done or get an idea to develop. Sometimes the end result is good, sometimes it looks horrible. If it looks bad, then I'll start over until I am satisfied.

I also am really starting to get into creating Collections. It's a wonderful way to tell a longer story. Instead of one piece (being like a movie) a collection feels like I'm telling multiple stories within a story (like a tv show). It was a nice way of pumping out more artwork because there was already a theme, so it is easier to brainstorm ideas.

On that note: I have a collection reserved for each month moving forward. March's collection will be a galactic-y space-y themed one. Its gonna be so fun! Pay attention to my find me page or subscribe to my mailing list so you can have a first look of the pieces during another Gallery night I am planning on hosting at the end of this month in my studio.

Although I don't really have a "not so favorite part of creating", let's just say naming the artwork can sometimes take soooo much time. Sometimes a name will come quickly. But a lot of the time, I have to sit on thesaurus.com to find the right words. I'd sit with a painting for hours to try to get the right name that captures the vibe of the piece. If I get frustrated, it will take me a few days to come up with the best title. It ends up coming to me after I talk about it with my family or friends. I'll literally call someone and be like, "what does this look like to you? It feels this way, and this way to me, what about you"? We'll start randomly throwing out words and whatever feels right ends up becoming the name of the piece.

What's your favorite piece of artwork you have created? Least favorite?

I think one that I am most proud of and my all time favorite is DRIFT. It was the inspiration and the first installment of the DRIFT Collection, featuring 8 pieces in total.

I feel like if any of my pieces are gallery worthy, it's definitely this one. I finished this painting last January (2021), and I feel like this was the one that helped me develop my sense of style. It is also an image full of emotion, helping me cope with the state of my mental health. Drift is about learning how to move through your dark days. If you want to read more about this collection, visit here.

What is the hardest part about creating an original piece?

This is a great question! I think the hardest part for me is probably coming up with a composition. Choosing a color is easy, but knowing what to do is the hard part. I try my very best to not look at other art too much. Yeah, it's okay to draw inspiration from others, but I try my very best to create work that looks like "me". Just so when people see my work they can be like "oh that's definitely and FD original!" like how my uncle says haha.

FD STUDIO | A Postcard to Chloe, 2021

What's your favorite color? What colors do you find yourself using often?

Favorite? Blue! Um. I also probably use blue a lot. Or green, orange, yellow, or pink. Idk. I try to switch it up sometimes lol.

What's your biggest inspiration?

Okay this is probably going to sound cheesy, but I think my biggest inspiration is all of you... I paint from my perspective of course, but I also paint based off of both mine and others emotions. As an observer and experiencer of life, art is my way of perceiving the world.

I'm also inspired by my family and friends too. They are really important to me. A lot of my family members have their own small businesses or work for themselves. Shout out to my millenial, zillenial, cousins! From our immigrant parents, we have learned and found ways to become the "go getters". You have followed your paths, and it is truly touching. It made me believe that following my own dream wasn't stupid, but instead gave me the strength to pursue it. For that, I am filled with so much gratitude. Also to the friends who gave me feedback, and supported my journey... Thank you too 💙

What keeps you motivated?

Hmmm. I think not wanting to feel like I failed myself. I want to finally be proud of something I finally did for me...

Welcome to my new manifestation. In the future I want to be able to say that I've:

- been in multiple art galleries

- created something museum worthy

- a celebrity bought a piece of artwork

- I am remembered for being a creative that positively impacts the lives of others

- my art inhabits more than 200+ homes

- I am proud of what I create

- I grow my skill within my artistic techniques, as an entrepreneur, and as a human

- my art is seen on tv, magazines, and publications

- I am able to work with interior designers, realtors, and other professionals within the home & home furnishings industry

Also, positive comments, and constructive feedback helps so much! I critique my work a lot and sometimes I am doubtful if a piece is cool or not. But you know, art is pretty subjective. Even if I'm not entirely feeling a piece, there's always someone who enjoys it! So when someone says "hey, I really think this is cool"! It pushes me to want to create more stuff. I'll think to myself, "how can I 'wow' others"?

What's the hardest part about being an artist? What's something you wish another artist gave you advice about?

ouuuu -------------------- uh maybe...

In all honesty, how challenging it is - between managing creating original artwork, staying in a creative space, doing the business stuff, networking, AND balancing a social life (which I'm not really a social person as I am extremely introverted). I am left exhausted every night. I have two other jobs right now to help somewhat help pay my bills and studio expenses. Thankfully, I am trying my hardest to be budget friendly so I am able to afford this lifestyle (of course not to take away from anyone else, life in general is SO hard :/ ) I'm sending love and positive energy to you all <3

I've got to be extremely dedicated to my practice to make sure it becomes my full career. Everyday, I am learning:

1. How can I get my work recognized?

2. How do I create work that is both authentic to me but also sellable?

3. What type of content should I be putting out?

4. What do I have to do in order to not let anything interfere with my practice?

5. What kind of art do I want to share with the world?

6. How can I be a better entrepreneur? How can I make my website better?

7. When do I say no, when do I say yes? Should I not reject an opportunity - is it beneficial?

8. Literally everything - everyday I am learning something new tbh

How do you get inspired to create an art piece?

I don't think I have one distinct thing that I directly draw inspiration from. I can say that almost everything that I see or experience inspires me. I listen to a lot of music #spotifygang - so maybe a sound inspires me one day. I can be out on an outdoor adventure and maybe the lines of the trail inspires me. Maybe I am feeling some type of way - a certain emotion that I don't show (like anger) fuels my next painting. It's really different every time. Something I recently discovered is that when I create, I feel like I basically try to capture a memory and what I felt in that memory. Whether it's a literal scene or feeling, there are little things in each piece that I can pin point what certain memory in my head I captured in the painting.

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I hope I've answered everythinggggggg. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to comment in the box below. I'd love to answer your feedback

#arttalk #rhodeislandartist #faq #questionsandanswers