Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph (Joe) Chow.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As an admirer of art, I am a “late bloomer” when it comes to actually creating “ART”. Over the three decades, my professional career had been in science (pharmacy) and in corporate business settings. The long career in the restrictive and pressure-filled environments was once exciting and rewarding but had became a life unfulfilled.
After taking an early retirement, I explored next steps options that not only bring me joy but also unfamiliar “works” that allow me to explore and problem solve challenges (still the science in me!).
After exploring other works in design, I chose to “work” in creating art. In particular, I consciously chose to work with watercolor as i am told that it is a challenge to work with the medium. And I was looking for a “challenge”! . And I consciously chose to be “self-taught” as a challenge to myself and to feel free from the rules and formalities of a trained artist. Perhaps, I am doing so to work and be in an environment that is the opposite to my previous career I am now retired from.
My work in the last decades working with watercolor tends to be in abstract minimalist form that are complementary to the modern and contemporary esthetics. Most of my work are inspired by my own life experiences through travels and exploring different environments and cultures.
Throughout my journey, I must also give credit to individuals who recognized my talents and the encouragement and support they provide are priceless.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am lucky in that as an “artist” I was surrounded by art lover friends and acquaintances who are in the business. Their mentorship included their critique of my works and the business aspects of pricing and presenting.
Some of the challenges and “to learn from” are presenting my work to the right audience by choosing the right shows, fairs, galleries etc. to be in. At times, the costs and times invested in can be fruitless.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’d like to think that my work are unique using watercolor as the medium. They present a non-traditional aesthetic that is more complementary to the modern and contemporary.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Likes: the lake and its surroundings small towns and villages. Most of my works are inspired by it. Also, the residents and the people who are visitors. The best feeling is when someone come up to me at a showing or art fair to say they have a piece of original work of mine and how much joy it brings them.
Contact Info:
- Email: joechowspaintings@gmail.com
- Instagram: joechowart
- Facebook: Joe Chow
