ARTSFOCUS Hamllton Journal ,Wednesday ,March 2, 1988 by Diana Hutton Toronto artist Sik -Yee Wong feels his career is finally picking up steam. After 25 years spent perfecting his style in the ancient art of Chinese painting ,he can now point to several showings around the world that confirm his place amongst the best. Included in his list of personal achievements are: Invitations from the Canadian National Art Gallery, to participate in Expo'86,the Tokyo Central Art Museum, to participate in a joint exhibition of world artists; the Sing sun Art Gallery of Taipei, Taiwan for an exhibitions; Solo exhibitions at Hongkong city Hall, Ottawa and Toronto, as well as Singapore and Indonesia. "I am very pleased to where my career has progressed", he said through an interpreter last week," It is nice to be getting recognition at last". Mr. Wong's most recent works are currently on display at the McMaster University Art Gallery, a sort of warm-up show for an upcoming exhibition in his native China. In May, Mr. Wong will take some 80 to 100 works to China in a number of solo exhibitions that could take up to a year." To be able to go back home in a solo show is a tremendous achievement" he said," For me it represents a tremendous opportunity as well as a great honor".
WESTERN INFLUENCE He immigrated to Canada in 1975 and says he's been influenced by the western art scene. In fact, his recent works clearly show this. "People in China see the mix and they like it" he said. Born in Kwongtung Province,China, Mr.Wong,47, received professional training by two of the great master of Chinese painting. Pak-yui Leung and Professor Shao-an Chao. Their influence, he said, is the cornerstone of his career." They molded me and shaped me". Fascinated by painting and drawing as a child. Mr.Wong said he enjoyed imitating life on canvas.'' Over time, I decided I wanted to be a painter". Though his parents were not artistic, he said they did encourage him to pursue whatever made him happy. In the early days, carving a living from the arts "was a struggle, Hong Kong, Like many places around the world, had no organization promoting young artists", he said," They only recognize talent after someone has achieved national recognition". In 1969, Mr.Wong opened his own studio, Tinlai Chinese Art Studio, in Hong Kong, There he taught the art to students. Upon his move to Canada, he settled inToronto and opened the Karwah Art Gallery, a place to showcase not only his own works, but those of local Chinese artists as well. "I thought young artists inToronto could use the exposure", he said," It is my way of helping them".黃碩瑜與老師
HAND PAINTING Settled into his own studio, Mr.Wong spent much time during those early years in his new home country perfecting his technique. He drew inspiration from nature and used his imagination to interpret what he saw onto canvas. Comfortable with his progress, Mr.Wong ventured into new territory during the early 1980s.He began painting with his hands and fingers and used no brushes, "It is an ancient Chinese technique that I never learned", Mr.Wong said. Eager to stretch his talents, he began experimenting and found new exhilaration in the art." It was a very interesting and exciting development in my career .As an artist, I am now able to trans-form the vision in my mind directly onto paper, There is no tool in the middle obstructing me". Using this method, Mr.Wong says he is better able to accomplish what he sets out to do. He finds his work reflects his emotions more effectively now." I am consistently more satisfied with my works. " Still ,the perfect painting remains elusive." I am satisfied with all the paintings I put on display, but I have yet to paint the perfect picture. I continually strive to do that". Mr.Wong's show at the McMaster University Art Gallery continues through March.
黃碩瑜與老師
范曾與黃碩瑜
范曾題詞