Gloria Keh

Biography

In March 2023, I will be 71. For this i give thanks to God, the Universe, all my teachers, to family and friends. But most importantly i am grateful for the gift of art. Art is my friend, my lover, my teacher and my healer. Art has served me well, kept me sane and a great companion to my mind. I hope i will continue to paint and to be able to use my blessing of art in the service to humanity.

What’s your background?

Began painting since childhood; first teacher being my late father, Martin Fu, who was an oil painter. Mainly self taught although attended various courses of study in mandala art and symbolism, art therapy, oil painting.

What does it mean to you to win the Collectors Art Prize?

Timely as I will be 71 in March 2023.

This is a blessing for me that reminds me to be grateful for all the great opportunities I have been given. This recognition keeps me motivated to work even harder and more. That choronological age is no obstacle to art.

What do you think is the role of art in the world today?

Now more than ever, we artists must use our art to send out messages to increase awareness of the prevailing problems the world is facing. Covid taught us a good lesson. Climate change is highly noticeable; the planet is in trouble; and through our art we can express what needs to be addressed.

Yes, artists need to sell art to survive, but selling aside, we have a social responsibility to our immediate community, and to a global audience as well. With the internet and social media, artists can spread positive messages so that people can see beyond their noses; and look at the big picture.

What would it be if you could change one thing about the art world?

We need to keep a watchful eye on Competativeness. Healthy competition is good, but often  the spirit of competition gets ugly.

We are all different. Each individual is unique. Competition sans respect for others is downright shameful.

What are your most significant professional achievements?

Being the founder of Circles of Love, a charity outreach program. Founded in 2008. Since that year, all monies from the sales from all my art has been donated 100% to charity.

What do you wish to tell viewers about your work that might not come out explicitly? What do you hope to inspire with your artwork?

My work always has a message. It could be spritual, humorous, or practical in content.  Art is not just pretty pictures. Life is not always pretty.  I hope viewers will see beyond the colors and forms. That my work will tug on heartstrings. That my work will stir hope and positiveness.

What advice would you give to the upcoming generation of artists?

Never give up. There are no failures.

No mistakes. Every artwork is a stepping stone in the process. Never judge your art or any one else’s. Enter into the flow of the process. When you get into that flow, you will find that that very flow will support you. Finally, practise, practise, practise. Everyday. Keep an art journal. Never stop making art; even if all you can manage that day is a silly doodle on a paper napkin.

In what direction would you like to see your career go in the next five years?

I would like to create more  handpainted artbooks, and paint more black artworks. And have a solo exhibition in Japan.

Country Singapore

Website www.gloriakeh.com