Elaine Chiu and her On-location Fieldwork
"When I sketch on site, I am not simply copying what I see. For me, sketching is a multi‑angled method of spatial investigation.
My first step is visual analysis: walking and observing the landscape, spatial rhythm, architecture, density, and the emotional temperature of colour — gathering material for later painting.
Then comes the crucial moment of putting brush to paper, which is my core process of embodied translation. Through the movement of my hand and brush, I translate what I see and feel into muscle language and memory. I pay attention not only to the image, but also to the rhythm and motion of my hand. Once a scene enters my muscle memory, it stays with me longer and resurfaces more naturally in future studio work.
During sketching, I remain at the same site for one to two hours — a rare period of bodily sensing and atmospheric absorption. This is also a time for sound collection and a kind of “passive interview”: listening to ambient noise, community interactions, and natural conversations. Being able to create and share moments with local residents is something I enjoy deeply.
Thus, sketching has become an essential mode of investigation and transformation in my artistic practice, laying a multi‑dimensional and warm foundation for the paintings that later emerge in the studio."
