From age three, Eunice Tse Yu-ning’s life has been intertwined with art, significantly shaped by her family’s deep-rooted passion for painting.
“My dad has always painted, and our family activities were centred around painting,” Eunice shared, reflecting on the contrast between her inherited artistic environment and her journey to find her unique voice in art.
Despite growing up in this atmosphere, her path was marked with challenges and exploration. During her middle school years, Eunice experienced a period of self-doubt, questioning her future in the art world. “I kept painting, but I never thought I’d spend my life in the arts,” said the Good Hope School graduate.
This phase was not just about honing her skills but also searching for self-assurance in a world she had been part of since her earliest memories. A pivotal moment in her journey was her participation in a challenging Chinese ink painting competition. Eunice vividly described the experience: “I went to Tsing Yi Sports Ground to paint. It was summer, so it was quite hot. I was painting a Chinese ink painting outdoors.”
Taking part in a Chinese ink painting competition was a pivotal moment in Eunice’s journey. Photo: Shutterstock
The competition presented unique challenges, particularly in mastering this medium. “Ink painting requires a lot of preparation. I practised beforehand to become more fluent,” Eunice explained.
The nuances of this art form, such as the balance of ink and water and the choice of brush, demanded precise control and understanding, making it a significant learning experience for Eunice.
Her guiding philosophy in art and life is encapsulated in her own words: “Trusting the process is crucial for me. The process of painting might not always be pretty, and you might not be satisfied with how it’s going, but giving up would be a real waste. I’ve realised that it’s important to continue. If you truly believe in yourself and keep painting without giving up, the final piece might turn out to be a pleasant surprise.”
Another turning point came in 2019, with her victory in a painting competition and participation in a Russian art group. These experiences were crucial in shaping her self-esteem.
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“I learned a lot, and even in that short time, I began to gain confidence to paint what I wanted and express my thoughts through my art,” she recalled.
Her talent was recognised when she was named second runner-up in the Visual Artist Category at this year’s Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards. The awards are organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Now studying illustration animation at Kingston University in the UK, Eunice continues to push the boundaries of her art through animation and digital media. Looking forward, Eunice is focused on using her art to narrate stories and offer solace. “I want to use my strengths to express stories, whether serious or cartoonish, through my art,” she said.
