An inspiring and relatable Artist Parent interview with Ivan David Ng @ivandavidng, an artist from Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Tell us about yourself?
I am an artist, teacher and mum. A few years ago I tried to write an artist' statement in the clearest form possible, it is simply 4 points and perhaps is a good way to introduce myself: 1. My work as an artist is entwined in my teaching - making to learn and to share 2. My small home is my studio, and out of constraints of time and space my work is a celebration of resourcefulness 3. Taking the pleasure of making as my core motivation and my environment as my subject: flowers on our table, plants in our window box, people that surround me 4. The often small-scale, seemingly provisional works are accumulating and record my life - the life of an artist.
It is important to note that since writing this I now have a studio space (also very tiny) but feels like the universe to me.
How has being a parent had a positive impact on your artistic practice?
When I became pregnant with my son I knew that I wanted him to know me as an artist, and I had to take that very seriously for me and for him. It took me a long time to find the man that I wanted to have a child with - who I wanted to spend my life with. The father of my son is the person who I felt deeply saw me and celebrated the gifts I have. He gave me the words and wisdom I needed to find to help me focus on my practice and stay focussed. My son - since the day he was born - motivates and inspires me. My son was born an artist: a boy who is intensely sensitive, curious, and intelligent.
What are the challenges you have faced in your artistic practice being a parent?
Being a parent makes you grow up in ways that didn't even know existed before. I never felt that the challenges of this learning took anything away from an artistic practice, it only strengthened my determination and belief in a way of life. Art - for me - is life.
Any advice for other Artist Parents and how they can continue to nurture their practice?
My immediate thought is not to ever believe that there is one way to be an artist. There is not. Fame is never to be sought. Making your own rules is key. Be true to yourself and your values. I learned this from my Mum who was a special needs teacher when me and my sister were growing up. The school she worked at taught me that teaching can be love and the work she made as an artist taught me that it can be made on the kitchen table.
Is there anything else you would like to say, share or promote?
I have been thinking about remaking a poster I made some years ago that is simply a drawing with the text 'Don't Ever Stop Drawing'. I think this is a message I would like to leave with.
Thank you to Ivan for sharing his story and thank you for reading. If you would like to read more stories or for your work to be shared then follow and tag @artist_parent on Instragam.
Uploaded 3rd December 2024