Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Ko.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m an artist who didn’t believe she was an artist at first. As a child, I had a couple of creative outlets like singing and playing the piano. But I didn’t attend art school or take after-school art classes. I thought getting straight A’s in school was more important. But I knew I was a little different because I didn’t want to just do what everyone else was doing. I knew I had immense passion for whatever I set my mind to. I knew that I wanted to teach. I knew that I wanted to inspire others to be creative and not be so restricted like I was growing up.
Fast forward to May 2016 when my grandmother passed away. She was a watercolorist, and her late husband was also a painter. I wanted to honor her memory by just trying out watercolor and see if anything would come out of it. What started as a side hobby blossomed into a business by July 2017. And now I also do modern calligraphy and teach in-person workshops and online.
Please tell us about your art.
As a watercolorist and modern calligrapher, I love to create artwork that merges the two art forms. I enjoy creating personalized gifts like wedding vows, a painting with a favorite quote, etc. I also do just paintings and just calligraphy works. But I love it when I have opportunities to do both. My style is pretty fluid and loose. Although I do enjoy botanical painting (a style where nature is depicted in scientific accuracy), I find more creative freedom when I paint loosely, when I can interpret nature in my own way.
When I create something for a client, or even when I’m teaching, my hope is that the viewer will feel a kind of fresh air. To look more closely at the words or painted subject represented. To find rest, even hope. To pause for a moment and know that the world is a beautiful place. I know that’s a lot to ask for, but I truly believe that art has that kind of power. And the more we have opportunities to create and share art, the better our world will be.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
In a general sense, the role of artists has not changed. Artists have always been about creative freedom, spreading awareness, and making the world a more beautiful place. The style has changed. Some media are more popular than others. But the overall purpose of artists has not changed.
I think like any other art form, the status or the meaning of an artist may have changed. With the spread of social media and access to millions of tutorials, almost anyone can pick up a brush and call themselves an artist. While I don’t have a problem calling even the most beginner painter an artist, they themselves might feel like they’re not “worthy” of that title. And I say, who cares? If you’re creating to spread hope and beauty, then you’re an artist. If you’re creating to release the inner creative in you, then you’re an artist. You may not be exhibiting in museums or selling your work. But if your overall goal is to create beauty, then you’re an artist.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website and Instagram are the best places to see my work.
Website: https://www.thingsunseendesigns.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thingsunseendesigns
I also teach online on Skill share, and you can use my link to get your first two months of membership free:
Skill share: https://www.skillshare.com/r/user/thingsunseendesigns
Finally, I’m on Patreon because at this point, I’m not a full-time artist. But I hope to be soon. And with your support, I can become a full-time artist, and fulfill my hopes and dreams of publishing my first book which will be a series of paintings of native plants of the Midwest.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thingsunseendesigns
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thingsunseendesigns.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thingsunseendesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thingsunseendesigns
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/thingsunseends
- Other: www.skillshare.com/r/user/thingsunseendesigns
Image Credit:
Jasmine Norris Photography
Meghan Marie Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
