When the animation plays, a bewitching visual unfolds: a glitchy sci-fi interface records the time-lapse growth of an alien-green flower stalk blossoming from mere bulbs into Vanda Vogue Singapore Orchids in full bloom, against a backdrop of Hanzi graphics.
The maverick behind this hyperreal, dynamic display is a young 3D graphic motion designer by the name of Stephy Fung. In this exclusive artwork for Vogue Singapore, she breathes life and movement into the Vanda Vogue Singapore Orchid whilst paying tribute to her British-Chinese heritage. Here, we speak to the bold, self-taught artist on the inspiration behind the artwork and the influence of her mixed heritage.
What was your thought process when you started on the artwork?
I wanted to bring a digital twist on the orchid whilst fusing it with my Chinese heritage. The Vanda Vogue Singapore orchid is one of the key motifs for the launch of Vogue Singapore so I wanted to highlight it’s beauty and growth within 3D to represent the bloom and new journey within the fashion industry in Singapore. Lastly, I also really wanted to use this opportunity to challenge myself as I have never created or animated a flower from scratch in 3D and I thought the Vanda Vogue Singapore Orchid deserved that level of craft.
What signature elements have you incorporated into the artwork for Vogue Singapore?
Fluorescent colours and luminescent lighting are one of the signature elements to this piece which draws in all the focus to the Vanda Vogue Singapore orchid. The other signature element is the inclusion of Chinese graphics with a subtle sci-fi vibe which signifies my British-Chinese nationality influence on the piece.
How would you describe your artwork for Vogue Singapore in three words?
Bold, dynamic and expressive.
What is one skill or habit that you have picked up during the pandemic?
I have been learning Marvelous Designer during the pandemic—it is a program which enables me to create digital garments which have been an idea I have been wanting to try for a while. Recently, I have created a Han Fu (traditional Chinese clothing) and I aim to create more pieces of garments or 3D work which showcases my Chinese heritage. ‘Marvelous designer’ has been a great tool to combine with my current Cinema 4D and Adobe skills and I’m excited to see what other digital garments I am able to create in the future.
What is one thing that you are thankful for, even in the midst of this global pandemic?
I am thankful for my digital communities— who have been keeping me sane during the lockdown. I am part of two digital communities—one I joined last year called Digi.Gxl which is a community for 3D Artists who support of LGBTQ+ and female community, and I also created one during this pandemic called 3D Wizards which is a community that connects 3D artists of all levels (beginner to advanced) from a large range of 3D programs. Even though social interaction has been put on hold physically, I am still able to build connections digitally on social media and these communities are a great way of meeting new people who have a common interest in 3D.
As the world opens up, what is one thing that you are most looking forward to?
Exploring again—being stuck at home really does make you appreciate mother nature a lot more. I want to be able to travel and uncover more cultures that I have not yet had the chance to see or learn about.
Do you think art and creativity are essential today? Why or why not?
I believe creativity is in everyone’s core. Without art and creativity, then the world would be a whole lot duller. It is essential that we protect the arts and encourage people to practise or go see it as it enriches the soul and we are inevitably surrounded by it.