Victor Wang Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory member provides some fascinating insights into his practice and experience as a realism artist, as he responds to the questions below:
- What piece of advice do you have to unlearn to get to the next step in your art career?
- If the child version of you could see you now, what do you think would say/think?
- How do you approach the challenge of staying motivated and inspired in your art practice?
- How do you differentiate yourself and your work from other artists in your field?
What piece of advice do you have to unlearn to get to the next step in your art career?
I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts with intensive traditional training. I often heard, ‘You are a good realistic painter’ or ‘You are a very skillful artist.’ However, these compliments can be a trap that holds an artist back. Evolving often requires periods of experimentation that may not fit neatly into an established ‘brand.’ Maintaining this mindset helps me break out of my comfort zone, take risks, and continue exploring.
If the child version of you could see you now, what do you think would say/think?
My younger self would be so happy to see that I’ve achieved my dream of becoming the artist I always wanted to be. I remain curious, and I am still trying to figure things out rather than pretending I already have all the answers.
How do you approach the challenge of staying motivated and inspired in your art practice?
Mentally, I remind myself that challenges are a part of life; without challenge, there is no creativity. I go to my studio every day even when I do not feel inspired. Ironically, inspiration usually arrives after I start working, not before. I maintain my curiosity, as it is a renewable fuel.
When I feel stuck, I return to drawing from life studying value, edges, and structure or I look at great art for inspiration.
How do you differentiate yourself and your work from other artists in your field?
My aim has been to differentiate my practice by moving beyond traditional paint application methods, embracing heavy impasto in a manner akin to a sculptor working with clay. I also differentiate my work through intent and depth. In my figurative and portrait pieces,
the focus is on achieving a quiet psychological presence, rather than a dramatic effect.
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