Cultural Roots and Artistic Growth in Los Angeles
Initiated and organized by The Bridge Arts Foundation, the 'SOLILOQUY' Open Call Exhibition is currently being held at The Scholart Selection Gallery in San Gabriel, California, and will run until August 17th, 2024.
Bridge Arts Foundation's Art Director, Tia Xu, engaged in a conversation about the exhibition and art with several artists participating in this exhibition. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with artist Vionna Lam.
—— Q&A ——
Tia Xu: Could you please share your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in art?
Vionna Lam, lost., 2023, Acrylic Paint & Oil Pastels, 24 x 30 in (60.96 x 76.20 cm). Photo courtesy of artist.
Vionna Lam: I am a Chinese-American, born in Westminster, CO. My parents moved to America when they were just children and are immigrants from China and Vietnam. I do have some Vietnamese in my genes, but my family is mainly of Chinese descent. Currently, I have lived in Los Angeles for 7 years. I came to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film industry because there was a lack of Asian representation in the shows I grew up with, and an even greater gap in Asian-Americans working in the Entertainment Industry. Entering film school not only honed my filmmaking skills but reignited my passion for creating art. It provided numerous opportunities to pursue art as a potential career path. Currently, I work in the Art Department for TV & Film, achieving the milestone of having some of my artworks featured in a TV show. This journey has propelled me to expand my artistic horizons, curate my own art gallery exhibitions, and explore diverse facets of the Art & Film industry.
Tia Xu: What does "SOLILOQUY" mean to you, and how does your artwork explore this theme? Can you tell us the story behind your artwork from the exhibition?
Vionna Lam: To me, Soliloquy represents a journey of self-discovery—a quest to understand who we are and our purpose in the world. It's a process of learning and growing through life's challenges, discovering our aspirations and desires. The artwork "lost." delves into the complexities of my mind during a period of self-exploration, where I sought to reconnect with myself. I grappled with understanding my emotions and why I felt adrift in the world around me.
Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your art, and could you explain your choices?
Vionna Lam: In terms of materials, I use a variety of items during the preparation stage. From acrylic paints to oil pastels, masking tape is particularly useful for delineating each aspect of my artwork. It serves as a foundational element that guides the direction of my creative process. I strive to maximize the use of leftover acrylic paints and diluted paint scraps in my work. Additionally, I enjoy repurposing old thrifted picture frames as canvases, using whatever materials I have on hand to bring my artistic visions to life.
Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: Are there any artists or art movements that have had a significant influence on your work? If so, why?
Vionna Lam: I truly admire the artists Iain Andrews and Bijijoo. They both have drastically different techniques and styles, but both serve as inspirations for how I create my art. Iain Andrews amazes me with his use of elements from classic children's literature and art history, which he combines to create impactful expressionistic artworks. On the other hand, Bijijoo is incredibly skilled, utilizing a wide range of mediums and techniques to produce highly detailed works. These two artists have taught me a lot about technique and the exploration of creativity through various styles and trial and error.
Tia Xu: What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your artwork?
Photo courtesy of artist.
Vionna Lam: I aim for the audience to find hope and contentment when viewing the artwork, and to realize they are not alone in their feelings of being lost. My hope is that they will come away with an understanding that we are all continually discovering and learning about ourselves. It's natural to feel adrift at times in life, but it's okay; it's part of being human. Above all, I want the artwork to instill hope that these feelings are temporary, and that brighter days lie ahead.
Tia Xu: Are there any other series that you are currently working on? Would you mind sharing them with us?
Vionna Lam: I am currently working on a new exhibition series titled "Vee’s Cosmos: 3 Stages of Space". This series represents three significant stages of growth in my art over the years. Each stage marks a journey that has contributed to the development of my artistic style and ability to create more dynamic pieces. The phases—Initially, Operational, and Exploration—serve as expressions of important moments in my life and how they have influenced the evolution of my art.
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
ABOUT OPEN CALL EXHIBITION PROGRAM
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
Bridge Arts Foundation's Open Call Exhibition Program is designed to provide support for early-career artists. The "SOLILOQUY" Open Call Exhibition has thoughtfully selected 18 talented artists from over 500 submissions, employing a selection process that involves art professionals. "SOLILOQUY" opens from July 13th to August 17th, 2024.
ABOUT ARTIST
Vionna Lam
Lives and Works in Los Angeles, California
Vionna Lam a.k.a "Vee" is a Los Angeles-based abstract artist who has an eager passion to create interconnecting pieces of their thought process into a visual work. She graduated with a degree in Film Production which led her to move further into the Art side of the Film Industry. That leads to connecting art and film for her to fully express storytelling in the style of art.