Iyshly Chen, SWAYE Artist, created a piece called “Stay a Little Longer” for the SWAYE September Issue. Matthew Chen (Founder, Editor-In-Chief) interviewed Iyshly to learn about her artistic process, inspirations, and goals.
Q. What kind of art do you do?
Iyshly: Art I usually do is traditional. Specifically painting with acrylics and oil paints. I also do water color, color pencils, and graphite.
Q. How and when did you become interested in it?
Iyshly: It started when I was young, I was signed up art lessons to expand my skills. I was introduced to many different types of mediums and from then on I stuck with them and continued with art outside of my lessons.
Q. How do your family and friends play apart in you pursuing your art?
Iyshly: It was all thanks to my family that I still get to continue this passion of mine. I’m thankful my family was always very supportive of my art and helped push me to the best of my capabilities . I have a little sister that also loves drawing so I guess you can say that I influenced her as well.
“Because my family aren’t familiar with art, I surrounded myself with friends that can share the same interest as me and it helped boost my confidence.”
Q. Why did you join SWAYE Media?
Iyshly: I joined SWAYE because of the different unique topics given to us. Each month I got to brainstorm different ideas for my new project. This helped a lot with building my creative skills.
“Since I always had a hard time coming up with a new piece of art, I joined SWAYE in hopes that it would give me some inspiration which it did.“
Q. What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Iyshly: My most memorable response with my art had to be my art teacher throughout my current lessons so far. One of my art teachers have been very encouraging and helpful with a tough piece I’ve been working on for awhile and I’ve been learning a lot of new skills.
Q. What is your process like for writing a piece?
Iyshly: I first start by brainstorming what I want to include in my piece from my personal life and usually go online for some more inspiration. I then sketch out my ideas and test out which medium would looks best with the project.
Q: How is art special to you?
Iyshly:
“Art to me is a special skill I worked for.”
I like to think of it as a special ability. Not everyone’s hobby, talent, or interest is my art. But it’s something I feel as if it’s meant for me. Whenever drawing or painting is involved or needed I’m always glad I can use this skill of mine to help.
Q. Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
Iyshly: A real-life situation that inspired me was probably every time I got to walk in the city at night.
“I’ve done this once with my best friend and it was probably one of my most memorable nights. “
This memory has always inspired me to paint a city night but I never got the chance to yet.
Q. Who or what are your greatest inspirations?
My greatest I inspirations are probably is Wayne Thiebaud and Vincent Van Gough. I love both artworks and had always been inspired by their handwork with oils.
Q. What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
Iyshly: My ultimate goal as an artist is art activism.
“I want to make sure I use my art to the best of my ability to address social issues we are facing in this world. “
I wish to spread my art in hopes of inspiring other younger artists and activist across the country. Another ultimate goal in the future is simply creating a comic or Web-Toon of my own.
Check out Iyshly’s Stay a Little Longer project here.