Rocky Woo, a senior from Hong Kong majoring in fine art, reminisced about his experience as a developing artist, saying, “Drawing is like life, where there are ugly stages initially and then the beautiful stage comes.”
What made you decide to study this major?
Woo said his father, also an artist, recognizes the instability of the occupation. At first, Rocky’s family discouraged him as he sought to pursue a similar career. “Even my dad encouraged me to do business and management. I thought of psychology but I didn’t enjoy it,” recalled Woo. The story of the talents in the Bible changed his perspective as he realized that he wanted to improve his talent in art. Because he never got any training in drawing, at first he really struggled. He said his skills have drastically improved after much practice.
What do you want to do with it?
“What I want to do is a big dream,” Woo explained. He said he is determined to teach at a university some day. Eventually, he would like to sell his paintings, hoping to touch the lives of others through his work.
What makes your major unique?
Woo feels his major serves as a spiritual connection to God. “Whenever I do a painting, it requires a lot prayer, contemplation, and planning,” he shared.
Describe a typical day
Woo said he typically spends at least 12 hours a day on school work. Because the art business is tough, Woo said he strives to be advanced and improve his artistic abilities as much as possible. As an art major, he is constantly learning. “Outside the studio, I find artists and study their designs and relate to what art means to me. People like art that catches their attention and changes their perspective,” said Woo.
Time spent in a day
Woo typically spends at least 12 hours a day on school work. Because the art business is tough, Woo said he strives to be advanced and improve his artistic abilities as much as possible. As an art major, he is constantly learning. “Outside the studio, I find artists and study their designs and relate to what art means to me. People like art that catches their attention and changes their perspective,” said Woo.
Favorite class?
Figure drawing is Woo’s favorite class because he enjoys studying the physical structure of people. “Also, it is fun to have a lot of students doing the same thing. You don’t feel very lonely while doing art together,” said Woo.
Pros
For Woo, the best part of his major is he does not have to do a lot of academic reading or rote memorization. Instead, he gets to spend most of his time doing something he enjoys, drawing, designing, and creating.
Cons
“The risk of not getting a good and stable job in the future to support family,” admitted Woo. He explained how difficult it is to achieve success in the art business because of vast competition.
Number of people in the major
Woo is unsure of the total number of students in his major. He said there is an average of 12 people in each of his classes. Six students will be graduating alongside him. “Usually I am the only guy in most of my classes,” said Woo.