@terysdigitalstudio

Instagram: @terysdigitalstudio

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

I am a Chinese-South African currently living in Cape Town. Currently, I am a 5th year medical student studying at Stellenbosch University. I started experimenting with digital art in April this year. As a result, I created this instagram page, so that I can connect with more people around the world that love and appreciate art. You can find me on Instagram @terysdigitalstudio. 

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

I would say my aesthetic is minimalist with a whimsical twist. I really love to include elements of nature into my art- Sea creatures, the ocean, the moon, waves. They're all things that remind me of my childhood. In my art you will also see some elements of traditional chinese culture, because I want my art to tell the story of my culture and heritage. 

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

Despite doing most of my drawings digitally, my favourite medium is still watercolour! I love how watercolours blend into one another and spread along the grooves of watercolour paper- That is something that I think we cannot replicate with an ipad. 

4. What is your artistic process like?

I always draw in the mornings. Usually I sit with my cat and a cup of coffee and just let my mind take form in a character that makes me feel happy or at ease, then I slowly add details such as patterns and simple shapes and forms to make the character come alive. Sometimes I draw portraits too, they're mostly from reference images I find on pinterest and I try to modify them as much as possible to suit my personal art style. 

5. Who and/or what inspires your work? 

I've always been inspired by my chinese culture and heritage. I think that there is definitely more meaning to art when it tells a story about who you are and where you come from. Through this platform I've also met so many other talented artists whose work I frequently share on my stories! You'll see them if you visit my page. They inspire me every day. 

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

When I sit down to draw, I enter my own inner world, everything else around me quiets down. I stop thinking about the noisiness of life, the to-do-lists for my day. You can say that what I experience from art is what others might experience with travelling, it's both mentally rejuvanising and relieving at the same time. 

7. Where did you study?

Stellenbosch University in Cape Town.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

That's a great question! I will be working as a doctor in 5 years time. I imagine myself working on a ship or somewhere overseas, so that might be my 5-year goal. I'll definitely have a dog in 5-years time though, that's for sure.

9. What about in ten?

Hopefully be able to have a tiny personal art and photography exhibition. I don't need to have a huge audience, I would simply like to showcase my 10-year art journey to others. It could even be at an art shop. I think that would be a dream come true. 

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I think ultimately I want my art to tell a story of who I am. I want my art to showcase all the beauty I see in the world through my eyes. 

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

That's a tough question- I'd probably say any Japanese cuisine! I especially love their rice dishes like Katsu don and Oyakodon. 

12. Favourite book?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho! I'm actually reading it for the 3rd time now. 

13. Favourite genre of music? 

Korean Indie R&B/Jazz 

14. What are your hobbies? 

Besides art? Probably sleeping (Fun fact: I sleep 9-10 hours a day. Sometimes I wonder if I was a koala bear in my past life.)

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

Well, if not a doctor, probably an architect!