This Composite Portrait assignment was an artwork of a visual interpretation based on an interview in Integrative Seminar 1 class with my partner, Adriel, and on the profile I wrote about my partner. In the Seminar class, Adriel and I interviewed each other. We had to figure out specific questions that really allowed us to get to know each other’s personality as that was a very important element in my work. My final work is a hybrid of both Adriel’s and my personality, literally and metaphorically.
Draft 1
Draft 2
Draft 1 was more of a literal piece of conjoining both my face and Adriel’s face. Draft 2 was more of a poetic and metaphorical take on combining two different personalities. Something distinct about Adriel is that he loves crystals. He wears them, meditates with them and basically connects on a very spiritual level with crystals. As for me, I love wood, Wood is my favorite medium to work with when it comes to art making. I have always felt that the medium in which an artist or person chooses to resonate and manifest concepts through are very important and a great way to gain insights to their personality. There is also a beauty in the obsession of these mediums. Hence, I decided to work more on draft 2 and reiterate it further. Currently, it looks more like a mood board.
Below is the final rendition of this work:
Final
Here is the link to my final writing for the composite character in Seminar class:
The transcripts of both interviews can be found below:
Interviewing Grace Ling
Where are you from?
I am from Singapore.
How has where you’re from and your past influenced you and how does it influence you as an artist?
I never really thought about how where I am from influence my art in anyway particularly since the world is pretty much globalized and I read about art from all over the world. But my past certainly does influence my works. I guess that is the reason why I have no regrets in life, because even from the shittiest mistakes I make I learn something out of it in which I would otherwise never had. I took a while to realize this, but only recently last year I realize that most of the works I make are influenced by the people I meet and the relationships I have with them. My works are basically an analysis of what it means to be human, living with other humans, to put it in a way.
You obviously have beautiful work, can you tell me the story of how you started creating?
Naww thank you. I have always liked to make things ever since I was a kid, I love to feel materials and explore them. I always did “art” I guess, I don’t really remember when I did not.
When you work, does it come from a constant emotional or thought based connection?
I guess both. I think about a lot of things and everything on a daily basis. It is more about how I manifest it into a concept into my works that is well researched and well thought through. I get this spontaneous rush of ideas pretty often where my brain suddenly come alive and I have to jot down a lot of notes, it always turn out really messy. And then I take some time to process what I have just written out.
As a model and a visual artist, how do you see the creative process from both sides? Do you combine the knowledge gained from both practices? If so how?
Yeah I guess that was the reason why I did modeling and want to do fashion. They are both the same industry. As a model I get to learn from the creative director’s and the photographer’s perspective. And in future I can probably work with models better because I have been in their position before. I also feel that understanding the whole dynamic of the fashion industry is very important. There is also a very close relation between Fashion and performance art. Performance art deals with the body and space and time, which is something you can escape from while doing fashion, so I think it is important that they combine.
How do you get the idea for a piece? How do you go from concept to manifestation when you work?
I think I am at this point of my life where I know what I like and what I want. I guess there is always this underlying constant theme in every artist’s progression of works, whether it seems obvious or not. I already have a rough basis of materials that I like, for example wood, Lucite and leather. I know that I love organic shapes. But even the simplest of these little elements have way too many unexplored potential to transform into works. So I roughly know what I want to do already, but I just have to do it, because it is in the process of creating that the actual concept actually forms itself and solidifies.
Is playing with materials a big part of your artistic approach?
Yes
What brought you to the New School?
I was going to go to London, I got into 4 schools there. But I picked the city, and then I picked the school. I only applied to Parsons here.
What is creating to you? What does it mean, if anything?
I think creating is an act of originality. And originality isn’t necessarily about doing or making something that no one else has done before, but more of manifesting a thought or emotion that is truly genuine from within.
How do you like New York?
It’s ok, I think, um..okay okay I need to think. I feel like I’ve been too caught up with school to appreciate ny how it should be. Even when I go out and see beautiful things I don’t feel as excited.
What do you think of New York? What’s your favorite spot/thing to do?
I feel like NY is kind of like a trash bin of everything, like I went cycling today on my out and I got lost and I was going to get art materials, but I didn’t cause I got lost, and I saw a lot of things that I never knew existed. It’s really beautiful, it’s almost like every street is different, like going to a different place every time. Even the visual culture can differ so greatly even though their right next to each other.
I haven’t found a favorite place yet, currently it’s my room.
Is there anything you see/smell/hear that reminds you of home?
I went into this Japanese grocery store, and it’s amazing! I went into the store and I was so happy and they have Ikura and everything, and these things aren’t rare but they’re hard to find, you know? Like I came out of the store and remembered I’m in New York. I think just the smells and little things reminded me of home.
You’ve been at school for a little over a month, how do you like Parsons so far?
I can’t wait for freshman year to be over!
What kind of music do you like? Any artists?
I don’t have a specific genre, but I like almost anything in minor keys.
What are some things you do other than art and modeling?
I like to chill and be ugly.
