Today we’d like to introduce you to Dodie Sy.
Dodie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was raised in the natural splendor of the Philippines, surrounded by tropical flora and lush forests. At a young age, I had an innate appreciation for natural beauty that led me to start viewing the world through an aesthetic lens. When I turned 13, my family left the Philippines and moved to California, where I had to assimilate to a new environment and find my identity as an artistic immigrant.
My parents were hardworking and industrious. I followed suit and earned a full year scholarship to FIDM to study interior design. Soon realizing I longed for more creative freedom, I left school to pursue floral design. Escalating my artistry from simple arrangements to grand scale events, was proof that I had made the right decision and manifested itself into many industry achievements.
I am never one to sit idle, I soon felt compelled to try a new medium and began painting floral scapes in watercolor. Shortly after my artist friends saw my potential as a painter, they urged me to try my hand at oil painting. I instantly fell in love with the medium and appreciated its vibrancy and it’s ability to be manipulated.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been consistent in the sense that I have always been a creative person. I’ve studied interior design at FIDM, used my artistry to design large events, and then evolved into becoming a self-taught abstract artist. I think the first struggle I encountered was making the leap from being a part-time artist to leaving my event designing career and pursuing my practice full time. It was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make, but I’m so glad I decided to go for it.
For me, painting is an obsession and an artistic manifestation of my emotions. My inspiration stems from something as simple as the nuanced color of a particular flower to a more immersive experience when I travel. I think when you create from a place of authenticity, that comes across in your work and that resonates with your audience. In three short years, I’ve been able to really grow as an artist and work with well known interior designers, high-end retailers, and a few art galleries.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
As a contemporary abstract painter, I specialize in abstract pieces inspired by emotion and color saturation. When I’m in my studio painting is when I am truly free, there are no rules, I have complete freedom to experiment and to document my current emotion or obsession onto the canvas. I’m proud that in a short amount of time I’ve been able to sell my pieces to international and local collectors and garner positive attention from various media outlets.
What sets me apart is a technique that I actually developed through a mistake while i was painting. I was cleaning my paint brushes with mineral spirit and accidentally spilled the jar on a painting i just finished. Noticing how the pigments loosened up and the different colors i used started to bleed into each other. It was that “aha” moment. Over time I have developed a technique to thin oil paints and make them as fluid as possible. This technique allows me to have ultimate control over the dripping and blending that I’m known for. Color plays an important part in conveying my emotions. I get my color inspiration from flowers. They both go hand in hand in composing the initial color scheme in my mind.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I strongly believe that the City of Santa Ana and Costa Mesa are both “Art” Cities. Both have strong patronage and focus on highlighting local artists. From the emerging artist to the established artist. From Classical Art to Street Art. I am fortunate to have established my Art Studio in the cusp of these two cities.
Contact Info:
- Address: 211 E. Columbine Avenue. Suite G. Santa Ana CA 92707
- Website: www.dodiesy.com
- Phone: 949-287-2375
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @dodiesy.art
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