Blue Chan arrived at the Taipa Village Art Space with a smile that matched her gentle personality. A local illustrator and comic artist, Blue associates her collection in the exhibit with Macau, the place she calls her home and heart. Showcasing watercolor and Japanese paper collections, her artwork invokes the temperature of the city. Both warm and cool colors of the mid-summer are portrayed on her concept and design. While somewhat minimalistic in appearance, the sights in the historical location stir poignant emotions of childhood, fantasy, and adventure. Blue Chan’s perspective on Macau heritage, architecture, festival, culture and leisure scenes reveal sublime sentiments that will surprise anyone.
When did you realize that you wanted to become an artist?
When I was little, I loved drawing cartoons. I loved drawing so much that it became my passion. I then studied Graphic Design because I wanted to be in the arts and expand my knowledge. I drew many different styles and I had diverse comic book influences that paved way for my artistic path.
What inspired this collection at Art Space?
Each of the art pieces is inspired by the special locations that I have visited and of course Macau, my home. They comprise different topics and the art pieces are intertwined. It features a series of artworks based on a Chinese legend. The story is animated and imaginative. I added characters to it that portrays adventure and love and this one is special because it depicts a mother’s love specifically. Each of the watercolor artworks depicts a journey based on my personal experiences. Every time I travel and I do so often with my friends – I come home and get inspiration to create something. It evokes happy memories from our trip.
What inspired the Macau collection in particular?
These ones are all free hand drawing and if you can see it adds a silhouette of Macau’s initials. I love the old buildings of Macau and a great source of many of my creative ideas.
Who or what influenced your passion as an artist?
My friends played a crucial role in my creative journey. I joined a comic association and I acquired many new friends who shared the same love for the arts. They were a diverse group of influences where I learned many new things. It was quite an important stage of my life.
What’s the greatest challenge of your art life?
It takes some time to create a masterpiece. From concept to drawing and executing your vision, that takes time. I cannot live without drawing. It’s part of my inner being. Sometimes I can draw better than speaking out something. It’s my favorite form of expression. I love drawing than saying things out loud.
What do you love most about the city?
The old and new buildings of Macau portrayed in my drawings is what I love the most about it. I love the 10 Fantasia area located in St. Lazarus Parish. It’s a haven of creativity. I really like to visit Coloane. It’s relaxing to sit beside the sea and reflect on many things and be inspired.
What would you recommend to a visitor in Macau?
I would recommend for them to try authentic Portuguese and Chinese dishes and explore the streets of Macau. They should definitely visit the Taipa Village because it’s a great location to really have an insight of everything about the city.
How about an advice to someone who wants to venture on the same path as you?
I would say continue to pursue your passion and explore different styles. I suggest finding inspiration by traveling more and acquire more ideas. Seeing new exhibition and artworks by different artists as well is really integral. Movies and music are intertwined with arts so it’s good to be exposed to everything.
The Taipa Village Art Space is currently showcasing Blue Chan’s creations until September 30. Illustrating a number of scenes deeply associated with her travel journey, her perspective on Macau heritage, architectures, and cultural factors reveal her idyllic emotions allowing the audience to truly feel the temperature of the city. The Art Space is open from 12nn to 8pm daily except Mondays.
My Macau by Blue Chan:
Taipa Village Art Space 10 Rua Dos Clerigos, Taipa, Macau, +853 2857 6118
10 Fantasia at St. Lazarus Parish
