We caught up with artist David Chung aka “The Chung” as he brings us a new edition I’ve Made It This Far… along with several playful pieces of original artwork! After working at Nickelodeon, he has since went on to work at DreamWorks and is expecting his first child. Read on as David shares with us the inspiration behind a piece that helped to define a pivotal period in his life be sure to pick up one of the limited edition prints or piece of original artwork before they are gone…
1x: Tell us a little bit about this piece…
David Chung: I had been going through a rough couple of years when I painted this piece. I felt like anytime it’d seem like I was finally getting ahead, something knocks me back down a few steps. This piece was meant to serve as a reminder to myself to keep pushing through. Things always get better eventually.
1x: Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had?
David Chung: Most of my characters are basically manifestations of my emotional states. Xiong Mao (the panda) represents the challenges and struggles that get thrown my way. Since at the time, it had been a somewhat challenging year, most of my work was revolving around this theme in one way or another. You can usually tell what kind of year I’m having by the types of characters I start using more. For example, my character Herro Cat represents my carefree side. Kyo is my arrogant dickish side. Roberd embodies my anxieties, and Huxley Bunny vents my anger.
1x: What materials were used to create this piece with?
David Chung: This piece was done in acrylic on wood.
1x: When was this piece created and how long did it take to complete?
David Chung: In 2015 for a show at Flower-Pepper Gallery in Pasadena, California. From idea, to sketch, to final painting it took maybe a 3 or 4 days total.
1x: Tell us a little bit about your process and how the idea and execution came about for this piece?
David Chung: Usually when I come up with an image for a piece, it’s pulled from an emotional state. I try to sketch up something that would be the most cathartic to paint. I feel like it’s not worth painting if I don’t get some sort of self therapy from it! Once I get a decent thumbnail roughed out of it, I’ll start drawing it up on whatever canvas I’m using then start painting.
1x: What do you feel is unique about this piece compared to some of your other work?
David Chung: This piece made me feel like I was learning to finally cut myself some slack.
1x: Describe these piece in one gut reaction word.
David Chung: Hopeful.
I’ve Made It This Far by David Chung – Click To Purchase
1x: It’s been quite a while since our last release with you. Bring us up to speed on what you’ve been up to these last couple years.
David Chung: Let’s see, so I just landed a new job working at DreamWorks as a visual development artist. We just bought our first place last month, and Desiree and I are expecting our first child any day now! All of this happened in the last 2 months. To focus more time and energy on our family, I’ve declined pretty much every gallery show for 2016. That doesn’t mean I’m going to stop working though. This year I’m going to be working on a multitude of paintings and toys at home. Just at my own pace. I’m attempting to set up a show in 2017.
1x: Tell us little bit about what it was like working for Nickelodeon.
David Chung: Working at nickelodeon was pretty great while it lasted. There seemed to be a lot more freedom there than any other studio I’ve worked at/for. I’m not sure if that was a good thing or not haha. For the past 3 years I was working on the animated show “Sanjay and Craig” as a background designer for all 3 seasons and as a design supervisor on the final season.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
David Chung: Website – Instagram @theultrachung – Twitter @thechung – Facebook – Snapchat @theultrachung
-1xRUN