This month we went and asked our artist Abigail Phanggungfook to tell us a bit more about the artist behind her work. Under the playful simplicity of her works, Abigail delves deep into reflections on love, loss, anxieties and empowerment. Keep reading to get a glimpse into her world.
What are the three things you would take with you on a desert island?
Sketchbook and paints
Hammock
Sunblock
What is your favourite colour?
Impossible for me to have a favourite colour.
What is your favourite shape?
A stylised daisy motif- fragile, pure, unspoilt.
What is your favourite studio clothes?
Baggy trackie bottoms.
What is your favourite place to create?
I’ve always been a daydreamer; I never quite switch off. My ideas and thoughts are processed when I am not necessarily thinking about my work. I could be cycling, on the Tube, cooking or in the shower. I often wake up at night my head swimming with ideas. But my absolute favourite place to create is my studio. I love being surrounded by my work, the smell of paint and the intimacy of my space.
What is your favourite moment of the day to create?
When I am painting midmorning to early afternoon as I prefer to paint in natural light.
What is your one tip from artist to artist?
Focus and believe.
What is the best advice you received?
I have received advice from a variety of sources, collectors, gallerists, curators, and other artists but it is my mentor who has been unbelievably kind and supportive, she has guided and supported me. I sat next to her at an artist’s talk three weeks after graduation and we have become firm friends. I call her my fairy god mother because she has this uncanny ability to appear or call me just when I need her. Her positivity is infectious.
What is the one advice you completely ignored?
I really can’t think of anything. Maybe I’ve just blocked it out!!
What is your most beautiful accidental creation?
Whilst studying I was sorting old paintings. I started to cut out the figures and pinned them to my studio wall. During my studies the cut out figures developed into 3D ‘puppet’ characterisations. This process was developed further for my Bleur group show ‘Insert Felling Here’ creating 3D floating daisies as part of my installation.
What was the light bulb moment when your practice became autobiographical?
During my master’s degree, I produced a collection of drawings for a group tutorial. I cried and blubbered for the duration of my presentation. I was overwhelmed by my suppressed feelings… It was the first time I linked my work to my emotions. It was a pivotal moment in my practice.
What is the one tool you can’t live without?
Impossible to choose I love and need everything equally.
What is your most memorable achievement so far?
My journey since graduation has been steady. I have been fortunate to regularly exhibit my work, learning from each experience. I have been short listed for several competitions, photographed, featured in magazines and supported by galleries keen to work with me. There isn’t one standout moment.
What is the most challenging part of being an artist?
Sharing my thoughts and emotions is challenging. I have recently finished a group of paintings called ‘Cupcake’ – the narrative is about losing my virginity but I find myself talking in riddles. There is often several poignant layers to my works that are not always visible.
What life lessons are you carrying through your practice?
My practice is intrinsically linked to my personal story, I am unable to separate the two. My work helps me process my emotions. It is very cathartic. My practice has equipped me with resilience and strength to challenge my emotional issues and confront the manipulation and bullying I have suffered.
