Marisa R Ng: Painting her own reality
Women In Art
Marisa's artistic journey started when she was at the lowest point of her life. A trip to an island sparked something in her and when she picked up that brush to paint, she never looked back. In the words of Frida Kahlo, "I don't paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality." And that's exactly what Marisa did.
Eve Writes | 31 July 2019
"Some birds are not meant to be caged.
Their feathers too bright, their song too sweet and wild."
Written by Stephen King, this quote reminded us too well of Marisa R Ng, a passionate and fervent artist whose love for the abstract arts knows no boundary.
She described herself as a misfit, the one who is somehow always different - she was the one who ran zigzag when everyone else runs in a straight line. It was awkward at times and perhaps difficult because Marisa went through self-doubt since she felt she didn't quite operate like others.
But in her doubt she found determination, in her floundering she found her fortitude.
Now Marisa is an amazing artist in her own right. With her 4th solo exhibition back in April and being part of numerous group shows around Malaysia, Marisa finally found her playground that she can run free without anyone telling her it's the wrong direction.
Marisa has always been one of About Eve's favourite Women In Art. The last time we were able to have a chat with Marisa was back in February, during a charity art exhibition "Painting From The Heart." So it was great catching up with her again recently during her group art exhibition show, Painting and Empathy, happening at Nadine Fine Art in PJ.
For our readers who are art lovers, here's something about Marissa.
What are you main inspirations?
I take inspiration mostly from personal life experiences...people around me and my travels. My artistic journey began most unexpectedly at a time when I was at my lowest point. It's completely clichéd to say "artists are tortured souls," but the truth is that we are able to reach into our deepest depths to express how and what we - and others - feel inside.
A trip to Kapas Island in Terengganu after 15 years proved that to be so true. Inspired by the very essence of Kapas, I found myself painting - and a world of wonders revealed its soul to me. It was then I began to realize that not operating like the normal people around me or society at large, doesn't make me wrong.
What usually goes through your mind when you paint?
The very technical aspect of painting, striving towards balancing all the elements of art and design and at the same time processing memories that bring about various feelings. Don't like to paint when am sad or angry, though.
Do you have a ritual before you start painting?
Yes. Declutter work area. Arrange my oil paint tubes according to colour groups.
What are your must-have items in your studio?
Turpentine and linseed oil, need them to dilute my oil paints to whatever consistency I fancy.
How do you know when your painting is complete?
When it meets the elements and principles of art and design and am happy with what I see.
How has your career as an artist developed since you first started?
Its come a long way since I first started. There is visible progress in terms of the development of my artwork over 9 years . And I'm glad that I have a decent track record to show that I am consistent in producing and exhibiting my work to the public.
1. If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?
Ellen DeGeneres.
2. Best way to decompress and destress?
A massage or nice soak in a warm bath.
3. Vanilla or chocolate?
Vanilla
4. What makes you smile the most?
Baby pictures of my son
5. If you could meet one artist, from past o present, who would it be?
Too many lah hahaha... ok ok
Past - Kazuo Shiraga
Present - Christine Aye Tjo
6. Who do you admire?
My late grandfather. I miss him...
7. What's your favorite book of all time?
Not a reader!
8. What's the priciest thing you've ever splurged on?
A pair of heels in my early 20s and a holiday in Dec 2018.
9. What’s your favorite ice-cream?
Vanilla. Boring. I know haha :-)
10. To be or not to be...?
Ah.. Hm.
11. If your life is a song, what song would it be?
At one point of my life:
She's just a girl and she's on fire.
Right this moment: Need to dig deeper
12. Describe yourself in three words.
Emotional. Dreamer. Good listener.
13. What is the best thing that happened to you so far this year?
2019 - my artworks are well received in Jakarta :-)
14. What is something you can't live without?
Clean underwear. Showers.
15. What's your kind of music?
Nothing from this era, but rock and all sorts from the past is ok....
17. What's your favorite artwork?
a. Tubuh Lima Waktu by an Indonesian artist in Bandung cant remember his name.
b. A giant Angel's wing sculpture by Filipino artist..also cant recall his name. Its feathers made from slippers of Singaporean inmates.
18. Whose artwork would you like to have in your home?
Also too too many on my wish list hehehe
19. Tea or coffee?
Tea
20. Day or night?
Day
21. Love is...
When I have to explain what is on the spoon...how to chew it...how to swallow it for EVERY SPOON when I feed my grandma who has dementia...3 to 4 meals every day without losing my head :-)
22. Your idea of happiness.
FREEDOM. And my own dream family that I have always wanted and still wanting lol
