Artist Interview: Suci 

Laura: Hi Suci! Firstly, I know you are busy with school and your artwork, so I really appreciate you taking some time to answer my questions for Home of Passion. Will you introduce yourself for anyone who does not know you?

Suci: Hello, thank you for finding me on Instagram! I really appreciate it and I am so excited to be a part of Home of Passion. I really relate and agree with your thoughts on mental health and the vision for the site. 

My name is Suci, and I’m a freelance illustrator from Indonesia. I’m currently studying urban planning architecture at a postgraduate school. In my spare time, I draw as a hobby, and also do some commissioned artwork.

Laura: Your art is very recognizable, yet each piece tells a different story. How would you describe your artistic style?

Suci: My art style is surrealism. Almost all of my illustrations are portraits of women. I also like to use plants and bold colors. My artwork is about storytelling. They contain a story that reflects me and everything surrounding me. I have recently become more aware of the importance of mental health. Especially for millennials who believe happiness can be found on social media. However, social media can make us feel that we are not enough, which makes it really hard for us to accept ourselves. It certainly troubles our self-love and self-worth. These things have been on my mind lately, and I express them in the form of artwork that I share on my Instagram account.

Laura: Your art is beautiful! What mediums do you work in?

Suci: Drawing functions as a medium for me to express myself and heal from past traumas. The tool that I usually use for drawing is an iPad Pro.

Laura: What is your process when creating a new piece?

Suci: The process I use when creating a new piece is to first come up with some ideas. My ideas come to me from anywhere and anything. Mine are often inspired by personal experiences or the experiences of others, music, dreams, and even just looking on social media. After that, I make a rough sketch of the idea while thinking about the color palette that I will be using.

Laura: How does your art connect to your mental health and wellbeing?

Suci: My work is very connected to my mental health and well-being. Every piece of art that I create is a reflection of myself and my subconscious. That means, whatever I’m feeling, the problem I’m facing, or the trauma I still can’t overcome– I express it in my artwork.

Laura: I think that is very clear when looking at your art! How do you use your art to start a conversation about difficult subjects?

Suci: When I want to communicate difficult things, I will describe it with attractive colors or convey metaphors with shapes and patterns that are easily understood. Therefore, I really like surrealist works of art. Let’s look at one of my favorite pieces as an example.

This illustration is titled: Her, Violet and Past. In the illustration, I wanted to communicate a subject which is rarely discussed in general, but most people possess, ones inner child. It consists of a childhood trauma which will then influence who we become as an adult. I describe the inner child, who is embraced by an adult figure or our present self, who is much stronger and more confident. The adult figure is protecting her inner child, who has gone through past traumas. The conclusion that I want to convey through the art piece is about self-acceptance. I believe you can only truly accept who you are when you reconcile and embrace your inner child.

Laura: Who are your biggest influences?

Suci: My biggest influence in my work is Frida Kahlo. I find her truly inspiring, beautiful, and strong. She has created so much amazing art.

Laura: What is your best advice for someone interested in starting to create art?

Suci: Be yourself, don’t be ashamed to express who you really are through your art and don’t stop trying.

Laura: What are you working on at the moment?

Suci: I am working on a coloring book project for adults. It is about healing through coloring. However It’s taking a long time because of my busy life as a student.

Laura: Lastly, for anyone who loves your work as much as I do, how can someone get their hands on your artwork?

Suci: At the moment, the best way to get your hands on my work is by ordering some commissioned artwork, email me at: sucyananda95@gmail.com, or simply DM me on Instagram @sucyananda.

Artist Interview: Suci 

Laura: Hi Suci! Firstly, I know you are busy with school and your artwork, so I really appreciate you taking some time to answer my questions for Home of Passion. Will you introduce yourself for anyone who does not know you?

Suci: Hello, thank you for finding me on Instagram! I really appreciate it and I am so excited to be a part of Home of Passion. I really relate and agree with your thoughts on mental health and the vision for the site. 

My name is Suci, and I’m a freelance illustrator from Indonesia. I’m currently studying urban planning architecture at a postgraduate school. In my spare time, I draw as a hobby, and also do some commissioned artwork.

Laura: Your art is very recognizable, yet each piece tells a different story. How would you describe your artistic style?

Suci: My art style is surrealism. Almost all of my illustrations are portraits of women. I also like to use plants and bold colors. My artwork is about storytelling. They contain a story that reflects me and everything surrounding me. I have recently become more aware of the importance of mental health. Especially for millennials who believe happiness can be found on social media. However, social media can make us feel that we are not enough, which makes it really hard for us to accept ourselves. It certainly troubles our self-love and self-worth. These things have been on my mind lately, and I express them in the form of artwork that I share on my Instagram account.

Laura: Your art is beautiful! What mediums do you work in?

Suci: Drawing functions as a medium for me to express myself and heal from past traumas. The tool that I usually use for drawing is an iPad Pro.

Laura: What is your process when creating a new piece?

Suci: The process I use when creating a new piece is to first come up with some ideas. My ideas come to me from anywhere and anything. Mine are often inspired by personal experiences or the experiences of others, music, dreams, and even just looking on social media. After that, I make a rough sketch of the idea while thinking about the color palette that I will be using.

Laura: How does your art connect to your mental health and wellbeing?

Suci: My work is very connected to my mental health and well-being. Every piece of art that I create is a reflection of myself and my subconscious. That means, whatever I’m feeling, the problem I’m facing, or the trauma I still can’t overcome– I express it in my artwork.

Laura: I think that is very clear when looking at your art! How do you use your art to start a conversation about difficult subjects?

Suci: When I want to communicate difficult things, I will describe it with attractive colors or convey metaphors with shapes and patterns that are easily understood. Therefore, I really like surrealist works of art. Let’s look at one of my favorite pieces as an example.

This illustration is titled: Her, Violet and Past. In the illustration, I wanted to communicate a subject which is rarely discussed in general, but most people possess, ones inner child. It consists of a childhood trauma which will then influence who we become as an adult. I describe the inner child, who is embraced by an adult figure or our present self, who is much stronger and more confident. The adult figure is protecting her inner child, who has gone through past traumas. The conclusion that I want to convey through the art piece is about self-acceptance. I believe you can only truly accept who you are when you reconcile and embrace your inner child.

Laura: Who are your biggest influences?

Suci: My biggest influence in my work is Frida Kahlo. I find her truly inspiring, beautiful, and strong. She has created so much amazing art.

Laura: What is your best advice for someone interested in starting to create art?

Suci: Be yourself, don’t be ashamed to express who you really are through your art and don’t stop trying.

Laura: What are you working on at the moment?

Suci: I am working on a coloring book project for adults. It is about healing through coloring. However It’s taking a long time because of my busy life as a student.

Laura: Lastly, for anyone who loves your work as much as I do, how can someone get their hands on your artwork?

Suci: At the moment, the best way to get your hands on my work is by ordering some commissioned artwork, email me at: sucyananda95@gmail.com, or simply DM me on Instagram @sucyananda.