I've spent quite a long time working on this painting. I wanted to capture the vibrant energy of NYC by combining multiple scenes and elements about NYC into a one painting. I got the inspiration while photographing the sky between buildings one day after leaving the New York Public Library. The composition of the photo, passerby as a focal point in the foreground and road leading the viewers' eye deeper into the cityscape, inspired me to use the lines to separate a painting and filled different parts with iconic NYC elements. From there, I began layering in other quintessential NYC elements: two friends chatting at a classic green table in Bryant Park; art in the subway; scenes inside the train; a construction site with its signature green wall revealing a glimpse of more buildings beyond; a biker on the Brooklyn Bridge; a Times Square pedicab, a bagel store, The Halal Guys street cart; the MET; Bushwick's graffiti, and more. I placed these elements throughout the composition – front, middle, back, and the top and bottom. If you pay close attention, you may recognize that the coffee cup on the park table is from Devoción (I should have spent more time drawing the logo). The real challenge came with adding color. I was looking for a vibrant palette while maintaining a sense of cohesion and clarity, which wasn't easy with so many elements vying for attention. This project has been far more rewarding than simply recreating a single photograph. It pushed me to think outside the box and be more imaginative. I'm excited to continue exploring this style and create more multi-layered images in the future.
On my flight to LA, I drew the view outside the window. It was my first time using a laptop instead of my iPad.
I juxtapose the "GAP" logo with the distant traffic signs to envision a scenario where the clothing brand logo wants to switch roles with the traffic signs, similar to a privileged kid who wants to experience the thrill and "fun" of a less advantaged life. I also play around with the brand's name and mission.
Seeing the coffee slowly drip through the filter reminds me of the flow of time. A long day of studying at the library. The moment when I finally stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. People hurrying through traffic lights to make their way home after work. The sun had almost gone. Did we manage to say goodbye? Or, say hi to anyone? Making an (actual) pour-over is a leisure. We can't even have as much control over life as we do to control the quality of coffee. Most often, coffee is merely a companion in the race of life. I got inspiration from a pour over coffee maker and the street scene outside the library to capture the various stages of life. From falling in love, to joining the workforce as a new grad, to prioritizing moments of tranquility as life stabilizes, to relentlessly climbing the social ladder, and, from a higher vantage point, observing the struggles of those still ascending below.
A gift from my partner for Valentine's Day.
A building in the heart of Little Italy in San Francisco's North Beach district.
On the train from San Francisco to Los Angeles, passengers could enjoy a spectacular scenery through the panoramic windows in a sightseeing lounge. Here's where passengers run into random chats with other strangers or find a quiet corner to themselves.
New Ming's restaurant in downtown San Francisco.
I was waiting to cross the street in Japantown and saw a lady waiting at the bus stop.
I visited the Whitney Museum of American Art on a Friday night and read a lot of labels. Arts could be too abstract to understand; the sunset is straightforward.
