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Q.Wang Gallery
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Author-2-Author with Q. Wang: The artist behind the works in “Spirit”
One of the great things about A2A is that I can cover so many forms within the publishing world. I’ve shared interviews with New York Times best sellers, children’s authors, crime writers, and now I’m going to take you to the world of illustrated artwork books. It is a place where creative minds use visual mediums to tell their stories and to tease the viewer’s imaginations.
Give your imagination and subconscious a little credit and take a moment to really look at a piece of art. I truly believe that in the right conditions, a painting or other visual art can tell us just as an important story as a well written novel. We use art in the literary world all of the time. Book covers are adorned with art that provokes our imaginations and gives us a glance at the adventures inside… in hopes that we’ll buy the book to go on said adventures.
Books of artwork are unique and belong on the shelves because they tell many stories. Each illustration offers a new adventure that is unique to the viewer. Not to mention that next to music, visual artwork is one of the few mediums that can cross cultures and be experience by all, regardless of language or reading skills.
With that said. I would like to introduce today’s guest to Author-2-Author.
Q. Wang is an artist who immigrated to the US after a childhood in a small country village in China and the honor of graduating from one of the top 10 universities in his native country with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. After traveling to America he began working as a computer programmer. During this time he found himself drawn towards art and became inspired to paint after seeing the prints of Maurice Utrillo’s art in a yard sell.
Despite a language barrier, Q. Wang enrolled to the West Los Angeles College to study painting and his journey has allowed him to create his first art book, “Spirit”.
C. L. Vaughn: Welcome to A2A! With there being so many forms of art to express yourself with, what drew you to painting as your way to do so?
Q. Wang: Traditionally, an art work will tell you a story, show you some skills or give you a political opinion. I am tired about it. I want do something different. I give viewers a space, they can fill it with their own experience. When you look at my arts, you can feel them with your heart.
CLV: Please explain the meaning and drive behind the title of your book, “Spirit”.
QW: Spirit is the big difference between human and animals. As a new immigrant, life is tough. Working pressure, misunderstanding, discrimination…, all come to you in this or that ways. Especially when you live in the low level, you will meet all kind of peoples and things. Sometimes, I feel I was in the hell. It’s the spirit lead me to painting. The spirit lift me up.
CLV: How much of a communications barrier did you run into while studying painting at WLAC? Did it affect your overall painting?
QW: I almost can not follow the teacher at all. Most of the time, I just do what I want to do. So it comes out my own style.
CLV: Chinese art is very unique. The contemporary work of Zhang Guanghai, for example has a unique play of colors and blending to capture the mood of the artwork. Do you feel that your work is influenced by your upbringing in China? How so?
QW: 5000 years culture, plus the “Big Change Time”, it’s no surprise that good art works come out from Chinese hands. I didn’t try to follow anyone, but the influence of the Chinese culture is in my blood.
CLV: Can you share with us where the inspiration for your paintings came from, such as your painting titled “Jiu Zai Gou”?
QW: Last year, I visited one of the most nature place in China – Jiu Zai Gou (meaning nine village canyon). My feeling is complex – nature, silent and uncertain.
CLV: What is your process when starting a new painting?
QW: I will thinking a very long time what to paint and how to paint it. Then let my heart lead my hand to finish it.
CLV: Have you worked with other mediums than oil, like watercolors or charcoal?
QW: I only painting with oil and acrylic.
CLV: What about the history behind French artist Maurice Utrillo made you want to paint? Are there other artists that you look up to?
QW: The time of Utrillo is World War II, his paintings is different with others in the same time. He become an artist by himself, never went to school to learn how to painting. I read all the books about painting history when I was in West Los Angeles College. I familiar with all the masters and their works.
CLV: Your painting titled “Life” can be interpreted in so many ways. The single plant among a sea of blue-grey canvas can just as easily be called an expression about hope as one about loneliness. In painting this work, what was your personal meaning behind it?
QW: I got the idea when I was camping in Death Valley. When I painting it, I got very big pressure from my work place(not the work). I hope that I can live like the plant.
CLV: It took me a couple of views to notice the smaller details within your work titled “Eden Garden”. The plays of the sky blue and red give an impression of good vs evil, and the image of the woman picking an apple from the tree plays on the idea of the loss of innocents. What do you hope your viewers take away from this painting?
QW: I leave that to the Viewers.
CLV: Do you have a second book in the works?
QW: I still have a lot art works not in this book. They may appear in my late books.
CLV: At some point in time do you plan on creating a website to showcase your paintings?
QW: The PDF file of this book can be found on http://Q-Wang.com
CLV: If you had to explain your style of painting and the purpose of it in one simple phrase, what would that be?
QW: Creative is the blood of arts. The real arts represent the improvement of human. Without art, without human. I thought “Spirit” is the best describe of my works.
CLV: last but not least, I’d like to give you an opportunity to share with the readers anything that we’ve missed or maybe a sneak peek of your newest artwork.
QW: My paintings are music – still music. They need be listen by heart.
CLV: Thank you again for taking part as the first visual artist to be interviewed for A2A. It has been a pleasure to work with you on this and I have found your artwork to be both inspiring and touching. Thank you for sharing your paintings with me.
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