Today we’d like to introduce you to Dora Wang.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I always love doodling. When I was very young, age 2-3 maybe, I could sit quietly for a few hours only if I had my crayons and paper. I just naturally look at the world with visual thinking. For example, when I was in the primary school, students were required to recite texts in English classes. Most students would recite the text after they figure out the meaning, while I just saved the whole pages like PDF files and kept them in mind. When I was asked to recite, I actually read the pictures not caring about what it really was. This was wonderful for me because I could recite the text faster than my classmates. However, the bad thing was that I forgot what I had read soon after the tests. I focused on drawing in the senior high school when I decided to transfer to an art-oriented school. And indeed, I became more joyful of my life boarding at the school. In my last year of high school, I came to America from China and finished my high school in South Kingstown High, Rhode Island. Thankfully, I took an AP Art class and joint Mrs. Sarboro’s art studio. She was such a good art teacher that she opened a door to the artistic world to me and reinforced my decision to learn art. Then I applied for Massachusetts College of Art and Design and came to Boston. I was not quite sure about what illustration was about until occasionally I went to an open house and ran into the illustration studio. I was so attracted by the students’ work that in the second minute I decided that illustration would be my pursuit for the rest of my life. In college, I met Professors Scott Bakal, Linda Bond, Wesley Bedrosian, who helped me greatly, classmates who learned together, and more importantly, illustration major is such a great community, full of love. I am very grateful for my growth from over the past four years’ study at MassArt. I’m now enrolled by the MFA Illustration graduate program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. From September, I’ll explore the art in a new community. I’m looking forward to the new challenge.
Please tell us about your art.
My illustration can be used for various purposes. I have illustrated children’s books, designed packaging materials, CD covers, home décor, greeting cards, promotion posters, and personal commissions. I also made some pins for my friends before graduate. I believe that art can improve people’s lives and make our world more colorful and beautiful. When I create a new piece of work, I always try to convey the truth, goodness and beauty messages. I am mostly inspired by the Nature and my experiences and imagination. Other artists’ work may also inspire me and create flashes of ideas. Illustration is an art of communication, it is important to convey messages form the image. I hope my audience can sense the emotions in my work and figure out the messages.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
When in college, my professor told me, as an artist, there is no right or wrong, but presentation. Artists have different styles to express themselves. Everyone is unique. I think the most important thing as an artist is to know who you are, what your story is, and how to express yourself. I’m not quite sure if life become easier or harder for artists. But what I’m sure of is that as an artist, you have to enjoy what you are doing and be passionate for it. You have to strive for a visual work that seems simple and understandable to a five year old yet may not be that simple in the meaning for a fifty year old. Good art is communicative for people with different origins. I think art fairs and event will definitely help local artists. A good example in Boston, SoWa Open Market has a weekly Art Market. And huge thanks to Boston Voyager’s interview, it is also a great way to know local artists and their work.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The best way to see my work is to visit my website: www.dorawang.net
I would appreciate any sponsorship by donating to my graduate study fund or purchasing the art pieces listed on my website. All of them are originate designs and with limited copies. You may also support me by surfing my website and recommending it to your friends via social media, or by sharing a comment on my art pieces. Any responses from my audience are important to me, good or bad. I would also welcome any cooperation possibilities. Please contact me at info@dorawang.net
Contact Info:
- Website: dorawang.net
- Email: info@dorawang.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dooora_w/
Image Credit:
Eva Loh
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