What is perfection and how can we achieve it? Or does it even make sense for us to chase perfection? This month, we’re diving deeper into this topic with our two artists: 11-year-old Chelsia from the SDN 002 Mentarang school in Indonesia and Australian artist Liv Lee. That name might ring a bell because this is the second time Liv has agreed to do a collab for Face This. Together with Chelsia, she created a vibrant and playful illustration, which also pushes the boundaries of our understanding of perfection.
Growing her family and growing as an artist
A lot has happened in the world since the last time we spoke to Liv. And she hasn’t been sitting still either. “The biggest thing I’ve done since our last collab is bring another child into the world! There’s nothing that can top that.
“But in regards to my work, I have started to bring my illustrations to life through animation. It’s very time consuming and it pushes me to really think about my work differently, but it’s so satisfying.”
The last time we interviewed Liv we talked about her goals and aspirations. Back then, her dream was to start her own clothing label. Unfortunately, that’s still a pipe dream, but with a very good reason. She explains: “My hands have been very full with two kids and projects galore, which I am incredibly grateful for. I’m still hopeful it will happen one day!”
Of course, as the seasons change, so do our dreams. It’s no surprise then that when we broach the topic of her current dreams, her answer is very different: “I think my immediate dreams have changed. I have a couple of ideas for children’s books that I’d like to write and illustrate. And I also just want to evolve more as an artist – explore new styles and continue to hone my animations.”
Coming back for round 2
We fell in love with Liv’s artistry not only through her fantastic portfolio, but also through the wonderful illustration she did for Face This last time. For her previous collab, she came up with a playful amalgamation of various types of animals and flowers. It was the perfect explosion of colour and whimsical creativity.
Of course, we couldn’t help ourselves from asking her to come back for another collab. Thankfully, she was just as excited to come back.
She recounts: “I absolutely loved the process of the first collab and the real-life effect it has on children’s lives. The last collab pushed me creatively and unlocked something within me, which I have really held onto since in my process. I knew it would be similar the second time around, and I wasn’t wrong!”
This time, we had a different challenge for her. For her last collab, Liv could pick among several children’s drawings. Now, she had only one collaborator.
This setup has its own set of limitations, but Liv is pretty optimistic about it: “The biggest change was having less drawings to draw upon, however once I read Chelsia’s take on perfection and her inspiration for her drawing, the concept of the artwork actually came really easy to me.”
Chasing or rejecting perfection?
For this illustration, Liv was paired with Chelsia, who made a drawing based on perfection. When we talked to Chelsia about how she relates to the theme, she told us: “I don't want to be perfect. I just want to enjoy life.”
She also explained to us that she didn’t need to be perfect or beautiful, but that being able to walk was enough. This gave us a profound insight into her priorities in life. It showed us that she valued the small, fundamental things in life that most of us take for granted.
Liv’s reaction is one of admiration for Chelsia's maturity. “She’s figured out how to approach life a lot younger than I did! She wants to live a richer life by making mistakes and learning from them. By taking things as they come and accepting the good with the bad, and being ok with that. I think she wants to essentially reject the idea of perfection.”
When it comes to Liv’s idea of perfection, her answer isn’t too far off from Chelsia's: “I really had to sit back and think about this one. It’s happiness–if I am living a life where my family and I are happy, I think we’re doing it right.”
For both artists, perfection seems to be in the seemingly small, but crucial parts of life.
Striving for perfection in art
For her drawing, Chelsea depicted her and her neighbour’s house. When we talked to her about her drawing, she told us that her focus was to simply “enjoy life”. It then became clear to us that perfection is Chelsea’s current life and community.
Liv seems to agree with our interpretation: “I think perfection to Chelsia is what she currently has–her family, her village, her school. She lives in the present and doesn’t want for anything else, as she’s content and happy with life just as it is. And that’s a beautiful thing.”
When it comes to perfection in art, Liv gives us a more nuanced answer: “I am a perfectionist, which I think is a blessing and a curse! I want the balance, form, and colours in my art to be just right, while celebrating the imperfections and wonkyness of my motifs. It’s a fine line I walk.”
Of course, perfection doesn’t seem to be all that important to Chelsia. So, is there something we can learn from her take when we find ourselves striving towards perfection in art?
“Absolutely,” exclaims Liv. “I think if you are chasing perfection in art then you’ll be forever disappointed trying to create something that’s impossible to achieve. You’ll also rob yourself of the joy that comes from the creative process–the mistakes, the learnings, the imperfections, and the final result will be lesser for it without this honesty.”
One way we can shift our focus from perfection is to give attention to things that are important to us in our lives. For Chelsea, that’s simply enjoying life. For Liv, that’s her family.
“I’m trying to be a lot more present in all the little things with the kids. Putting my phone away and slowing down with them. These days while the kids are small will go by so fast, and it’s important to be present in all of it.”
Depicting perfection in art
This wouldn’t be a proper collab if it wasn’t a mashup of our two artists’ works. So, how did Liv go about creating the final illustration with Chelsea’s input?
“I started by going for a big walk around Chelsia’s village (on Google street view) and researched all of the flora and fauna found in her neighbourhood. Using Chelsia’s house drawing as an anchor, I filled it with many things found in her village and surroundings–mangoes, birds, trees, insects, frogs, crocodiles, hornbills etc.
“The bright colours were inspired by the colours found around the village–brightly painted houses, the deep greenery and the wildlife. I also took her clouds, birds, and trees to use in the artwork, so her essence is also seen there too.”
The result was another cheerful representation of both artists, encapsulated in the outlines of Chelsea’s house.
At the end of this fun and insightful collab, we’re only left wondering if there are any new takeaways that Liv will leave us with.
“The biggest takeaway is from Chelsia’s approach to life, as I think it’s a good reminder to be grateful for what you currently have, and not to constantly be wanting for more.
“From a creative perspective, I pushed myself to create something a little different than what I usually would and I’m so happy with the result–it’s one of my favourite artworks I’ve made!”