Dominique Fung
Age: 22
Email: mail@dominiquefung.com
Website: www.dominiquefung.com

1. What type of medium do you work with and explain how you use it? (Paint, design, photography, collage)
In the past, I have experimented with various mediums such as oil on canvas, as well as digital painting. However, as a new independent artist, I felt that my body of work had reached its limit in those particular medias. Instead of conforming to one particular media, I am now using mixed-media on Stonehenge.

My work process begins, like all pieces of art, as a mere sketch. Once my idea has been set, I will scan my image onto the computer and add the necessary details and changes, and then enlarge the image to conform to the scale of the Stonehenge paper. After printing, I will piece together the enlarged sections, and then trace my digital image onto the Stonehenge paper. Once the tracing is complete, I then spray on a fixative to protect the surface from any smudges. I will then add layers of washes in various amounts.

2. What was your main interest in producing this artwork, or is there a statement you wanted to convey?
Some paintings have a more personal meaning behind them then others. Recently, I have been focusing on habitat awareness, concerning plastics flooding our natural environment. It scares me that even within our community, there are still thousands of endangered wildlife due to the lack of recycling. The earth is headed toward a downward spiral due to the pollution. If we do not try to preserve our habitat. Our government promotes that every person makes a difference, no matter how small. Through my art, I’m hoping that I can contribute towards that difference
I think it’s beautiful creating something from nothing. Almost creating a playground for yourself in the world that you imagined. There is something powerful about that.

3. Tell us about your creative process, do you have any rituals, routines you follow? How does your artwork come together? (Do you use found objects, image banks, etc)
One of the most important practices as an artist and this also applies to other fields, is to always explore and to never give up. I find inspiration from found objects, shapes, images, stories, but mostly from the people around me. If inspiration comes, then I’ll draw up a small sketch in my sketchbook. Process is vital, and every artist has ways that they prefer to work in

4. How did you get started with your artistic career?
Ever since I was young, I was always interested in the arts. My family has been supportive from the beginning and wanted me to develop my creative senses. From playing the piano to art lessons, it was always drawing that stuck with me. Starting from my elementary year, I started taking art classes, until the past year, upon receiving my Bachelors Degree in Illustration at the Sheridan College in Oakville.

I believe that formal training does not define the talent of an artist. But I do believe that an education in learning the fundamentals and skills as an artist is necessary. The artwork that I create now does not follow the elements of design to a tee, but due to my thorough knowledge and understanding of art, I am now able to look past the technicalities, and break free from the restrictions.

5. What would you say is one of your greatest accomplishments?
I believe that one of my greatest accomplishments was gaining my independence away from my hometown in Ottawa, Ontario. To be off on my own and to be producing Art as a living is a privilege. For people to understand my concepts and wanting to be a part of what I create is inspirational. Next stop will hopefully be New York or California!

6. Where does your inspiration come from? Or is there any particular movement, artwork or artist you find yourself influenced by?
My inspiration comes from all my surroundings from the simplest things like a rock to giant sculptures and buildings it all has a large impact on what I draw. The environment that I immerse myself in definitely does influence my works. I also believe that a lot of it comes from truly seeing the beauty in everything.

7. How do you see your artwork evolving from now?
My work continues to grow everyday and I’m willing to learn and to adapt new ways in depicting an image. There isn’t a set way that I see my work evolving but I do know that I am passionate about advertising, marketing, fashion and galleries. I see myself doing more print work in the next little while, but also still trying to maintain an organic feel, more so than completely digital. Never stop learning. - IC