Interview with Flo Oy Wong
Poet, Artist, Educator
https://flooywong.ddns.net/
Top 9 Q&As with Flo Oy Wong
What inspired you to become an artist?
Flo: Growing up in Oakland's Chinatown, I was surrounded by vibrant colors and sounds. The hustle and bustle, especially during Lunar New Year, with lion dancers and firecrackers, created a colorful palette that captivated me. My journey as an artist began with the deep impressions of this environment.
How did your upbringing influence your work as an artist?
Flo: My childhood in Chinatown, my family's restaurant, and the immigrant experience significantly shaped my artistic expression. It was a complex upbringing with many cultural expectations and languages, and art became a way for me to explore and express my identity and emotions.
What challenges did you face pursuing a career in the arts?
Flo: The biggest challenges were societal expectations and financial constraints. I didn't tell my parents initially, as they prioritized labor and traditional roles over artistic pursuits. Additionally, finding the balance between my teaching career and art-making was a personal struggle.
Did you have formal education in art, or are you self-taught?
Flo: I am largely self-taught, though I took classes at De Anza College and Foothill College later in life. My early influences were my siblings, who were naturally talented artists. I learned from their creativity and later developed my skills through community college courses.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Flo: Trust yourself and your intuitive center. Honor your feelings of longing for authenticity and self-expression. Don’t let fear or societal expectations dictate your path. Be patient with yourself and embrace the process of discovery and creation.
Can you speak to the financial realities of being an artist?
Flo: Being an artist can be expensive. I initially supported my art through my teaching salary. Later, I learned about grants and received funding from various organizations, which was crucial in sustaining my career. It’s important to be resourceful and seek out funding opportunities.
What advice would you give to parents of aspiring artists?
Flo: Be close but don’t impose or dominate. Encourage your child's artistic interests without trying to control them. Let them explore and find their path. Find your own passions as well, so you’re not solely focused on dictating your child's journey.
How has your identity as an Asian American woman influenced your art?
Flo: My identity as an Asian American woman is central to my art. Growing up in a community affected by the 1882 Exclusion Law and the experiences of immigrants, I felt a strong need to tell our stories. My work often reflects the complexities of being an outsider while navigating multiple cultural worlds. It’s about finding my voice and helping others see the beauty in our shared struggles and histories.
9. What role does resilience play in an artist’s journey?
Flo: Resilience is everything. As an artist, you face many challenges, from financial struggles to societal expectations and self-doubt. I believe in the power of perseverance—never giving up, even when the path is unclear. It’s about continuing to create, push boundaries, and express yourself authentically despite the obstacles. Resilience allows you to grow, learn, and ultimately succeed in your creative journey.
Full Interview with Flo Oy Wong
Certainly! Here's an expanded version of the concise interview with Flo Oy Wong that provides more depth to her experiences and insights:
Expansive Interview with Flo Oy Wong
CATS: Hello, Flo. It's such a pleasure to have you with us today. You have had such a remarkable career as an artist, poet, and educator. To start, can you tell us what initially inspired you to become an artist?
Flo Oy Wong (FW): Thank you, Leanne. I’m delighted to be here. My journey as an artist began in Oakland’s Chinatown, where I was surrounded by a vibrant community filled with rich colors, sounds, and stories. Growing up, the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, especially during celebrations like Lunar New Year, captivated me. I was drawn to the energy, the lion dancers, the firecrackers—these vivid experiences stirred something inside me. It wasn’t just the visual feast but also the emotional landscape of being a child of immigrants. Despite the challenges, there was a profound beauty in the community’s resilience, which inspired me to express what I saw and felt through art.
CATS: That’s fascinating. Your background in such a culturally rich environment must have provided a unique perspective. Can you share some of the defining moments in your artistic journey that shaped you?
FW: One of the most significant moments came when I was 75 years old, working as an artist-in-residence at Rooftop School in San Francisco. At that point, I had already been an artist for over 30 years, but this experience was transformative. Working with children and witnessing their openness and enthusiasm for art was incredibly inspiring. It reminded me of the importance of nurturing creativity from a young age, especially within Asian Pacific American communities, where traditional roles often overshadow artistic pursuits. This experience reaffirmed my belief that art is not just a form of expression but a vital part of our cultural and personal identities.
