Artist Statement
THE FEAR OF GROWING UP
Maturity is one of the milestones to indicate significant change in a person’s life. So, when is that period? No one will be sure until each person realizes it himself or is recognized by those around him. Basically, we are supposed to enter adulthood when we turn 18. But there are people who prolong that phase to prompt the question: “Have you grown up?”
The theme of my illustrations is “The Fear of Growing Up”. Why are some people afraid to grow up? We have always known that the world of adults is more complicated than the world of children. A place where every child who enters is required to be responsible, to be independent, to try and to work hard. Additionally, walking on the path of adulthood is sometimes lonely, tempting, and challenging.
The visual metaphor I use for my illustrations is the growth of trees. There are some trees that grow strong and tall while other species only grow to lower heights. People, like those trees, sometimes make the choice to “never rise”. The image of interweaving trees is like a collection of all young people entering the adult stage. Some are confident, some are ready, some are scared. The insects and vines that appear in these images are like the dangers we encounter as we grow up. Certainly not everyone is ready to enter the world of adults. This is another aspect of growing up. There is no growth, only fear.
Besides the series of illustrations “The Fear of Growing Up” I also describe another beautiful world of children. “Giving You A Home” is a children’s short story in my chosen illustration field. In contrast to the series’ negative emotions, this is a bright world where children like Bim Bim – the little girl in this story – are free to learn, receive love, and make friends. The story aims to educate children about saving wild animals as well as sharing the love between people and animals. In the world of children, the beauty of love immerses us in happiness. For many people, it is also the reason they regret not growing up.