Interview with Dr Lowly (Low Lee Yong)
1. Could you tell us about your journey from medicine and healthcare technology to becoming an abstract artist? What motivated this transition?
As a child, I harbored a deep passion for art. At the tender age of 8, I won an art contest at school, igniting my creative spirit. I eagerly participated in the Art Club during my extracurricular activities, nurturing my love for artistic expression.
However, life took an unexpected turn. Driven by financial constraints, I aspired to become a medical doctor. I dedicated myself to serving in a government hospital, but fate had more surprises in store. To supplement my income, I ventured into home-based typing services, inadvertently immersing myself in the world of computers and information technology.
The spark of entrepreneurship ignited within me. Inspired by the possibilities, I embarked on a remarkable journey. Over 25 years, I built a network of 2000 clinics, connecting healthcare providers across Singapore. Eventually, I had the privilege of selling my successful health technology business to a Swedish buyer, allowing me to retire.
In 2019, fate intervened once again. The global pandemic confined me to my home, providing an unexpected opportunity. I revisited my childhood passion for painting, and this time, I embraced it wholeheartedly. The canvas became my refuge, and I explored various forms of artistic expression.
Abstract art captured my heart. Its therapeutic qualities, the joy of unbridled creativity, and the liberating feeling of brushstrokes on canvas drew me in. The transition from medicine and technology to the vibrant world of abstract art was both exhilarating and transformative. Now, as a full-time abstract artist, I continue to channel my vision, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence onto the canvas.
2. What inspired you to create your signature technique “squeeze and splatter,” and could you explain the process behind it?
From Medicine to Canvas: The Birth of the “Squeeze and Splatter” Technique
When I embarked on my artistic journey, I found myself starting from scratch. The canvas awaited me, blank and full of potential. The first decision I grappled with was choosing the right type of paint. Oil or acrylic? My medical background led me to opt for acrylic paint due to its non-toxic nature—a choice that resonated with my commitment to health.
My experimentation knew no bounds. Brushes, palettes, balloons, and even unconventional tools like spoons, forks, and yes, a toilet brush—all became my companions in this artistic exploration. I delved into the fluidity of acrylic paints, discovering their captivating flow. Syringes allowed me to inject creativity onto the canvas, while blowing paint through hospital drip tubing became an intriguing experiment.
Yet, something was missing. The traditional methods felt stifling, and the results didn’t quite capture the vibrancy I sought. Then came the breakthrough: squeeze bottles. With newfound enthusiasm, I began to splatter and squeeze paint onto large canvases. The rhythmic motion—swinging the squeeze bottle from shoulder to wrist—created a dance of colors. Paints scattered, collided, and merged, infusing the canvas with energy and movement.
This became my signature technique—the “squeeze and splatter.” Friends who witnessed my vibrant artworks praised the technique’s liveliness. Hours of practice refined my skill, and with each squeeze, I felt exhilaration and liberation. The midair descent of paint, guided by intuition, transformed the canvas into a testament of resilience, hope, and connection.
3. Who are some artists or mentors who have influenced your work and artistic development?
Guiding Lights: Artists Who Shaped My Path
As I delved into the world of art, I immersed myself in the rich history of renowned artists. Their techniques, struggles, and creative philosophies became my compass. Here are the luminaries who left an indelible mark on my artistic development:
1. Vincent van Gogh: His vibrant and emotive works resonated deeply with me. Van Gogh’s use of color, especially in his iconic sunflowers and starry nights, evoked a romantic sensibility. His commitment to self-expression, even amidst personal challenges, inspired me to embrace my own artistic voice.
2. Jackson Pollock: Pollock’s revolutionary approach to abstract expressionism captivated me. His technique of splattering paint onto large canvases—often with frenetic energy—was liberating. I found kinship in his belief that art should flow from within, unencumbered by convention.
3. Cyril Kongo Phan: A contemporary force, Kongo’s graffiti art bursts forth with life. His colorful alphabets dance across vast canvases, infusing urban energy into traditional spaces. The vibrancy of his work speaks to resilience and connection—a theme close to my heart.
In a serendipitous twist, I had the privilege of connecting with Cyril Kongo Phan personally. As an art collector, I cherish the dozen masterpieces from his brush that now adorn my walls.
These artists—each a beacon of creativity—have guided my journey from medicine to canvas. Their legacy fuels my passion, reminding me that art transcends boundaries and speaks to the soul.
4. How did the challenges and uncertainties brought by the Covid pandemic affect your creative process and art?
Navigating the Pandemic: A Canvas-Bound Journey
The onset of the Covid pandemic arrived just as I had sold my business and entered retirement. It was a serendipitous alignment—a moment when life’s unexpected twists intersected with my artistic aspirations.
Before the pandemic, my wife and I were avid travelers. We explored countless countries, soaking in the beauty of scenes like the autumn scene, glaciers in Argentina and iconic landmarks—the Pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, and more. But then, the world stood still. Flights were grounded, borders closed, and our physical wanderlust came to an abrupt halt.
Yet, within this confinement, a new horizon opened. My canvas became my passport. Unable to traverse the globe physically, I embarked on a vibrant journey through color and form. Each stroke carried me to those distant places we once visited—the sun-kissed sands of Egypt, the wrought iron elegance of Paris, and beyond.
