Blossoming Insights of an Artist’s Journey

by Phoebe Z., Grade 9

Spring is the season of rebirth. Burgeoning buds, flourishing blossoms welcomes new life to a fresh chapter of creativity and artistry. How can you channel your talent into a realistic future career as an artist?

The Artists Society of Singapore announced their 2025 art publication: Blossom. On 23^rd March 2025 at 3pm the organisation held the opening ceremony for their Grand Art Exhibition, lasting a total of 7 days, until 30^th March 2025. The Buchhof Bulletin interviewed Wenjin (Ardis) Jiang, a featured artist in this publication, commenting on her journey as an artist, navigating through the complex facets of this exceptional career.

Buchhof Bulletin: When and why did you decide work as an artist?

Jiang: I started painting in 2021. I didn’t think much about it at the time. I simply thought that I was good at it and that I should do what I enjoy as a career.

Buchhof Bulletin: What inspire your current style and painting techniques?

Jiang: It was my teacher who encouraged me to try my current oil painting style. He discovered that I had my own unique approach during my extensive sketching practice. Therefore, he urged me to apply these defining characteristics of pencil sketching in oil painting.

Wenjin (Ardis) Jiang. Untitled. 2023, pencil on paper, Singapore.

Buchhof Bulletin: What was the greatest challenge on your journey to becoming a full-time professional artist?

Jiang: The biggest challenge I faced was finding balance between exploring my unique style while still complying with the preferences of the public. For instance, the public prefers smooth, blended brush strokes of realism and photo realism pieces or textured, emotive, more abstract depiction of light in impressionism and expressionism. However, my style lay somewhere in between, making it difficult to retain my individuality without mimicking the current trends.

Wenjin (Ardis) Jiang. Untitled. 2023, pencil on paper, Singapore.

Buchhof Bulletin: What do you wish for people to take away from your artworks?

Jiang: I hope that through my art, people will be able to think of how beautifully God created this world and be in awe of it. Nature, architecture, still life and other elements of our world radiate grace which I wish I can capture with my artworks.

Buchhof Bulletin: What are your future dreams?

Jiang: My future dream is to inspire people to restore their reverence for God through my works.

Wenjin (Ardis) Jiang. Untitled. 2022, pencil on paper, Singapore.

Buchhof Bulletin: What do you think is the most valuable asset to possess in order to be a successful artist?

Jiang: I personally think that to be a successful artist, the most valuable quality is to be indifferent to fame and fortune, and to remain humble even when you become successful to make your achievements permeant and long-lasting.

Wenjin (Ardis) Jiang. Rhyme of Flowers. 2024, oil on canvas, Starnberg, Germany.

Buchhof Bulletin: If you had to give some advice for aspiring artists, what would it be?

Jiang: Being an artist is not just about success, but the process of creating artworks, which in my opinion, is the most beautiful thing. Keep going, be consistent and resilient. I’m sure that you will find your place as an artist.

Wenjin (Ardis) Jiang. Downtown Alley. 2024, oil on canvas, Starnberg, Germany.

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