June Ni

A: How long have you been a member of the guild and on the guild board? 

J: I became a member of the guild in the summer of 2022 and later, in April 2023, I joined the board.

A:What do you do/ have done in your role? 

J: I am the web manager. I re-developed our website in May 2023, and since then, I've been maintaining it by regularly updating information on new members, upcoming shows, and new programs.

A: Why did you join the guild?  

J: I joined the guild to engage with the vibrant art community in Charlotte, and connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for creativity.

A: When and how did you realize that you are an artist?

J: For a long time, I hesitated to call myself an artist. Then one day, I had a realization – being an artist is not merely a title; it's a permission we give ourselves to pursue what we truly love.

A: What is your medium? 

J: I primarily create digital paintings using tools like iPad, Apple Pencil, and Procreate. Lately, I've been experimenting with incorporating AI into my creative process. When I crave a change from digital tools, I switch things up by painting with watercolor, oil, and acrylic from time to time.

A: What is your art about?  

J: My art is a fusion of Eastern and Western influences, intertwining ancient culture with cutting-edge technology and capturing the beauty of landscapes marked by imperfect wabi-sabi cracks. I seek to make you think and encourage discussions on various topics, creating a space for meaningful dialogue.

A: What is your method of producing art work?   

I collaborate with AI to generate an initial draft, refining and enhancing it using Procreate. The final pieces come to life when I print them onto high-quality canvas. I then layer on textures, embellishments, and finish the artwork with a protective varnish.

A: Do you have a studio space? 

J: Yes, I have a studio in my home.

A: How much time do you spend creating art? 

J: The amount of time I spend creating art varies; it's all about the inspiration for me. There are moments when I can work tirelessly day and night on a series, and other times, I focus on gathering inspiration through different activities.

A: What are some of the things you do to promote your art?

J: I promote my art through various channels, including my website, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Additionally, I showcase my work in local exhibitions and gallery to reach a wider audience.

A: What advice would you like to share about the creative process, selling art in Charlotte or anything else?

J: My advice is to stay true to yourself throughout the creative process, practice patience in the journey, and always cultivate gratitude for the opportunities that life presents.