The pandemic’s uncertainties fueled my creativity. I channeled hope, resilience, and connection onto the canvas. The vibrant hues danced, capturing memories and emotions. In my studio, I soared—unfettered by travel restrictions, guided only by the brush’s whisper.
As the world grappled with challenges, my art became a sanctuary. It allowed me to revisit those cherished scenes, infusing them with newfound depth. The Pyramids stood tall, not in stone, but in the luminous cadence of acrylics. The Eiffel Tower shimmered, not in steel, but in the rhythm of my brush.
And so, I painted—a traveler without a suitcase, a wanderer within four walls. The pandemic may have grounded us, but it couldn’t tether our imaginations. Through vibrant colors, I rekindled the beauty, the joy, and the happiness of our shared adventures.
5. Can you discuss your involvement with Goducate Ltd. and how your philanthropic efforts have impacted your art and life philosophy?
Harmonizing Compassion and Creativity: My Journey with Goducate
As a sponsor supporting Goducate, my wife and I have woven philanthropy into the fabric of our lives. Our mission extends beyond mere charity—it’s about empowerment, resilience, and nurturing dreams.
1. Building Shelters and Sanctuaries: In the Philippines, we’ve contributed to building shelters and sanctuaries for those in need. These structures aren’t just physical; they’re havens of hope. For impoverished families, a safe roof overhead means more than mere protection—it signifies dignity and possibility.
2. Empowering Farmers: Through livelihood projects, we’ve uplifted struggling farmers. Their calloused hands, weathered by toil, now grasp new techniques. We’ve shared knowledge—seeds of growth—that yield not just crops but also self-sufficiency. The fields bloom, and so do their spirits.
3. Nurturing Youth through Music: In these same communities, children and teenagers face daunting odds. Education eludes some, while others teeter on the precipice of despair. But music—the universal language—became our bridge. We donated instruments—violins, recorders, guitars—and trained young hearts to play. Some found their rhythm, enrolling in college to study music. Others formed bands, serenading at parties and weddings. Music became their livelihood, their compass in a tumultuous sea.
4. A Canvas of Possibilities: Inspired by these journeys, I’ve planned a similar philanthropic endeavor—one that resonates with my own passion: painting. Talented children and youth, their souls ablaze with creativity, will find solace in colors. Through my business acumen, I’ll guide them toward recognition and self-sufficiency. Their canvases will tell stories—of resilience, of dreams unfurling, of hope brushed onto life’s canvas.
Life Philosophy Unfolding: My art mirrors this journey. Each stroke carries echoes of compassion, resilience, and connection. The pandemic may have grounded us, but our imaginations soared. Just as Goducate’s work transcends borders, my brush dances across continents. Art becomes sanctuary—a passport to places unseen, emotions unspoken.
In this fusion of philanthropy and creativity, I find purpose. The canvas whispers: “Paint resilience. Sketch hope. Color connection.” And so, I do—brush by brush, stroke by stroke.
6. What advice would you give to aspiring artists who come from non-traditional backgrounds, similar to yours?
Navigating the Artistic Landscape: Insights for Non-Traditional Artists
1. Embrace Your Unconventional Path: As a non-traditional artist, you bring a unique perspective to the canvas. Your journey—whether through medicine, technology, or other fields—shapes your art. Embrace it. Your background isn’t a limitation; it’s a palette of experiences waiting to be expressed.
2. Create Despite Constraints: Art can be costly, especially when starting out. Canvas, paints, and studio space—all demand investment. But remember, creativity thrives within constraints. Start small. Use what you have. A corner of your home can be a studio; cardboard can be a canvas. Let scarcity fuel innovation.
3. Market Your Art Like a Business: Picasso and Dali weren’t just masterful painters; they were savvy entrepreneurs. Treat your art as a product. Learn marketing. Social media—especially Instagram—is your ally. Showcase your work, share your process, and connect with fellow artists and collectors. The digital world is your gallery.
4. Art Calls and Contests Matter: Participate. These platforms amplify your voice. Art calls and contests provide exposure, validation, and sometimes even financial rewards. Don’t shy away. Submit your work. Even if you don’t win, your art reaches new eyes. Remember, recognition often snowballs.
5. Balance Creation and Promotion: Yes, focus on creating beautiful art—that’s your core. But allocate time for promotion too. It’s not vanity; it’s survival. Attend exhibitions, collaborate, network. Your brush strokes matter, but so do your words, your presence. Be your own advocate.
6. Learn from the Masters, Adapt to the Present: Study the greats—Picasso, Dali, and beyond. Their techniques, their audacity—they’re timeless. But also adapt. The digital age demands agility. Learn digital tools, explore multimedia, and stay curious. Art evolves; so must you.
Remember, your journey isn’t linear; it’s a mosaic. Each piece—whether medicine, technology, or art—adds depth. Your canvas awaits. Paint resilience, color dreams, and let your non-traditional spirit soar.
7. Where do you live?
Singapore
8. Describe your art in three words.
Dr. Lowly’s art bursts with vibrant energy & strategic creativity to make happy art pieces.
9. Your discipline:
Visual abstract art
Website: https://www.drlowly.art