Q: Originally from Georgia, what are some of your favorite things about living and working in New York?

A: I like the fact that you can walk everywhere. I don't like driving so it's ideal for me. I also like being able to go to galleries and shows. Everything here is clustered and within easy reach, whether it's museums, galleries, events, etc. There always seems to be something going on, there's never really a dull moment here in New York—unless you make it dull.  

How and when did you first become interested in art and illustration?

I loved drawing and reading picture books ever since I was a kid, and just never really stopped. 

What was your first commercial assignment?

None yet, so far. Hopefully that will change soon.

What is your favorite part of the creative process? 

When I'm in the zone. It doesn't always happen every time I paint, but when it does I can paint for hours and hours and nothing else really matters.

Bugbear, oil on wood panel.

Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between art you create on paper versus In the computer?

I have a sketchbook but I rarely draw in it except for the occasional figure drawing. The only time I use a computer is to look up reference, or create collages in Photoshop, again, for reference. 

How do you spend the first hour of your work day? What is your favorite time of day for working?

I try to get myself to sit down in front of my easel. It's usually hard to get into a painting during the first hour so I usually try to paint as loose and relaxed as possible. I like to work at night, when everyone's sleeping. I tend to be more focused at night. 

What are you listening to? / What are you reading

I'm currently listening to Tame Impala, Deerhunter, Splashh, and The Smiths. I haven't read anything for a while, because I don't really have access to books or libraries right now. I'm too lazy to get a library card.

Pest, oil on wood panel.

Who and what are some of your strongest influences?

Gerhard Richter, Justin Mortimer, Goya, Lars Elling, Vilhelm Hammershoi are just a few of the painters I am influenced by. I like Nan Goldin and Delphine Balley's photos. Movies, photos, and common everyday things influence me one way or the other. 

Did your participating in the AI32 LIVE Cover Project have any spillover into your studio practice? Do you recommend marathon art projects for inspiration or redirection?

It didn't really have any spillover into my studio practice. I think marathon art projects would be useful when you're stuck or your work feels stale, because marathons are kind of like brainstorming, just with art. 

What was the last art exhibition you saw and what did you take away from it?

The last art exhibition I saw was a solo show for Hollis Heichemer at Cacciola Gallery. They were all very dark, abstract paintings, which left a lot to the imagination. They all felt pretty surreal, because you might think this particular painting looks like a landscape or something, but then you look again and it doesn't anymore, it might look like something else next time. I like dark work because of that, you never know what's hiding in the dark. 

What advice would you give a young artist on selecting an art school or college?

The location of the art school is important, in my opinion, so you need to take that into consideration when you're applying. Also don't get too upset if you don't get into your dream school, because it's really ultimately up to you and what you get out of your education. I've seen kids go to art school and do nothing, just shit around. 

Judy Chung currently works and lives in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from Pratt Institute in 2013. tumblr 


Gabe, oil on wood panel.