Poh Ling Yeow on ABC's "Talking Heads" - Part 2

Summary

In this candid interview, Poh Ling, an artist and chef, reflects on her journey from a passionate make-up artist to a successful figure in the culinary world. She shares insights about her creative process, the importance of food in connecting her to her roots, and her evolution into a public persona through her cooking show. Poh discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing her artistic and culinary passions, the role of family in shaping her identity, and how cooking has helped her reconnect with her heritage and family, especially her mother.

Takeaways

• 😀 Poh initially explored makeup but found her true passion in painting and the arts.
• 😀 Poh was hesitant about returning to painting, but her husband Matt encouraged her to pursue it, leading to her first gallery exhibition.
• 😀 Poh adopted the name 'Poh' after her husband made a short film where she was credited with that name, and it quickly became her new identity.
• 😀 Poh has a strong connection to her Chinese heritage, particularly through food, which links her to her past and culture.
• 😀 Cooking became an obsession for Poh, especially as she sought to reconnect with her family, including her mother.
• 😀 Food played a significant role in bringing Poh closer to her mother after tensions caused by leaving the church.
• 😀 Poh decided to pursue a career in food media to document family recipes and use the opportunity to learn from her mother.
• 😀 MasterChef was a transformative experience for Poh, revealing her risk-taking personality and strong will.
• 😀 Poh doesn't fear failure, seeing it as part of a non-linear journey of self-discovery and growth.
• 😀 The shift from artist to TV personality posed challenges to Poh's personal identity, particularly with the pressure of public recognition.
• 😀 Poh finds peace and authenticity in solitary moments, whether cooking or painting, as these activities allow her to be fully present with herself.

Q & A

Why did the speaker initially pursue makeup, and what did they find intriguing about it?

The speaker was drawn to makeup because of its artistic aspect. They compared it to painting on a face, working with a three-dimensional canvas, which fascinated them.

How did the speaker transition from makeup to painting, and who influenced this change?

The speaker's husband, Matt, encouraged them to return to painting. Despite initially resisting the idea, the speaker eventually took a risk, making a few cold calls to galleries, which led to their first exhibition.

Why did the speaker decide to change their name from Sharon to Poh, and how did this transformation impact their identity?

The name change was influenced by a short film Matt made, where the character's name was Poh Ling. From then on, everyone referred to the speaker by that name, and they found that people felt uncomfortable calling them Sharon. The change felt natural since they were already called Poh Ling in Malaysia until they were nine.

What role does food play in the speaker's connection to their past and culture?

Food became a vital connection to the speaker's past, especially their cultural heritage. Their Aunt Kim, who doesn't speak English, helped them maintain a connection to their Chinese roots. Cooking also allowed the speaker to bond more closely with their mother.

How did the speaker's relationship with food evolve, and what role did it play in their personal growth?

The speaker's passion for food grew stronger over time, leading to an obsession with cooking. They began to see it as a creative outlet, and cooking became a way to express themselves and connect with their cultural roots.

What was the speaker’s motivation for appearing on MasterChef?

The speaker wanted to gain a book deal to preserve their family recipes, something they had discussed with their mother for years but never got around to doing. Going on MasterChef would force them to learn these dishes and potentially start a new chapter in their life.

How did the speaker reconcile their dual identities as an artist and a food enthusiast?

The speaker initially struggled with the apparent distraction between their art and food passions. However, over time, they became increasingly obsessed with food, realizing it was a significant part of their identity and something they might have pursued more seriously if given a second chance.

What challenges did the speaker face after becoming a public figure?

Becoming a public figure came with the challenge of being recognized constantly, which made simple tasks like shopping or enjoying personal time difficult. Despite this, the speaker acknowledged the value of their job and the opportunities it provided.

How does the speaker find solace and clarity in their life?

The speaker finds peace when painting or cooking alone. These solitary activities help them process emotions and clear their minds, allowing them to resolve internal conflicts.

What is the speaker's view on celebrity, and how do they handle attention from the public?

The speaker dislikes the idea of celebrity and is cautious of ego. They recognize that while being in the public eye comes with benefits, it also comes with challenges, such as constant attention and a lack of personal space.