By Iris Lee and Michael Singh
What has propelled you into pursuing the arts?
I knew I wanted to be in the arts in some way, shape, or form at a very early age. I originally majored in theatre during my undergraduate studies, but I was always making collages, painting, and drawing in my student apartment. It was really when I was introduced to the work of Yayoi Kusama and started teaching art workshops during my last year of college that I knew I wanted to pursue art. And as I’ve understood the importance of cultural representation in visual media, that has really informed and strengthened my journey.
Can you provide some insight on the artistic mediums you prefer working with? And are there any cases where you've merged or experimented with different materials?
Right now, I prefer working with oil paints and gouache. I’m trying to grow as a painter this year. Colored pencils are also a favorite, and I love using water-soluble inks when working on printmaking projects. My early collage works merged graphite drawings with collage and a recent gouache painting merged watercolor pencils and acrylics together.
Specifically, as an artist who creates collages, where do you draw inspiration from, and do you have any advice for emerging artists for finding their own sources of inspiration?
An overarching theme in my work is putting an emphasis on the importance and beauty of cultural representation. My initial collection of vintage National Geographic magazines had photographs of subjects from all over the world, spanning from Africa to Asia to South America. My inspiration comes from subjects I feel aren’t highlighted enough and putting them front and center. I would encourage emerging artists to find what resonates with you, what you feel it’s important to you and what you connect with. If it matters to you, it will matter to your audience.
What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
I enjoy the messiness, the sense of play, and the research for subjects or photographing and arranging objects for a reference photo for a drawing or painting. I love those initial stages of a project where the concept is just starting to develop. I also enjoy the actual process of executing the piece. One of my favorite things about oil painting is putting on a well-loved playlist and just taking the time to mix all your colors. It’s meditative and enjoyable for me.
Your pieces in our latest issue both have very distinct color themes. Is this an intentional choice, or did it come naturally?
My approach to color in my collages is usually very intentional and occasionally inherent and intuitive. I like a uniform color scheme and leading with one dominant color, pattern, or complementary color scheme.
What is the most important message/theme you want to convey through your work?
The main theme in a bulk of my projects is to highlight the beauty of different cultures by centering them as the main subject. I want to showcase melanin, showcase traditional and regional clothing, and put subjects who are often used as supporting background characters as the main focus—to reclaim the inferiority white supremacist constructs project onto our bodies.
What are some potential future projects you are planning on pursuing?
2025 is my year of pursuing growth as a painter. I’m trying to paint more and create more work in oils and gouache, respectively. I’m also launching a humor podcast with my sister called Singhcronicity, and I would like to exhibit my work more.
Do you have any words of wisdom to relay to aspiring artists?
Keep at it. Be consistent and proactive about submitting to opportunities to show and publish your work (after you’ve created a substantial amount you feel proud of). It took 5 years of creating various installments of my collage series before I finally submitted pieces to publications and exhibitions. It took 5 years before recognition, and there are still mutual acquaintances who don’t take me and my work seriously. Make the work anyway, follow the opportunities even when you may not have an audience—they’re out there!