We welcome Vivian Wang as our featured artist for August! She'll be at Click for West Seattle Art Walk Thursday August 10th, 6–9pm. We got to ask her a few questions to learn more about her world in 2D/3D line making.
How would you describe what you make?
The prints I’ll be showing at Click investigate how we perceive and interpret space. I created compositions of interweaving lanes that are accented with an arrangement of lines. I endeavor to push how the viewer sees this illusion of dimension. Their eyes would navigate the intertwined lanes, following the arrangement of lines into the depth of the print, but also find the flat areas of color to contrast that dimensionality as their eyes are drawn back to the surface.
Can you tell us about your favorite piece in the current collection?
Widmanstätten II would have to be my favorite piece in the current collection. I’m a firm believer in art that slowly reveals itself the more time a viewer spends with it. I feel like Widmanstätten II does that. At first glance, the panels form the larger composition of the lanes bending and folding through space. However, as I look at the piece longer, I start noticing the nuances of each panel and how the patterns of the lines change between them, or how there’s areas where the carving of the lines slipped slightly and creates a moment of perfect imperfection.
If you could collaborate with anyone (living or not), who would it be and why?
Yuko Takada Keller: she makes these beautiful installations with tracing paper and wire that, while being ethereal, create such a dynamic presence. It would be a dream come true to collaborate with her on creating an installation that transforms my two-dimensional works into a three-dimensional work that viewers can walk through and experience.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
To step away from a piece I’m working on every now and then, so that I can come back to it with fresh eyes. Sometimes, If I’m feeling the momentum and am reluctant to step away from the studio, I’ll cheat by closing my eyes and turning my back to the piece, then turn back to the work and see what areas call out for attention.
Can you describe your favorite part of the process in your work?
My favorite part of the printmaking process is the moment after I’ve pulled a print through the press, and I’m lifting the paper off of the plate. There’s almost an adhesion between the paper and the plate from the tackiness of the ink, and I love the sensation of slowly peeling back the print.
When you are in the studio, what are you listening to?
Right now, electro swing! The music definitely keeps my energy up all day and may involve some dancing around the studio.
What is your most treasured handmade possession?
I am incredibly sentimental towards handmade items that my loved ones make for me. Often times these are seemingly simple and random drawings on scraps of paper or origami items, but are mementos of times we spend together. My most treasured item is a miniature rose my mom folded for me from a chocolate wrapper.