Art & Life with Mei-Kuei Cruise

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mei-Kuei Cruise.

Mei-Kuei, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born, raised, and received my formal collegiate education in Taiwan and met my husband while he was stationed there. I have been teaching Chinese art and culture in the United States for 40 years. I have enjoyed teaching at the elementary, middle, high school and the college level. I also have had the privilege of having my artwork tour the United States, displayed in the White House and at schools all across the state of Arizona.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My depth of artistic abilities/teachings span from paper folding to calligraphy to silk cord knotting to classical Chinese dance and martial arts and much more. I really like to focus on what the student is interested in learning and enjoy watching each individual master a new cultural skill and being able to display that for their parents or family members. I think it is important for people to understand different cultures to be able to an inclusive society. It really helps to open our minds for new experiences. I think my artwork just like many others, give people the opportunity to try as well as experience something different and confirm for them that anyone can learn something new.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
There are many opportunities to get your artwork out in front of people. I think starting local and gaining support at that level has helped me grow over the years. Eventually, I found that word of mouth and reputation helped me continue to do what I enjoy and be able to use my passion for art to help support my family over the years.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have a website; it has my contact information and a biography of me. It also contains information for schools to apply for grants etc. I am always looking for support from my children and grandchildren to help me update it and to get onto social media. I think that is a struggle a lot of people from my generation have.

www.meikuei.com

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meikuei.com
• Phone: 602-741-7131
• Email: meikueichan@yahoo.com

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