About

Art has always attracted me... and I have dabbled in art since childhood. Having travelled to more than 50 nations across 6 continents and lived in 7 different countries, I have come to appreciate not only the beauty of the artistry globally but also the plight of artists around the world in every era -- trying to get their work accepted, staying motivated and true; indeed making ends meet. Fortuitously for me, I'm not in that situation -- neither needing to make a living from art (not yet anyway), nor ready for prime time as a professional artist (again, not yet anyway).

Over time, I've had fits and starts with some modicum of success. The first formal recognition I received was winning the Book Prize for being the Top of my Art class at La Martiniere College in Lucknow, India. Following that, while dabbling in Pastels, my art teacher encouraged me to complete a scenic drawing and entered my piece into a city-wide competition for professional artists -- even though I was a novice. Just a kid then -- but what a jolt! As it turned out, I actually won the Consolation Prize as the Runner-Up.

Many years later in Ottawa, Canada, having been artistically dormant for a lengthy period, I decided to dabble again and this time, I wanted to try Sumi-e, under the tutelage of an inspirational Japanese brush painting sensei, Mrs. Kodama. In a magnanimous gesture, she selected two of my paintings and -- along side mostly hers -- had these exhibited at the Ottawa City Hall. (Some of my paintings are displayed in the Sumi-e gallery.)

After another long stretch of artistic hibernation, fast forward to 2010s, I decided to dabble yet again but this time, I wanted to try Acrylic painting. So, I enrolled at the Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, Canada -- learning new brush strokes & colour mixing techniques from 2 very different, yet engaging artists-instructors: Leigh Bridges and Lori Goldberg. Equally as important, I was also very fortunate to receive much-valued peer encouragement from many fellow classmates; several of whom are now accomplished professional artists, notably Gabrielle Strong. (Some of my paintings are displayed in the Acrylic gallery.)

From then onwards, I have experimented painting different subjects, diverse colour palettes... tried to emulate various artistic styles... influenced by the genius of several classic grand Masters... yet to follow a principal path that suits... though leaning towards Impressionism. Much more to discover, explore & learn.

At this juncture of a protracted, itinerant art journey, I'm told it's not too late to switch & start a new career, an 8th... farewell economics, public policy and business? Intriguing notion -- impoverished student (again) & starving artist! Scary scenario. At the moment though, need to get re-inspired, re-kindle the passion, re-energize the creative mojo... and simply put paint to canvas anew. For now, no need to dabble further but as they say -- just push paint! To the next opus... A suivre.

Ed Wong, BA (Simon Fraser University), MA (Carleton University) -- Vancouver, Canada

(Feb 2012; May 2016; updated July 2021)