Valerie Chua is playing with the idea of exposing women`s character using nature. Inspired from the japanese culture Mori that is focused on innocence and simplicity. Valerie uses traditional tools like watercolors and acrylic, but also digital images.

Influenced by the artists from East and West Asia and literature and poetry she manages to blend in her works all this influences mixed with her great style. Valerie`s work instantly sends your head into sunny summer days, love stories and Japanese Gardens.
I recommend you a warm cup of green tea and enjoy her portofolio and interview here on PSDartist.

1) Before we start the interview I would like to thank you for
this opportunity. Please tell me when and how you got interested
in illustration and art?
- Thank you for the opportunity as well! It’s a pleasure to be part of this.

I walked the road of illustration and art at a late age, just a few years
ago when I was in my sophomore year in college. I was already on my way to
a Marketing degree and suddenly, I missed the feeling of having to create
something on paper so I started drawing in the library during my free time.

2) What inspires you? What artists and illustrators do you admire?
- I like Japanese artists a lot. I watched a lot of anime when I was young
so my earlier influences stemmed from that. Later on, I came across The
Sandman Library and I became interested in Western graphic novels. Sooner
or later, both influences (East and West) converged and I try to apply both
to my work. For me, inspiration is everwhere, even in the most mundane
things; but for extra special things, I like looking at cloth layers and
drapes, nature and houses as well. I like Amy Sol, James Jean, Rain and
Kana Ohtsuki, to name a few.

3) How did you discovered your style ?
- Until now, I still think that my style is evolving. I think everyone has
something in their works that makes it theirs. I don’t think it’s something
that they discover but rather it’s something innate in each person and this
quality or imprint refines as they create more.

4) What projects will you be working on in the future?
- A few collaborative exhibits are slowly in the works and I’m also
thinking of setting up another solo exhibit in the near future. I like to
publish a book as well. And of course, continue making designed paper goods
for my Etsy (http://quietgirlshop.etsy.com), which I’m currently addicted
to.

5) What was your greatest project ? The one you loved the most to work on ?
Definitely my personal project, Backyard of the Universe. It’s my 1st solo
exhibit and I like it most because I had the freedom to create the ideas
that I treasure the most and images that has been in my mind for so many
months.

6) Name some websites you browse everyday.
I always visit Pixiv.com and Tumblr.com for inspiration.

7) What are your hopes and dreams?
I want to paint for the rest of my life and help people find happiness in
art.

8) Thank you for this oportunity , tell something to the art-fanatics here
on PSDartist.
Keep working hard to achieve your dreams. I also always say it’s never too
late to make a decision or to make changes. It’s never too late to start
picking up the pencil or a musical instrument and it’s never too late to do
what you’ve always longed doing. Don’t do what you love doing ultimately
for money or for a trophy or to make your family and friends proud. Do it
for yourself. Once you discover what genuinely makes you happy, it changes
a lot of things.