Artist Highlight: Arty Guava

“I draw people dancing in response to the confinement imposed by the pandemic, in the hope that we will soon be free again one day” - Arty Guava

We are absolutely buzzing about introducing the tropical and fun work of the fabulous Arty Guava to the East End Prints community. We caught with Joyce to chat about all things creative and finding inspiration in your surroundings. You can read the interview below or click here to explore her eclectic collection of art prints.

Let’s start off with a little bit about your background. Where are you from originally? I was born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, and worked in Singapore for 9 years before moving to Vancouver, Canada with my family end 2018.

What was it like to grow up in Malaysia? Do you go back to visit often? I try to go back at least once every year. I had an idyllic childhood growing up in Penang, Malaysia. Malaysia is a multicultural country and I had many friends from different ethnic backgrounds. It was especially fun when we get to experience different religious/cultural festivals like Eid, Lunar New Year, and Deepavali. There are also many mouth watering delicacies that I really crave and miss. I am deeply rooted to the country despite living abroad for many years.

What is a typical day in the life of Arty Guava? Typically, my son will wake me up at around 7ish to make him breakfast. I will then get ready for work which starts at 9. From 9am - 5pm, I’m pretty busy with my graphic design job, taking breaks in between to prepare lunch and if possible a quick walk around the block. After 5, I’ll prepare dinner and clean up the house which is usually shambles after day of self play by a 5 year old. After dinner, I will play with my son or watch cartoons with him to unwind. Illustrations start after he goes to sleep at 8.30pm. I try to do drawing for an hour or 2 before I call it a night and prepare to go to sleep.

When and how did you become interested in illustration and design? Art has been a part of my life since I was young. My mom used to tell me that the easiest way to keep me occupied as a kid was to get me colouring books. At around 10, I started taking art classes and I did so for the next 5 years. As I got older, my parents discouraged me from pursuing art as a career and so I ended up with degree in Bioengineering instead. By then, I've completely given up on art and didn't create anything for many years. However, I couldn't shake off my art calling. 

A year after graduation, I saw an opportunity to take night classes to pursue a diploma in Multimedia Design. I decided to take the course with the intention of making a career change to design at the end of it. After I graduated, I took on a job as a graphic designer and the rest is history. I discovered that people could actually make a living doing illustrations and was inspired to draw again in my mid-twenties. After many years, it was extremely gratifying for me to finally hear my dad telling me that I made the right choice to switch my career to art/design.

 

Above: Flowers Lemon Papaya and Fruit Balancing Act both by Arty Guava

We love your bold and playful style, where do you draw your biggest inspiration from? I drawing visual inspiration mostly from my idyllic childhood in Penang and my Asian cultural heritage. I often create in my illustrations, things that I find lacking in my own personal life. I draw sunny sceneries because I am living right now in a place that is always raining. I draw women hanging out together because I miss hanging out with my old girlfriends. I draw women lazing around doing nothing because I'm always busy and I don't really have the time to just do nothing (full-time working mom with a 5 yr old boy). I draw people dancing in response to the confinement imposed by the pandemic, in the hope that we will soon be free again one day. 

What are your passions outside of the studio? I love taking a slow walk in nature and watching anime.

What's your earliest memory related to art? First museum visit or first artwork that really caused an impact on you?I’ve always been intrigued by all things Van Gogh. I find the colours and textures that he used very mesmerising.

Where did you go to school and what did you study? I got a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioengineering from the National University of Singapore

We can see that you now live in Vancouver, how do you find your inspiration in the city? Vancouver is a very vibrant art city. You can find murals everywhere around the city painted by artist from all around the world and from different backgrounds and ethnicity. I’m often inspired by all these different point of views that are being presented by the artist as street art. It encourages me to stay curious and to really develop an appreciation for all different kinds of aesthetics and styles.

Do you have any exciting upcoming projects for 2021? There is clothing collaboration coming up, some packaging projects and a pro-bono project for a non-profit. Stay tuned for the reveal.

We can also see that you design in a variety of forms, from prints to clothes to murals, which would be your favourite to design? My favourite would be to design prints for clothing. Clothing affects my mood, and since my art is mostly about being joyful, I feel really happy whenever I wear something I designed. 

Quick Fire Questions:

The best beach you have ever been to? Sanur Beach in Bali

Malaysian food or Canadian food? Malaysian Food

Hot weather or cold weather? Hot weather

Name three songs currently on heavy rotation in your studio when it is time to get to work.

Fool, Frankie Cosmos 

Dancing in the Moonlight, Jubël 

Pair of Wings, Frankie Rose