My Sad Interview With Michelle Liew

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Singapore, I had the opportunity to interview the renowned artist Michelle Liew. I had admired her work for years, captivated by her ability to blend traditional techniques with modern themes. However, what was meant to be a thrilling experience turned out to be one of the most challenging moments of my life.

The day of the interview arrived, and I was both excited and nervous. I had prepared extensively, researching her background, her artistic journey, and her latest projects. I arrived at the gallery where she was showcasing her latest exhibition, “Reflections of the Soul.” The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with art enthusiasts and journalists, all eager to catch a glimpse of her work and hear her thoughts.

As I entered the gallery, I was immediately struck by the beauty of her pieces. Each artwork seemed to tell a story, evoking emotions that resonated deeply within me. I took a moment to gather my thoughts and calm my nerves before approaching Michelle. She was standing by one of her larger works, a stunning canvas that depicted the struggles of identity and belonging. Her presence was magnetic, and I felt a wave of admiration wash over me.

When it was finally my turn to speak with her, I introduced myself and expressed my admiration for her work. She smiled warmly, and for a brief moment, I felt a connection. However, as the interview began, I quickly realized that things were not going as I had hoped. My questions, which I had meticulously crafted, seemed to fall flat. Michelle’s responses were polite but brief, and I struggled to keep the conversation flowing.

I asked her about her inspiration for the exhibition, hoping to delve into her creative process. Instead of the insightful anecdotes I was expecting, she offered a vague reply about the importance of self-exploration. I pressed on, attempting to steer the conversation towards her thoughts on the art scene in Singapore, but she seemed disinterested, her gaze drifting towards the crowd.

As the minutes ticked by, I could feel my confidence dwindling. I had envisioned this interview as an opportunity to showcase her passion and creativity, but instead, I felt like I was missing the mark. I tried to shift my approach, asking more personal questions about her experiences as a female artist in a predominantly male industry. While she acknowledged the challenges, her answers remained surface-level, lacking the depth I had hoped for.

In a moment of desperation, I decided to share my own experiences with art, hoping to create a more personal connection. I spoke about my struggles as an aspiring artist and how her work had inspired me to persevere. To my surprise, Michelle’s demeanor changed slightly. She seemed to listen more intently, her eyes focusing on me as I spoke. I felt a glimmer of hope that I could salvage the interview.

However, just as I thought we were making progress, a loud commotion erupted from the other side of the gallery. A group of enthusiastic fans had gathered around another artist, clamoring for attention. Michelle’s attention shifted, and I could see the spark of excitement in her eyes as she glanced towards the crowd. In that moment, I realized that I was losing her once again.

Feeling defeated, I wrapped up the interview, thanking her for her time and her contributions to the art world. As I walked away, I couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment. I had anticipated a profound conversation, one that would inspire others and shed light on the complexities of being an artist. Instead, I was left with a series of unanswered questions and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.

In the days that followed, I reflected on the interview. I realized that while it hadn’t gone as planned, it was still a valuable experience. I learned that interviews are not just about asking questions; they are about building connections and creating a space for genuine dialogue. I also recognized that artists, like everyone else, have their own struggles and moments of vulnerability.

Determined to turn this experience into a positive lesson, I decided to reach out to Michelle once more. I sent her an email expressing my gratitude for her time and sharing my thoughts on the importance of her work. To my surprise, she responded with kindness, acknowledging the challenges of being in the public eye and expressing her appreciation for my honesty.

This exchange opened the door for a new conversation, one that felt more authentic and meaningful. We discussed the role of art in society, the importance of vulnerability in creativity, and the power of connection. Through this dialogue, I gained a deeper understanding of Michelle as an artist and as a person.

Ultimately, my sad interview with Michelle Liew became a turning point in my journey as an aspiring artist and interviewer. It taught me the value of resilience, the importance of empathy, and the need to embrace vulnerability in both art and life. While the interview itself may not have been what I had envisioned, it led to a deeper connection and a renewed passion for storytelling through art.