DJ Q&A

JTK: I grew up in Fremont and graduated from Cal with a degree in biology. After a few years of working in tech post-graduation, I took some time off to study art in Florence, Italy. When I returned from Florence, I moved to San Francisco where I had a studio and taught at the Academy of Art University. Fast-forward many years, and I now live in Hillsborough with my husband, two daughters and a mini-bernedoodle. When I am not painting or volunteering in my community, I enjoy outings with my dog, cooking for my family, and moms’ nights out.

DJ: What is your first recollection of making art?

JTK: From a very young age, I gravitated towards drawing and making things with my hands. I remember sitting for hours drawing figures and designing different outfits for them.

DJ: How did your art education unfold?

JTK: My formal education didn’t start until my mid-20s. I took art classes in high school but didn’t know a career in the arts was possible. I didn’t know any artists and wasn’t aware of the art world (this was pre-internet/social media). What opened up my eyes was my first backpacking trip through Europe in 2000. It was my first time seeing Italian Renaissance, Impressionist and French academic art. After my trip, I started a corporate job but spent my evenings attending art classes at a small art studio in Oakland. That’s where I learned about the ateliers in Florence where they taught traditional drawing and painting techniques. I attended the Angel Academy of Art in Florence. It was a dream come true because I spent the whole day immersed in art — drawing, painting, art lectures and living in a city steeped in art history.

DJ: In what medium do you prefer to work?

JTK: I work mostly in oil and dry media. While oil is not an easy medium to master, its range of value, colors and handling is unmatched by anything else. When done properly, oil paintings retain their beauty and luminosity for centuries. I use graphite and charcoal for both preparatory and finished drawings. In the past few years, I also started using watercolor for small illustrations and when I travel. I love its portability and ease of cleanup.

DJ: Which Bay Area museums do you go to most often?

JTK: I visit the de Young and Legion of Honor the most because of the high caliber of their exhibitions. I particularly enjoyed the recent Sargent & Spain, Kehinde Wiley and, of course, the de Young Open 2023 exhibitions. As for smaller museums, I like the Triton Museum of Art (in Santa Clara) where they exhibit local Bay Area artists active today.

DJ: Are there public art installations on the Peninsula that you particularly like?

JTK: It’s wonderful that San Mateo County values art in public places. The two that I particularly like are Mirror Labyrinth [at Bay Meadows in San Mateo] and Olympic Wannabes [at 520 S. El Camino Real in San Mateo]. My children like to “disappear” in the labyrinth. Gymnastics is my favorite Olympic sport, so I love how Olympic Wannabes capture the excitement of children wanting to become gymnasts!

DJ: Your work was selected for the de Young Open 2023, on exhibit until January 2024. Tell us about that.

JTK: The de Young Open is a triennial showcase of Bay Area artists’ incredible talents. Participating in it for the first time has been an amazing journey. I’m deeply honored that my portrait “Young Artist” was chosen among this talented group. It’s a humbling experience to be part of such a prestigious local art show. “Young Artist” is a narrative portrait celebrating children’s creative freedom. I attended the opening and was truly impressed. It’s hard to find another venue hosting such a diverse and inclusive art exhibition for Bay Area artists. From 7,700+ submissions, 883 were selected, and the best part is that it’s free for Bay Area residents every Saturday!

DJ: What advice do you have for parents regarding art education?

JTK: I believe art education is making a revival and more parents are aware of the importance of art and music to a well-rounded education. Both art making and appreciation help children develop empathy, language skills, self-expression, appreciation for nature and learning about different cultures. For the more STEM-minded parents, look for art programs that incorporate math and science — geometry, perspective, pattern, anatomy and color theories. Be supportive of your children’s creative pursuits and visit museums to help them develop a robust visual vocabulary. When I volunteer at my children’s school, the students are always so excited about art lessons. I love seeing the effort and focus they put into their projects.

De Young Open 2023 particulars. The de Young Open 2023 is on view through Jan. 7, 2024, at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive in Golden Gate Park. For more information visit https://www.famsf.org/exhibitions/de-young-open-2023. for more information on Julie Tsang Kavanagh's art go to jtsangfineart.com.

Susan Cohn is a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle and the American Theatre Critics Association. She may be reached at susan@smdailyjournal.com.