Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Cheah.
Yvonne, before we jump into specific questions about your art, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like so many of us, beautiful landscapes, colours and cultures have filled my life and surroundings. My art not only comes from these fantastic people, places, and things but also the different ways we can view and experience the world around us.
It was my good fortune to be born on one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Penang, Malaysia. About four hours south of the Thai border, Penang is called “The Pearl of the Orient” and for good reason. In addition to the intricate and beautiful pre-war buildings built by the British, Penang has stunning modern architecture and an amazing blend of cultures, ideologies and beliefs. Oh, it also has some of the most delicious food ever!!! The blend of British, Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavours, produces amazingly creative and delicious blends of food and spices.
As a small child, I spent my days with my Great Aunt and Uncle in Butterworth. My Great Uncle would take us camping, hiking and fishing. This exposure to jungle flora and clean, soft ocean breezes was the seed that blossomed into my lifelong passion for flowers, landscapes and animals (especially my little Dharma). My Great Aunt’s cooking was not only the best food I’ve enjoyed but also fuelled and inspired me to create happiness meant to be shared with family, friends and neighbours.
Once old enough, I attended the Methodist Girl’s School and would spend my after school hours in the Batik Fabric Boutique managed by my Mum. Batik is a wax-resist dyeing technique celebrated throughout Malaysia for its use of colour and pattern. My favourites were the floral designs worn by the Baba & Nyonya. These Malaysian born descendants of Chinese immigrants from the 15th century are not only my ancestors but also a key ingredient of what makes Penang so special.
Growing up in Penang, with a deep love of nature, culture and life, created a lifelong penchant for beautiful things and inspired my love of travel. Each new place provides a different perspective and set of experiences. Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed living and traveling across the United States. The breathtakingly gorgeous, vast and varied landscapes continue to challenge my perception of colour and form.
While Art has been a life-long love of mine, the decision to pursue my calling came after my move to the United States. Our family was going through several life-changing challenges all at once, including my Mum’s battle with cancer. My father died when I was twenty and now losing my mother to cancer at a time when life was already not easy for my husband and I in California forced a period of self-reflection. It became clear to me what really mattered in life and how I spend mine. I’m an artist! I’ve always been a happy person and few things fill me with as much joy as creating art. It’s been fun to work with a variety of mediums, but all roads seem to lead back to painting.
Happy to say, I have a wonderful life, family, and opportunity to paint here in Dallas. Painting is a source of joy in my life and the chance to share feelings, wonder and perspective through canvas, colour and form, is something I am thankful for every day. My work allows me to share different ways to view and experience the world around us.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is rarely a smooth road and, in many ways, I’m thankful it’s not. For every down, there has been an up and for every setback, there has been a thrust forward. That said, there have been significant challenges in creating, sharing and overcoming preconceptions.
Pushing boundaries and being open to new experiences is fundamental in both my life and my art. In the same way as travel and meeting new friends from all walks of life open the doors to new worlds of perspective, an eclectic yet recognizable style is essential to my work. Unfortunately, many avenues available to share work are looking for artists with a singular style. It can be a valid point of view from a commercial standpoint but also raises questions about the intrinsic value of art. The challenge of creating paintings that reach out in a way that is not for everyone is greatly offset by the opportunity to create something meaningful that is not for everyone. There is a strong emotional connection with each of my paintings to the extent. They are truly a part of me. It makes me very happy to see collectors who have resonated with my work and have chosen selected pieces for their collections.
Probably the greatest reward that comes out of a challenge is being a mother and an artist. It’s not motherhood that’s the challenge, but rather being seen as an artist by vocation instead of as a Mom who paints. No matter who we are or where we come from, there are those who have opinions and prejudices that filter what they see and experience. My choice and my work cling to the notion that we are on the cusp of a golden age where people and art will be judged on their merit alone. It’s my dream to create paintings that move people emotionally and help them experience a sense of happiness and joy beyond their preconceptions. It hasn’t always been the smoothest road, but it’s been a fantastic adventure that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
The purpose, theme, and unique offering of my work is the opportunity to share a sense of joyful calm through abstract and figurative subjects. Painting for me is all about an experience that leads to an elevated sense of happiness. In the abstract pieces, a space for a calm respite is created. The space and how it’s experienced is truly unique, special and meaningful for each viewer of the work. Beyond the colours and composition of the abstract is weightless and still calm creating countless possibilities.
The figurative works are more intentional. The subject and colours provide a chance for introspective happiness and imaginative experience. Inspiration for the figurative works come from both objects that unite us, like the cross-cultural use of vases, as well as geographically specific landscapes and patterns. It is a joy to get feedback from those who have had their own unique experiences, feelings and introspective adventures with these paintings.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Tenacity is the most important trait that has contributed to the successes I’ve enjoyed so far. There is an inner hunger when painting, to push boundaries and introduce new perspectives and elements with a dynamic and unique approach. It’s not enough to simply persevere through obstacles. It’s vital to learn, improve and constantly seek out inspiration. The world really is our oyster and tenacity in our endeavours is how we find pearls.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yvonnecheah.com
- Email: hello@yvonnecheah.com
- Instagram: @yvonnecheah_art
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