Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Ouk.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chris. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I arrived in the United States as a refugee of war when my family fled the Khmer Rouge in 1979. We could have gone to many other countries, but my dad chose America. He knew about Elvis and he liked it that it was a big place. We first settled in Santa Ana, California but after a year or so we moved to Long Beach, California. Life in Cambodia was different. The Khmer Rouge abolished everything including schools so I had never even held a pencil until I was seven years old. It was on my first day of class that I discovered my passion. I was given a piece of paper and a pencil.
As the pencil between my fingers moved to create lines, so did something else inside me.
I realized that I could make a world, any kind of world I wanted by using these two things in my hand. It was a quiet kind of happiness. Something deep inside me echoed. It was like tasting a new food for the first time. I knew right then that I was compelled to pursue this connection somehow. I spent many days and years just doodling in class. I did my schoolwork too [a little bit – when I had time]. I am mostly self-taught, but in my sophomore year in high school, I took a drafting class. My teacher really helped and encouraged me, and I excelled in the class, it was just natural for me.
I am inspired by life, people and landscape. My art technique is a combination of the street art I grew up around and I am also influenced by Khmer culture.
Venice Beach came to me via my sister who was a student at UCLA. I remember my memories of visiting her and going to Venice Beach for the first time. All the art inspired me and all I could think about was moving here to pursue my own dreams of being an artist. I am living that dream now and hope that I am inspiring others to do the same. I feel very lucky and humbled that people enjoy my work and honored that they are taking them back to many different parts of the world.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think very few artists have a smooth road. And I am no exception. My whole life has been a struggle. I think it is a positive thing. I’ve learned a lot from it. If you get everything you have ever wanted without an effort it’s not a challenge – you become immune to it.
I tell you this because we have to share our experiences, our challenges with each other – it is what makes us who we are, and it is how we connect. I grew up in not the best of environments. Some things that you learn are not taught but by observing. You see with your eyes what you can and cannot do.
You can easily get distracted by your surroundings. You’ve got to have a focus or you could get involved with the wrong people. I grew up moving around a bit – I don’t really know where I learned the most.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is painting – doing art. I have made art with a studio and without one. I specialize in anything that has to do with being creative. I have done murals, works on canvas, and on paper – it’s the process. I’ve done storyboarding and architectural design using AutoCAD. I worked extensively with ink on watercolor paper for a while. I used washes and developed my calligraphy; my lines.
At first, it was hard to afford art supplies so I would use whatever I could get my hands on, things people gave me; ink, graphite, paper, acrylics, watercolor, spray paint, markers etc.. – the medium isn’t as important as the action of creating. I am known for my line work, my calligraphy, and using a variety of colors. A few years ago I returned to using more color and I add elements of markings and dabs within the color and the line.
I’m proud that I’ve been around for this long, built clients, maintain a living through my art. And I hope to keep going for a very long time. My main thing is my connection with people. Through my art I’ve made friends, I met my girlfriend through. I think it’s given me more than any other job could ever have.
What sets me apart is this; I can say that there are so many talented artists out there who can do great things – but I push myself harder – I don’t sleep very much – I’m constantly thinking of new ideas and concepts for my art. I can wake up in one city and a different one the next day – I’ve done that. The dream is free – hustle sold separately.
Having talent is one thing; it’s what you do with it – plus I enjoy what I do so it’s not even like work (well sometimes it is). Like anything in life, what you put in is what you get out. To be around and stay around; you have to put in work. I chose this path, so now I must strive for it.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I like the different cultures, sharing their art, food, music, fashions – everything. This city took us in when we were in a really bad place. I love the people here, the diversity.
The city can tear u down as well. It can give you so much opportunity but it can leave you stranded too like a boulevard of broken dreams. It can consume you. It is so highly competitive, which is a double-edged sword. This city is known for the industry; artists, actors, musicians. You just have to be yourself and somehow stand out. But It’s beautiful here; the beaches, the people, the architecture, the nightlife, the opportunity, and so much more.
Pricing:
- 4×6 prints on wood $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/wikidcanvas
- Phone: 310-625-5564
- Email: wikidcanvas@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/wikidcanvas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/wikidcanvas
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/wikidcanvas
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
