Meet Susie Ang | Visual Artist, Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susie Ang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susie, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a child, I probably got bored with my toys that I spontaneously doodled on the giant wall with crayons. Growing up, even now as an adult, I feel there’s something about the creative process which always intrigues and scares me. I think it’s the uncertainty which keeps me going and makes me feel there’s something worthy waiting at the end of the tunnel. I can say creativity gives me a sense of surprise and purpose I need in life. The art itself gives me a kind of joy and fulfillment, if not always satisfaction.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I had a painful breakup with art for 9 years so making a comeback wasn’t easy. I even had hard times deciding if I should do traditional or digital, and if I should do commercial or fine art. I was so clueless but one thing I was certain that I wasn’t into becoming part of the trend and mainstream. I thought if I wanted to go back, I had to do it hard and right, to embrace both the pain and joy of my creative process. I thought this way my work would narrate my personality and my consistency of it, despite my constant imperfection. I also believe this attitude will make my work be more understood and objective, as I believe in the stories and contexts I put into them. This way I believe my work will go beyond the style and aesthetic, to have more values, to evoke, and to serve whatever their good purposes in the landscape.

I don’t really give much thought on which style my works should fit into, as the stories are what matter most to me. I’d rather explore the possibilities and keep my options open instead. I love to work with concepts and narratives. I’d also love to explore other areas such as children’s stories or fictions in which imagination lives most.

I wrote more about my comeback story on the link below. You’re welcome to read.
https://medium.com/@saucersusie/finding-my-way-back-to-art-after-9-years-of-breakup-186363333a16

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What a fun question to answer! I’d definitely take them to Singapore’s Chinatown first. I’m a big fan of the gentrification areas especially Kreta Ayer and Keong Saik Road. There are many interesting places of the traditional-meets-modern style to visit and explore. The fact that I’m also a big fan of books makes Bras Basah Complex at Bugis and every local library my top favourite spots to walk around and kill time. As for culinary, my options are always the old fashioned and healthy ones such as herbal soups which you can find at many districts. My all-time favourites are beancurd and grass jelly drink at Rochor or Balestier Road. You can tell that I’m such an old soul.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This may sound weird but I’d like to thank Covid for giving me the opportunity to realise my potential. I’d never pick up art again if I wasn’t locked in my unit and got to find something to ease my anxiety. I’d also like to thank my architectural background for giving me the direction to find a kind of approach which suits my personality and artistic voice. Having said this, I’ve been admiring Sir Peter Cook from Archigram for his thoughts and works. I’ve also been greatly inspired by Ronnie Tan, a prolific Singaporean artist and designer, in thousands, if not millions of ways.

Website: www.susieang.com

Instagram: @saucersusie

Other: https://medium.com/@saucersusie

Image Credits
Susie Ang