My Artistic Journey - Cheuk Yan Cherry Tung
My name is Cheuk Yan Cherry Tung from the Class of 2020. I am a visual artist currently based in Chicago. During my undergraduate study at CUHK, I embarked on a transformative journey as an exchange student at Syracuse University for a semester. This experience marked my first venture away from the comforts of family, granting me newfound freedom. Days were immersed in toil at the ceramic studio, with the snowy walk home becoming a routine. However, given that Syracuse was too remote and cold, this experience made me realize the importance of selecting a location with more opportunities. Consequently, when applying for graduate schools, I sought MFA programs situated in major cities such as New York, London, and Chicago. Eventually, the ceramic department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago accepted me.
Financial Burden
Yet, the journey was not without its challenges. High tuition fees and exorbitant rent coupled with stringent visa restrictions created a financial tightrope. As an international student, the avenues to earn income were constricted — I couldn't sell artworks, engage in part-time employment, or even volunteer. Special permission was a prerequisite for off-campus work, a reality that became painfully evident when a prospective buyer, willing to pay $1,900 for my sculpture, had to be turned away due to visa constraints. The financial strain was alleviated by the unwavering support of my parents, enabling me to dedicate all my time to the craft I love.
Art Sale
The turning point came in November 2022, during the SAIC Holiday Art Sale, where, I could legally sell my creations for one day. That night, after I shared the good news of earning $1,000 USD with my parents, I had a nightmare while sleeping. In the dream, I witnessed my artistic aspirations crumble, and the disappointment in my parents' eyes left an indelible mark. Upon waking, tears had stained my pillow, unveiling the subconscious pressure that silently gripped me.
People I Have Come Across
Peers
The environment in the United States is competitive, but at the same time, it is full of opportunities. Students are ambitious, and everyone wants to make a mark in the art world. Most of the students I have met are extremely hardworking. Many local students work multiple part-time jobs to sustain themselves. Whenever they have free time, they pull out their sketchbooks or iPads and start drawing. Artists often face financial challenges, and we need to support each other. After graduating from SAIC, I rented a studio space with my fellow classmates and continued creating ceramics.
Art Residency
In October 2023, I was invited to the Ragdale Art Residency and spent one week with other artists, writers, and musicians who had won the Luminarts fellowship. We shared dinner every night, and the rest of the time was dedicated to creating new works in the assigned studio, strolling in the garden and prairie, visiting each other's studios, and critiquing each other's work. I was so motivated by these talented people who were diligent and passionate about art.
Pursuing Art Opportunities
Securing exhibition chances often relies on personal connections, but an equally valuable avenue is to actively engage in open calls. Explore global opportunities for Exhibitions, Residencies, Competitions, Grants, Fellowships, and Public Art projects. Casting a wide net by applying to numerous art open calls is a strategic move. Standard application components include an Artist Statement, Bio, CV, Proposal, and an Artwork Portfolio. Ensure your artwork is well-photographed, and consider seeking assistance from someone proficient in English to review your application materials.
Rejections are par for the course, and it's crucial to recognize that they may not necessarily reflect the quality of your artwork. Sometimes, external factors like personal identity preferences may come into play. In moments of defeat, I maintain a pragmatic outlook, understanding that success doesn't always equate to personal achievement but may hinge on sheer luck. Perseverance is key; if this year doesn't bring success, gear up for the next application cycle. Consistency can leave an impression on juries or organizers, potentially leading to future opportunities.
My ceramic professor once shared his journey of resilience, applying four times before securing an art residency. Consequently, I tend to focus on open calls without submission or participation fees. While these opportunities are often funded by governments or foundations and may revolve around specific themes like climate change or LGBTQ+ issues, they provide a platform without financial barriers.
However, caution is warranted to avoid scams or vanity galleries that demand participation fees. Inclusion in such spaces might not always enhance your career and could even have a negative impact. Non-profit cooperatives or artist-run spaces charging a reasonable submission fee align more with industry standards, often operating on a fifty-fifty sharing model, with no charges if the artwork remains unsold.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I firmly believe that perseverance and patience stand as crucial virtues in the realm of art. Unlike other professions where resignation or termination may occur, the artist's journey is defined by a continuous commitment to the craft. Ceasing to create art is synonymous with forfeiting the title of an artist. The financial strains often faced by art graduates push many towards alternative jobs, causing a gradual halt to their artistic pursuits. Surprisingly, the cost of creating art need not be exorbitant; a drawing requires only a pencil and paper, and performance art can be executed with nothing more than the artist's body. The true investment lies in time and effort.
As an emerging artist, the road to success in the art world remains uncertain, but my commitment to painting and sculpting is unwavering. While the destination may be unclear, the journey itself is a testament to the enduring spirit of creation.
Bio
Cherry is an award-winning artist who received 2023 Luminarts Visual Art Fellowship and 2023 James Nelson Raymond Fellowship. She has exhibited in Hong Kong and Chicago in various venues such as the CSI Project Space, SAIC Galleries, Ruschman Gallery, John David Mooney Foundation, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
