Interview
Phyllis Chua
Phyllis Chua is a surface pattern and scarf designer from Malaysia, who has settled down in Taiwan.
She has a deep interest in nature, derived from her parents. Phyllis’ father is an expert in orchid cultivation, while her mother is a tailor. This wonderful combination nurtured her to become the great creator that she is.
On August 2016, Phyllis began a beautiful adventure, and the Phyllis van CHUA brand was launched. Phyllis’ scarves integrate nature's vitality and ingenuity, and a personal style of classical elegance.
The creative work keeps Phyllis full of passion, and creates unlimited possibilities!
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Although I graduated from the Department of Anthropology at the National Taiwan University, I wasn’t set on becoming an anthropologist. Instead, I was fond of color and design of patterns. When I got the opportunity to travel to Europe and the U.S., I visited different countries and explored the diverse cultures. All these filled my mind and left me looking forward to worldwide beautiful colors, hoping to share them with more people.
I love nature, and I love collecting nature’s treasures. Due to the influence of the family environment in my childhood, I turned from hand-painted creation to surface pattern design, and indirectly became a surface pattern designer. I use digital printing to present my creation in life, to enhance the value of my work, and at the same time, achieve the combination of art and life.”
“It’s a very happy and fortunate thing to be an artist, because I can share the meaning of my works with the public. My work helps me convey positive energy, hope, and good wishes. This is my greatest wish, and it was my original intention for becoming an artist.”
What inspires you?
“In addition to what I saw and felt in my father’s orchid garden as a child, Eastern and Western cultures, travel, arts, and anthropology also gave me a different worldview.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Flowers and trees have always been my inspiration. I believe that plants can definitely bring positive energy, spiritual healing, joy, hope, and blessings to people. Besides plants, I also like to paint winged animals, especially colorful butterflies and parrots. The concept comes from the evolution of humans who have limbs and a creative brain, but lack a pair of wings to fly. Also, I’m even more eager to have a pair of wings that can fly freely and colorfully.”
“Through the colorful flowers, this image tells of the abundance of the inner world; from the stacking of leaves and flowers in the background.
It’s like the accumulation of life experienced both day and night to produce a rich outlook on life.”
How would you describe your work?
“I’m good at using watercolor and technical pen to create on watercolor paper. A hand-painting style can better present strength, trace and temperature. Sometimes plant rubbings are used to show the richness and layering of the work. In addition to these methods, I also use collages to tell the inner stories.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There are many artists who have influenced me: Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Alfons Maria Mucha, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Sir Cedric Lockwood Morris, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Georgia O’Keeffe, Hannah Gluckstein. There are also artists I follow on Instagram.”
What is your creative process like?
“My pattern design creative process is methodical, especially for surface pattern design. First, I sort out the source of inspiration, make a mood board, and have clear elements and colors. Then I start to create on watercolor paper, and then scan it to the computer for pattern arrangement. I think editing patterns is a very interesting part. I can share everything about life and make people who see the work resonate.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The changes in the world and the development of science and technology have had a lot of impact on artists. Today’s artists need a lot of knowledge: how to market, package, increase exposure opportunities, which platforms are suitable for the works to be exhibited and sold, and even the popular NFTs. No matter how the world changes, my original intention for art will never change. At the same time, I hope to cooperate with brands around the world in the future, and send out vitality and good wishes to the world.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve enjoyed showing my works through various exhibitions as listed below.
Solo Exhibitions:
2020 - Fantasy Garden. Pattern Print Design Exhibition by Phyllis Chua. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Art Curio Cabinets. In Hsin Chu City, Taiwan.
- Flying among Flowers. Phyllis Chua Pattern Print Exhibition.
- Garden City Bookstore. In Taipei, Taiwan.Joint Exhibitions:
2020 - Asia Illustrations Annual Awards Art Exhibition. In Shanghai, China.In Shanghai, China:
2019 - Taiwan Pattern Design Festival. Invisible Peacock. Song Shan Cultural and Creative Park. In Taipei, Taiwan.Awards:
2020 - Asia Illustrations Annual Awards.
2019 - Taiwan Pattern Design Festival – Invisible Peacock.”
