3 Minutes with Goh Chang Yu
PIGOLOGIST aka 吴常瑀 Goh Chang Yu, is a Singapore born Chinese (Artist / Illustrator), raised by aliens, and growing up with people of all colours. Her artworks are often driven by characters and linger a nostalgic aesthetic that pays homage to old cartoons. She hopes to provoke emotions through her works. Before starting her own studio, she has worked as a senior production designer, conceptual artist and merchandise designer for animation studios and part time teaching conceptual art for 6 years. She’s independent from concept development to print and installation. A responsible player who’s able to work well in a collaboration too. Currently based in Singapore and working for clients in Singapore and abroad.
1) Growing up, were you always interested in art?
I suppose yes. I was always switching between arts club and sports in school. I once thought I might be able to have a “glamorous” sports career as I’m from the school team and doing pretty well. I grew up watching black and white, vintage cartoons, muppet shows and Doraemon comics. When I started my years in design school, I immersed myself in photography, animations, design and films. It was in my mid 20s that I narrowed my focus on the art of illustration.
2) What were some of the earliest influences and motivations that inspired you to become an artist/illustrator?
I love the works of Tim Biskup, Yoshitomo Nara, Tim Burton, Mary Blair, Fujiko F. Fujio and Mcbess. Their animations and artworks definitely inspired me and my style greatly.
3) Your art works engage such a distinct aesthetic, often nostalgic and witty—do you have a particular source of inspiration?
I believe my fondness for all things vintage—from furniture to movie posters—does influence my art style. I find joy in injecting some melancholy and elements that reveal the dark side of humanity, to my often cute, quirky-looking characters. Some might not notice the disguise and irony but I like this contrast in my works. My inspirations come from daily observations and reads.
4) How do you begin designing a character? Do you begin with a story in mind?
Yes it always begins with a story and topic in focus that I want to express strongly. Then I package the story—which is often not a cute and happy one—in the guise of a cute-looking character. I do sometimes design genuinely happy characters for mass appeal too.
5) What is your work process? Do you begin on paper, or through sketches?
I begin with a few sketches. Often the big picture of the finished piece is projected in my mind before sketch.
6) How many times do you tend to draw a character until it’s “right”?
Once or twice.
7) What do you consider the most indispensable item in your creative process from imagination to creation?
Brain, pen, paper and conscience. I hate plagiarism. I have little respect for artists who rip off the work of others.
8) Which was the first artwork you ever created, and which you ever sold?
A piece from my <Not so HapPig Days>, titled UNPLUG. It’s a digital illustration of a puppet. I started getting some overseas exposure with this and another artwork, through 3×3 International Illustration ProShow (Annual 8).
A puppet is an artificial figure representing a human being or an animal, manipulated by the hand, rods and wires. It’s crafted by man for performance on a stage. It’s existence and characteristics was designed and given by the creator. What if the puppet was capable of experiencing its own feelings and even senses? Would it want to abide by the rules of the creator? One of the puppets had decided to unplug itself. It disappeared into the deepest void.
9) Do you have a favourite character from all your illustrations?
I’ve used puppets more than once in my digital illustration and acrylic painting. I suppose I like puppets alot—perhaps it’s the artificial intelligence in Disney’s Pinocchio that made me fall in love with it.
10) Which living artist/illustrator do you find most inspiring? Why?
Fujiko F. Fujio. He created an imaginary friend and world for all of us.
11) Are there any artists/illustrators, living or dead, which you would like to collaborate with?
A Japanese sculptor, Ishibashi Yui.
12) Are you working on a new project
Yes. It’s a secret for now.
13) If you could choose any other profession or life calling, what would it be?
A profession to serve the masses, preferably in the mental and health sector.
14) Where do you see your career in 10 years?
I get nervous with a question like this.
15) Living or dead, which artists/illustrators would you invite to your ideal dinner party?
Fujiko F Fujio and you and everyone else.
16) Finally, what does PIGOLOGIST mean?
PIGOLOGIST is one who studies the behaviour and mind of pigs.