Do you have any fears about what’s coming next in your life?
No..I think I have very little fears
I read on your website that you were in a couple magazines, could you talk a little about that?
It’s not a big deal, like, I just put it up there for portfolio purposes, but it’s not a big deal. My first editorial was actually the one in Her World, and how I got in was my friend asked me to go to this event with her, and the editor of Her World magazine was there and was like “Hey are you guys models?” and we were like “yeah!”, and she said “Get their number!”. The editor and chief probably thought I had a lot of experience!
Can you talk a little about the 2013 Vegetal Chair Competition by SPACE and DesignSingapore Council?
I got into the finals when I was 16, it was a design competition was very little, but I was the youngest person there. People were like 20, but like designers. I didn’t win, but I got into the finals.
You also had a recent piece exhibited in Toride City, Japan? (XXXS)
That was actually, up till now, okay I wouldn’t say my favorite, but that is one of the works that I am most proud of I guess. Most of my works revolve around analyzing my relationship with people, whether its my friends, family, or relationships, but basically my process is sorting out my feelings, and the works start with putting on different identities in social situations. There’s so many of these situations, so who is the real you? At that point of my research, I was thinking about the spectrum, between finding identity within oneself and finding identity in having someone else. The possible situations could range from that of a Siamese twin to someone with psychological split personalities. So it includes both the physical and the mental. It’s also about how when you hang out with someone so much you become like them.
Can you talk about the different mediums you create in? Which is your favorite? Which is your least favorite?
I tend to lean towards scultures, but I wouldn’t say I have a preference. I like using lucite, and leather. I love leather! Back at home I have a whole cow of leather!
You’ve participated in several exhibitions as both a curator and artist, can you explain that a bit?
It was a school project, where like, because I went to arts high school, all the teachers were artists themselves. We had a situation where the teachers played a role as artists, and we played a role as curators. Changing dynamics was really fun, and I think I got a really different perspective of art from the whole thing. You know the thing when all your professors are professional artists and you feel like you’re struggling as a student? They go through the same struggles.
What are you expecting/wanting here at Parsons?
Ultimately, connections and experience.
You have a lot of experience in showing your art, what made that possible?
Actually, I wouldn’t say I have a lot of experience, but my teachers in high school were very supportive of what we did. So, whenever an opportunity came they basically sold us to the world. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school arts program. Also, many of the teachers were prominent artists in Singapore.
Do you have a favorite piece of clothing? What is it?
Yes I have a leather jacket. The pockets, the colour, the type of
leather and the cutting is perfect.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Wash my face before anything.
If you could describe your true self in a paragraph what would it be?
I think I am pretty true to myself in general. I guess I would be
still, quiet and philosophical. HAHA
Do you follow any religion? Any spiritual practice?
Yes I am Christian and I am a strong believer. Honestly, all my art
directly or indirectly is inspired by God and my relationship with
him. Basically, everything I do in life revolves around God.
Do you believe in a god or creator?
Yes, as mentioned above 🙂 And to me God is definitely the creator.
Some people argue about the whole big bang theory thing and whether
God exists or not. But the thing is, what if God did create the world
in the form of a big bang theory?
Why do you think people like your work? What’s something about it that
you think people take from it when they see it?
I try to be humble person in life, but I do think that people like my work. I
feel that that is because I do like my own work and I project this
genuine thought across to my audiences.They might not like my style or
my colour palette or even my concept, but I think people do appreciate
the thought process manifested into my works. Perhaps, people don’t
exactly like my art, maybe they like me. HAHAHAHA
Why do you model? What was your favorite experience ever modeling?
I guess the best part about modeling is the thrill on the stage as
well as the friends and experience that you come with it. It is about
meeting people in the industry and it is definitely a craft that comes
with practice, not some pretty glamour barbie life or something.
Modeling also kind of takes my mind off things, maybe serious things
like art, don’t get me wrong,I love art, but sometimes I just want to
do something because it is pretty, I don’t have to explain myself to
people. But then again perhaps I can do that in art as well. I dont
know. You know what I mean? haha.
Do you see yourself following a path of art/modeling/both?
Yeah I see both, I am looking into performance art as well, perhaps
fashion as performance art, or even blurring the boundaries between
modeling and “performing”. Haha I can imagine the controversy reaction
from the public already. Lots of debate. Lots of fun.
What are some hard/bad things that have happened in your life? (that
you don’t mind talking about)
I feel like I have very highly selective memory. I choose to forget
the bad things in life, literally, I can’t think of any on top of my
head.
What are the sides of your personality most people don’t see?
I think I might seem like an extrovert to people sometimes, but love
solitude. I like to be still and calm and peaceful, I think I still
am, even when I am loud and seemingly obnoxious hahaha. Also i think
sometimes people think that I look bitchy and that I am full of
myself. I am not!!! hahahaha I am this small little hermit crab that
would hurt you with my small claws.
What are your goals as an artist?
