Laura-Ann Fung on solid foundation in abstract art

Laura-Ann Fung says that "as a child growing up, I was always intrigued by abstract art with its freely splashed paint and being free from conformity. I have always had a strong support from my parents, which allowed me to develop to be the artist that I am today."

The development has been recognised with awards, as well as inclusion in exhibitions. Fung says, "I have won numerous awards every year, from 2006 to 2010, from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) visual arts competition. I've taken part in the Liguanea Art Festival - in 2008, 2009 and 2010 - and I did group exhibitions with Olympia Gallery in 2008 and 2009."

In 2009, Fung's work was showcased for three months in 'Esoteric Illusions' at the Art Fusion Gallery in Miami, Florida. Her work has also been showcased at the Jamaica High Commission in London for 'Jamaican Art in London' last year.

Keeping a connection with music, Fung says "the Berhane Selassie Art Gallery had it's grand opening in early 2010, in which I was honoured to be a part of showcasing my art for several months along with my famous Bob Marley painting."

"Apart from exhibitions, I've been featured on RETV, TVJ's Smile Jamaica, JIS, PBC TV and 93FM News Talk," she said.

The Gleaner: How long have you been in this field?

Lura-Ann Fung: Eight years. Since I was 11 years of age, I began to paint continuously. I never began to sell my art works until late 2009.

G: Where have you studied?

LF: I am a past student of Hillel Academy, but I am a self-taught artist.

G: Why this career path?

LF: I would not say it's my definite career path. I do want to pursue other interests as well. However, this will always be with me and I will always paint and produce artwork.

G: How was the process when you first started in this field?

LF: When I first started out, getting into the art world was not the easiest thing. In the past two years, I have accomplished a lot by getting acknowledged through various media, such as newspapers, radio stations and television interviews. It was more of a fun journey, and it has never been a stressful one. I have come a long way, but I still have a lot more to learn and achieve. The process is still ongoing.

G: What are you currently doing to further develop your ambitions for your career path?

LF: I'm currently in the process of applying to universities in order to develop my abilities and knowledge. Presently, I'm working on a T-shirt line featuring my art. Also, I have already started my designer glassware, which are hand-painted. They range from wine glasses to champagne flutes to shots glasses and so on.

G: What do you hope to achieve in 10 years?

LF: I hope to be acknowledged globally as an artist.

G: What drives and inspires your career path?

LF: The ability to create new things every day and to introduce new designs to my audience.

G: What do you have to offer as the future of the next generation?

LF: I would like to be able to help young emerging artists like myself to be better supported by the Jamaican community. I would like to create a bridge for our artists to be able to be recognised, not only nationally, but internationally.

G: Do you consider yourself to be revolutionary, and how do you plan to change the game or your field?

LF: I wouldn't say revolutionary. I plan to somewhat break the ice, for people to accept abstract art and emerging artists.

G: Besides access to education, what do you think needs to be done in order to transform youth in Jamaica?

LF: I believe the media has a lot to do with the influence on youth in Jamaica. Parents need to be aware of what their children are listening to or watching.

G: Distinguish yourself from your peers.

LF: I'm constructive with most of my time. When other teens will be watching their favourite episodes on TV, I'll be at home thinking of new ideas and designs to incorporate into my art work.

G: Old men rule the world, true or false?

LF: False. I believe it's the new generation that has a lot more to bring to the table. We are young and full of new ideas. We are able to understand technology a lot better and we are able to make improvements.

G: What's been the most challenging part of making a name for yourself in your field?

LF: The fact that a lot of people don't want to accept upcoming artists. They don't want a change and prefer to stick with the well-known and already established ones. Also, that abstract art is not respected and appreciated as much as realistic art here in Jamaica.