Meet Vancouver-based Artist Eula Chua
EULA CHUA is a Vancouver-based calligrapher and stationery designer.
You can check out her work here:
website: simplyeustudio.com // etsy shop: simplyeu.etsy.com // email: eula@simplyeustudio.com
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION: Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Vancouver?
EULA CHUA: My parents are from the Philippines. My father worked overseas as an architect for the Ministry of Housing in Oman and brought my mother with him to start a family. Oman is where my brothers and I were born. I lived there for six years until my parents took an opportunity of a brighter future, thus, moving to Canada to start anew. I have lived in Vancouver for 18 years now and every time I travel around the city, I always find something new to appreciate about where I live.
Do you call yourself a Catholic artist? What do you see as your personal mission as a Catholic working in the arts?
I do consider myself a Catholic Artist, more so, a Catholic Calligrapher/Letterer based on my work. My personal mission is to evangelize our Catholic faith using a form of art without fear. 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 stickers and prints 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 I have been a part of (Couples 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 have been a bit quiet about my vocation as an artist until I sought the opportunity to put myself out there during the Holiday season and share my work through my Instagram (@simplyeu). Surprisingly, I found a lot of fellow Catholic artists, writers, and speakers through Instagram who have inspired me to be more open about being a Catholic through calligraphy!
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 in Vancouver do you regularly find spiritual fulfillment?
I find spiritual fulfillment through adoration and the sacrament of reconciliation. There’s a few churches in the Archdiocese of Vancouver which offer a 24-hour adoration. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, not many are able to stay open all-night. However, I did find that more and more churches have started offering scheduled adoration almost everyday of the week, which is such a blessing!
I am also a part of a young adult Catholic charismatic community called Singles for Christ, which I recommend to those who are seeking faith, friendship, and community with other fellow brothers and sisters. We also welcome and invite those who are non-Catholics to join us in our monthly events.
What is your daily spiritual practice?
Since the start of the new year, I have been praying the prayers in the Magnificat and dedicate my time to write more in my prayer journal. Throughout the pandemic, my friends and I get together online to pray the Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy every week.
How do you financially support yourself as an artist?
I currently have a part-time job while balancing full-time school. In November 2020, I took a leap of faith and began to sell my work and creations through Etsy. I find a lot of my clients by word of mouth and through Instagram. This year (2021), I hope to launch my website soon (simplyeustudio.com), where not only I can sell more of my creations but also share more about myself, my portfolio, and my thoughts on my website blog.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?
1. “Be not afraid.” // Art is a form of expression. Don’t be afraid to express who you are, who you are created to be, and share who our Creator is. Put yourself out there and share your work, whether it’s within a Catholic or non-Catholic community or group. You’d be surprise who comes up to you and asks about your faith.
2. “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” - St. Catherine of Siena // God made all of us with a unique purpose. He loves you for who you are. He loved before you were even born! There’s no need to be like anyone else other than to be yourself, to be the best that you can be. That is all He asks of us.
3. “Remain faithful and Trust in Him.” // In times where you feel incapable or incompetent. Be open to seeking for help from others such as your peers, your family, your professor, a spiritual director, a therapist, or whoever it may be depending in your situation. Trust that He will take care of you, no matter what.