CATS: It sounds like that experience was a real turning point. Speaking of challenges, what were some of the obstacles you faced while pursuing a career in the arts, particularly as an Asian American woman?
FW: There were many challenges, both personal and societal. Growing up in a traditional Chinese immigrant family, the focus was on survival, hard work, and maintaining family unity. Art wasn’t seen as a viable career path. I didn’t even tell my parents when I first started pursuing art seriously because I knew they wouldn’t understand or support it. Financially, it was also difficult. I initially funded my art career through my teaching salary, juggling full-time work while trying to develop my art on the side. There were also societal biases to contend with—being a woman and a person of color meant that my work was often overlooked or undervalued.
CATS: You’ve clearly overcome a lot of hurdles. Did you pursue any formal education in art, or are you primarily self-taught?
FW: I am primarily self-taught. I took some art classes at De Anza College and Foothill College much later in life, where I learned various techniques and explored different mediums. However, my true education came from life experiences and the influence of my siblings. My sister and brother were both talented artists, and their creativity deeply inspired me. I learned by observing them and experimenting on my own. Formal education gave me some technical skills, but the essence of my art comes from my lived experiences and personal exploration.
CATS: That’s truly inspiring, Flo. Given your journey, what advice would you give to aspiring artists, especially those from Asian American backgrounds?
FW: Trust yourself and your instincts. Being an artist is about embracing your unique voice and experiences, even when they don't align with societal expectations. Many Asian American families prioritize practical careers, and it can be challenging to break away from that mindset. But it's crucial to honor your creative desires. Be patient with yourself, embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Also, find a community that supports and understands you. Art is not just a solitary pursuit; it’s about connecting with others who share your passion.
CATS: That's such valuable advice. Can you speak a bit about the financial realities of being an artist? How did you manage, and what should aspiring artists be prepared for?
FW: Being an artist can be quite expensive, especially when you are just starting out. I was fortunate to have a teaching career that allowed me to fund my early art endeavors. Later, I learned about grants and started applying for them. I received funding from organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts, which was incredibly helpful. My advice to aspiring artists is to be resourceful—look for grants, residencies, and community support. Networking is also crucial. Build relationships with other artists and organizations that can provide support. It’s about being creative not just in your art but also in how you sustain your practice.
CATS: You’ve mentioned some misconceptions about being an artist. Can you elaborate on what you think are the biggest misconceptions?
FW: One of the biggest misconceptions is that being an artist isn’t a ‘real’ career, especially for women or those with families. I faced this bias even when applying for teaching positions—they assumed I would leave once I had children. There’s also this romanticized idea that artists are just dreamers, not realizing the hard work, discipline, and dedication that goes into it. Another misconception is that you must have formal training to be a successful artist. While education can provide valuable skills, true artistry comes from passion, persistence, and a willingness to explore and take risks.
CATS: That’s a great point. What advice would you give to parents who have children interested in pursuing the arts?
FW: Support them, but don’t impose your expectations. Encourage your child’s artistic interests without trying to control their journey. Let them explore, experiment, and find their own voice. It’s important for parents to recognize that a career in the arts can be just as fulfilling and viable as any other profession. Be involved, but also give them the freedom to make their own choices and mistakes. It’s a delicate balance, but fostering a supportive environment where they feel free to express themselves is crucial.
CATS: That’s such thoughtful advice, Flo. As we wrap up, I’d love to know—what gives you hope as an Asian American artist today?
FW: Diversity and equality give me hope. I see a growing recognition of the importance of diverse voices in the arts and a push towards more inclusivity and representation. There is also a stronger community among artists of color who support and uplift each other. This sense of solidarity and the increasing opportunities for Asian American stories to be told inspire me to continue creating. We have so much to contribute, and I believe our voices are more important than ever in shaping a more inclusive and understanding world.
CATS: Thank you, Flo, for sharing your incredible journey and profound insights with us today. Your story is truly inspiring and provides so much wisdom for aspiring artists and their families.
FW: Thank you, Leanne. It’s been a pleasure. To all the artists out there, remember: never give up on your creative journey, no matter how challenging it might seem. Keep creating, keep questioning, and always stay true to yourself.