The visual artist embraces spirituality, intuition, inclusiveness. Her art makes peace.
Lavender Yi Tong Dai Photography
Lavender Yi Tong Dai is a Chinese contemporary visual art student studying at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Lavender started to pursue her art studies at her age of 16. She is interested in sharing her conceptual perspectives through painting and photography and enjoying making artwork at the school studio. In Lavender's art practice, she hunts for a sense of affection and tenderness. Currently, it is the second year of her study. She has three major beliefs in art that is art should not be defined, life is the foundation of art, and that art is the lubricant of life.
Karry Ka Yi Hon
Hi Lavender, thank you for coming. Please, can you describe yourself and what you do in three sentences.
Lavender Yi Tong Dai
It is my pleasure! I am an international undergraduate student majoring in contemporary visual art. I also consider myself a painter and photographer. My artistic practice comes across with capturing banal life moments and expressing abstract ideas through digital narratives.
“Both my life and art attitude is Romanticism. That says life is all about a violent and intensive aesthetic experience.”
KH
What is your attitude towards art, and what does it mean to you?
LD
From most people's perspectives, and even mine, art is ever a remote concept. There is no truth but significance in art. Art should speak for itself, and there is no "true interpretation" in art. Art is the epitome of life, while life is the structure of art. Life will definitely lose its temperature, and people will also live as machines and be dropped into the repetition of discretion once art is absent in life.
KH
What themes do you pursue in art?
LD
I am particularly interested in exploring the correlation between art and humanity. Topics include art and social groups, the act of creation and art disciplines. Many people live without expectations and goals. They also wear a mask and refuse to bridge with communities in order to protect their true selves. Therefore, I want to coordinate with the social group who was lost in reality while making peace to comfort their loneliness.
KH
You brought a series of photos. Can you tell us more about it?
LD
Why not? (smile) I attempt to express the social phobia and depression that urban people used to have in contemporary society. The materiality reflects social discretion through high saturation and low contrast level. I am stuck to the ultra and intense quality of contemporary tragedies.
KH
That’s true...the images totally drive me into the isolation and desperateness. The work is impressive! Let’s make a bright shift. What is your artistic language?
LD
It is definitely painting and photography! (laughter) I learned various artistic skills such as piano, bamboo flute, and singing in my childhood. However, the only one I adhered is painting.
KH
It seems that you are particularly immersed in painting. Why painting?
LD
Painting is one of the significant foundations of visual art. It is an optimal and romantic medium for me to archive beautiful life moments or sentiments. The application of brushstrokes and paints help leave a trace for our comedies or tragedies on a readable surface, imitating the act of writing our biography.
KH
What subjects do you enjoy painting the most?
LD
I am used to creating works associated with the people I aspired, especially idols. I feel relaxed when sketching them. They are role models and a source of happiness for me, a magic weapon to destruct my chaotic thoughts.
KH
Can you share with us some tips on painting?
LD
Definitely! When working on a portrait, it is crucial to analyze the protagonist's silhouette, body scale, and skin colour before you sketch. Light and shadow also play an essential role in building up his motion and mood. Although you are working on a two-dimensional plane, your observations and implementations help construct the tension.
KH
Tension?
LD
(Laughter)Tension speaks for the character's emotions and stories. Simultaneously, it reflects the painter's intentions and point of view.
KH
That’s true! For a spiritual question, is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
LD
Only part of my artistic life is lonely, but not all. Sometimes I feel exhausted when people do not appreciate my effort and challenge my intention. Despite judgements, I soak into every creative process. I am always an optimistic artist. It would be a valuable opportunity for me to learn to adapt criticisms and seek solutions from failure. Witnessing a final product's birth motivates me along with the creation. I can't tell you how massive the sense of accomplishment and joy I was rewarded!
KH
I am delighted to hear that you are such a vital and affirmative artist! It is truly an honour to have you share your experience and thought with us. Let's conclude with some of your future plans and dream projects, shall we?
LD
Time never stops for artists! (laughter) A few months ago, my mind was also popping up the same question, so it must be cultural and childhood-based memories. Childhood experience projects one's personality and artistic vision. I am curious about how a person's cultural background and growth influence his art-making practices. As I mentioned, I am thrilled by the associations between art and social relationships. Thus, I believe constructing a theme targeting the cultural heritage bridge me to a higher knowledge level of art and social practices. It is also exciting to exchange art ideas and build connections with worldwide artists.
Thank you, Lavender, for your time in being with us today. I believe your thoughtful insights have inspired our audience. We are looking forward to seeing your dream project showcasing in our Audain Gallery.
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