High Artist Spotlight: Hay Chhoem
Hay is currently a fine artist and illustrator living and working at Wind of Art Organization (Small Art School) based in Cambodia. He is an admirer of both eastern and western artistic traditional and both these influences can be seen in his unique aesthetic. He creates his pieces with oil painting, a combination watercolor, acrylic ink, pentel color, paper cutting and digital art. He mixed-media works tap into the dual mystique of nature and humanity and pass on the knowledge and skills he has developed throughout his time as an art student more than 10 years and his growing interest in martial art and music. Aside from being an aspiring artist, Hay current goal is to utilize his exceptional interpersonal skills in an artistic. He aspires to become a successful artist, musician and instructor. Hay’s dream is pass on his love for the visual arts, martial art and music to underprivileged Cambodian children through education.
We recently caught up with Hay after High Art 2022 to learn more about his most recent inspirations:
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Where do you find your creative inspiration?
My artwork were inspired by both eastern and western traditional.
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Why do you do what you do?
Because Cambodia used to have a great culture in the part, so I would like to bring it back. By the way, art will save the world, I think.
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What art/artist do you most identify with?
Leonado Davinci, Piccaso, Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Gustav Klimt, Henri Matisse, Rembrandt,Vermeer, Claude Monet and so on.
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What themes do you pursue the most?
The themes I pursue the most is environment.
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What role does an artist have in society?
Creative thinkers and makers provide their communities with joy, interaction, and inspiration, but they also give thoughtful critique to our political, economic and social systems — pushing communities to engage thoughtfully and make steps toward social progress.
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What is your artistic outlook on life?
I think, art provides you with the potential to de-stress and heal more quickly, and spending a few minutes experiencing fine art that resonates with you can positively impact the pleasure centers of your brain and change how you think. Visual art can also be a valuable tool for increasing productivity and your well being at work.
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What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't worry too much about a decision whatever I have to make. Don't try to weigh pros and cons and follow logic. Just do what feels right. Do what I believe would make me and other happy the most.
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Do you listen to music while you are creating? If yes, tell us your favorite song and artist.
Definitely yes, Kiss the rain by Yiruma, Nocturne in c sharp minor by Chopin, Four seasons by Vivaldi, Cannon by Pachelbell, Csárdás by Vittorio Monti...
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What's the best thing about being an artist?
Being an artist allows me to share my art with the world. I can make a difference in the world by sharing my art and my perspective. Art can inspire change, make people feel certain ways, and it can also beautify our world.
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What is your dream project?
Open free art school for underprivileges.
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