I hope to be really influential some day. I feel like sometimes I have
thoughts or opinions, but it would not be appropriate for me to
publicize them as I am not “influential” enough. It really makes a
difference.
If you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?
Honestly. I would not stop praying. And I will tell all my friends
about Jesus HAHAHA
What’s your favorite food? Color? Place?
My favourite colour is brown and gold. okay, that’s more than two
haha. My favourite place is inside my brain. By favourite food is
Sashimi.
Interviewing Adriel Takashi Soloway
Why did you choose to do art out of anything else? You mentioned you like Illustration. Why is it that you choose this as a platform for your art?
I have always felt a need to manifest what I feel inside. I have always walked on the outside of things, and creating was the perfect vehicle to let my observations transform into something tangible. Illustration is something that comes very natural to me. I love tapping into a narrative. As of right now I’m working on taking universal events like life and death, and put them all together to convey the present moment in continuum. Illustration is a simple way for these concepts to come to life.
What kind of issues do your works usually address and how do you deal with life through the use of art?
I wouldn’t say I deal with life through art, I try and sit with the things I feel uncomfortable with and process them. I would rather convey a feeling of being content amongst grief. We all have issues, everything that is here now will be gone, but what I feel is important is that because we are all filling our own space, we can see that others are going through their own events. Though they may be similar, they are not the same. I address the fact that we all come from a different place, but are all here together now.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish before you turn 25?
I honestly have no expectations, what comes will come and I’ll just be grateful to experience it. I just hope to do good in every situation that presents itself.
What is one stereotype you are uncomfortable with from where you are from?
Stereotypes don’t mean that much to me, I am what I am.
How is your thought process like? What happens at the beginning stages of art making and what happens at the end? At which point do you enjoy the most or think is the most important?
My thought process is different for every piece. If it is material that is more personal to me I might think about events that led me to where I am now, and where I stand in this moment. Almost like looking through a lens at my life outside of my own perception. This is where I find a way to express what’s inside.
When it comes to the stages of working, I think I start with an anchor point that I can always go back to and will remain relevant throughout. It could be a character, a symbol, or something that centers the feeling and concept. After that I just put what needs to be on the page. I try to keep it simple.
What is your favorite thing in the world? Why?
I don’t think I have a favorite thing, everything I’ve experienced so far has made me feel different and has expanded my view, so I couldn’t narrow it down to one.
Do you have a religion or “way of thinking”? If yes, how does that translate to life and eventually art?
I do not follow any religion, though I have a developed spiritual practice. I follow spirit everywhere, it’s the reason I’m here saying this right now. I think my practice leads my life, though at the same time it’s my life that leads the practice. It allows me to be connected beyond my own lower vibrational states, and recognize the sacredness that is in every life. This of course inspires art.
What is one word that people always use in art, or to describe art, that you hate?
I really don’t mind what people say, a piece of art speaks for itself.
Who is your favorite artist? Why?
Again I don’t think I have one. I’m inspired by my life experience to create, I respect and adore art, but I find that just being alive is the most essential part of the creative process for me.
If you did not do art, what would you have been doing?
I have no idea, but I’m sure it would be great.
What is your greatest regret in life?
There’s no use regretting anything. Even if I did something in the past I’m not happy about, it led me to where I am now, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I’m grateful for everything, it’s taught me how I want to live my life.
What do you think is the most important thing in life?
To listen.
You mentioned a little about your spiritual practice, could you elaborate more on that?
I use crystals, I mediate and I do energy work that was taught to me by one of my best friends who is a medicine man.
Is this exclusive?
Everyone has medicine inside them. Everyone can do it.
When did you start?
Just this past year actually, it is a kind of connection I have always felt and it has to do with how 6 of my love ones passed away this year, and once they were gone I realized I wanted to be more connected to the world I exist in.
How is New York different from New Mexico?
Oh it is so different. New Mexico has the desert, open skies and you can see every star.
Do you want to talk a little bit about your childhood?
I was born in Northern New Mexico. When I was born my mom and I almost died, but we survived. My dad is a photographer. My mom works full time so that we can live a comfortable happy life. It is not like I have a whole lot to say, I’m just grateful for everything I have in my life.
I saw that you won this New Mexico Film Office’s Give Back Fund. Could you tell me more about it?
I was in a film programme at a community college and I was given a couple thousand dollars scholarship for some work I was doing in the film programme. Basically I was trained to write and plan an animation.
How would you describe your past experience with art, as compared to the current?
I think in the past I would create so that I could separate my thought and my feelings and my memories from where I really am in order to understand and process the world that was going on around me. Now it is less about being removed from the situation, but being present in the situation and just seeing what come out of it. It is generally more of an open and present approach to life.
What kind of music inspire you? Which artists (can be visual artists or musicians) inspire you and why?
I find the people who put everything into what they do without wanting any praise are the ones that I think inspire me.
Who is one artist you would somewhat aspire to be?
I love Reggae, and blues music.
And any artist who is doing their art for themselves and not for other people’s approval, I would admire.
