Checking in with Calligrapher Eula Chua
Eula Chua is a digital and modern calligrapher based near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We first introduced Eula in January 2021; you can read that interview here.
CONTACT INFO: website: simplyeustudio.com // etsy: simplyeu.etsy.com // email: be.simplyeu@gmail.com
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to the Vancouver area?
EULA CHUA: I have been living in the Greater Vancouver area since I was six years old. I originally moved from my birthplace of Oman and left as my family decided to move for a better future.
How do understand your vocation as a Catholic artist?
I would say I'm more of a Catholic Calligrapher as I focus on lettering styles, which can also be art in itself. My personal mission as a Catholic working in the arts is to encourage and inspire people in their everyday living by sharing the word of God through calligraphy.
As an introvert, it’s a challenge for me to be open and vocal about myself or my faith. I find that everyone communicates in different ways. I create Catholic/Bible stickers as a way to evangelize and spread the word of God, especially for those who need to take their time to collect their thoughts before they share what they have to say. I think small Catholic statements and items are also a great way to invite someone to an open conversation about Catholicism.
Where have you found support in the Church for your vocation as an artist?
I found a lot of support through the Catholic community, especially previously being a member of CFC-Singles For Christ. As Simplyeu Studio is still growing, I hope that I can reach out to my Archdiocese with the work and services I offer as a way to give back and offer up my talents to the Lord. I want to contribute and bring forth the best of my skills and abilities the Lord has blessed me with, as well as inspire others to step out of their comfort zone
Where have you found support among your fellow artists for your Catholic faith?
I found support through online Catholic communities like CatholicsOnline.net and online communities through Instagram. When connecting with other Catholic artists on social media, you get to share similar struggles when it comes to evangelizing our faith through art. Seeing and connecting with other Catholic artists brings me joy and enlightenment, knowing that we are never alone in our journey.
How can the Church be more welcoming to artists?
I believe the Church is already welcoming to artists. In fact, my form of art is greatly inspired by the Church. There’s so much inspiration to find from the Saints, the church itself and the actual physical structures, our brothers and sisters in Christ, the ministries, the bible, and many more. It is endless.
Where do you go to get inspired?
I get inspired when I listen to people's stories. I gain ideas and create products that bring encouragement on a daily.
What is your daily spiritual practice?
My daily spiritual practice is done through morning prayers, reciting the Memorare and the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. When I find the opportunity, I would also take the time to reflect and journal about my day. As someone who experiences anxiety, prayer and journaling are vital.
What is your daily artistic practice?
This is something I am working on. My ideal daily practice would be doing calligraphy the traditional way - through pen and paper (or other mediums). Right now, most of my work is done digitally. When I'm not practicing my craft, I'm mostly working on the back-end tasks of my business, which is as important as the art itself.
How do you financially support yourself as an artist?
I work as a product process specialist for a tech retail company and run my calligraphy business on the side while I complete my independent studies.
How do you market your art?
For myself, marketing my brand on social media platforms and by word of mouth/sharing on online group communities have helped my side business gain potential and purchasing clients.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists?
1. Bless others with your artwork. Art is not meant to be perfect so put yourself out there regardless of perfection.
2. Keep up the spiritual practices as much as you do your artistic practices. Both go hand in hand. When one piece of you lacks, the other lacks too.
3. Don't be afraid. Trust in God and His plans for you. When things don't go your way, surrender to Him and allow Him to work in you.