While recovering from major surgery at 59, I was watching the opening scene of an episode of Doc Martin on PBS television. Suddenly, the colors of the Cornish landscape and ocean became hyper vibrant as if someone had flipped on a switch. The blues against the greens were stunningly beautiful, powerful and intense. In actuality, it was as if someone had flipped on a switch in me. It was an epiphany — that I should take ownership of being an artist and to go do art now! The first materials that came to mind were from a book about watercolors we had when the kids were growing up that had both paper and paints bound to it. Finding it in the garage took a while but there it was. The paint brush was long gone so I grabbed Q-tips and drafting pens and began making simple designs. That fall, when School District 214 Community Education offered watercolor classes, I signed up and haven’t stopped painting since.
Fifteen years earlier, I earned my Master of Fine Art degree from the School of the Art Institute – Chicago, Department of Visual Communications. From my education, there are certain standards I adhere to — that paintings need to come from my original material, no censoring of efforts because something might seem too challenging and to always set a high bar for excellence. My initial works were of turtles from The Grove in Glenview, as they were the only original material I had at that time. They were my first sources of inspiration and attempts at fine art.
In addition to attending workshops and ongoing open studio sessions, I frequently brought works in progress downtown when I worked at the Alzheimer’s Association. During lunch, even five minutes of painting was time well spent. In the bottom drawer of my desk a small palette of paints and a few brushes could always be found. At least nine of the paintings exhibited are those worked on during lunches.
Over the years, my work has juried into national, international and local exhibits receiving several awards.
Watercolor is a never-ending gift that keeps on giving making me feel at home with myself. I’m so grateful for the many people who have been so supportive and encouraging. They have been and continue to be a blessing to me!
A native Chicagoan, Wendi Lam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Western Illinois University. She earned both a Post Baccalaureate Studio Certificate and Master of Fine Art degree from the School of the Art Institute – Chicago 1997. Lam is a signature member of the Illinois Watercolor Society. Wendi has studied under master watercolorist Nancy Fortunato through community education classes in School District 214 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Other sources of education include workshops with Lian Quan Zhen, Carol Douglas, Keiko Tanabe and continues her development in an open studio since 2014 with national award winning artist Eileen Jorgensen, Arlington Heights.
Artist’s Statement
Many subjects I choose to paint are really just ordinary people, places and things. The very things most people wouldn’t consider thinking about twice. My satisfaction comes from painting them in ways that bring life to these subjects so viewers might take pause, look more deeply, and acquire a new appreciation for what’s around them. To achieve this I observe the subject in great detail, then pour over what I’m painting again and again. I carry my ‘work in progress’ around from room to room to scrutinize how the values play out affecting eye flow through the piece. Viewing my art under these different lighting conditions as well as looking at it in a mirror helps sharpen my eyes so I can tend to the details I feel make a difference. Each work of art speaks to me in some unique manner and many have revealed surprising and hidden stories.
All of my paintings are inspired by observed reality and captured as reference photos taken with a basic point and shoot camera. Materials used include: Fabriano Artistico 140 pound cold press watercolor paper, professional grade transparent watercolors where the white of the paper is always preserved over the usage of white paint.
— Wendi Lam, MFA School of the Art Institute Chicago