Ava (Xiaosy) Chen, Flame Bowerbird, oil, 9 x 12.
State in Which You Reside: California.
Art Education: After taking introductory drawing classes in middle school, I met Kai Lun Qu and attended his atelier program. Through him, I was introduced to Daniel Keys and a three-year mentorship. I’ll attend Laguna College of Art and Design this fall.
Style: Representational. I keep my brush strokes loose yet deliberate for a more impressionistic approach.
Creative Spark: I enjoy the beauty of flowers, bright colors, brick, spacious lighting, interesting faces, and big windows.
Second-Choice Career: A counselor or a job that allows me to help people.
Other Passions: Hiking, exercising, writing, and singing.
One Thing People Don’t Know About You: I’m super indecisive when I order food; it takes me an embarrassingly long time to decide.
Best Art Advice Received: Just keep creating through the inevitable ups and downs and trust the process.
Biggest Fear: Spiders.
Pet Peeve: Noisy chewing.
Quirkiest Trait: I’m an oral processor, so I randomly talk out loud a lot.
Mantra or Motto: Relax and hold everything with an open hand.
Favorite Studio Music: I listen to a wide variety of music and switch playlists depending on my mood.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: Currently, I love John Singer Sargent’s TYROLESE INTERIOR because it effectively captures the atmosphere, lighting, and intimacy of the situation.
Future Goals: I’d love to teach art and be represented in a gallery.
Price Range: $100 to $500.
Representation: xiaosyfineart.com.
To read the full list of 21 Under 31 artists for 2022, click here.
This story appeared in the August/September 2022 issue of Southwest Art magazine