Visual artist Jesse Liu chatted about her “Spring Fever” exhibit, her inspirations, and being an artistic creator in the digital age.
Chinese-American artist Jesse Liu has quickly become one of the most in-demand visual artists on the West Coast, where she recently opened her first Los Angeles solo-exhibit to over half her collection pre-sold beforehand. She is a graduate of the esteemed School of Visual Arts New York.
All of her paintings are of women, showing their mysterious sides in different environments and postures, while also highlighting their relationships with each other.
Liu primarily works with oil on canvas because it holds and stores and layers something important to her with each brush stroke.
Her exhibit “Spring Fever” focuses on these women who are sparks of her own memories and experiences she has encountered mixed with the inner emotions and world that she has created.
Can you briefly tell us about your exhibit “Spring Fever”? How did that come about?
The exhibit opened at Yiwei Gallery in March. The inspiration for my paintings came from those small fragments of memories. I am the kind of person who always drifts off into memories and it made me wonder why I always recall certain fragments and what is the meaning of these to me. Why are they so unforgettable?
I think that memory records more of the emotions we experienced rather than the objective facts, it’s this emotional connection that makes certain memories stay with us even years later.
I draw on these fragments to create scenes that capture the emotions and atmosphere of the original experience. When I paint, I often exaggerate certain elements and incorporate my own imagination to create a more fantastical, less realistic depiction.
Color plays a crucial role in expressing the feelings and atmospheres of each painting, and each pallet corresponds to the atmosphere I felt under that specific moment.
What inspires you each day as a visual artist?
As a visual artist, I find inspiration in many different places. One of my primary sources of inspiration is nature, particularly the vibrant colors that can be found in the world around us. For example, the color purple has always held a special fascination for me, and I use it frequently in my paintings.
While purple may not be a color that is commonly seen in nature, I was inspired by the dreamy purple-pink hues that appear in the sky at sunset. That moment of beauty stayed with me, and I knew that I wanted to capture that feeling in my art.
In addition to nature, my personal experiences and emotions also play a big role in my creative process. Each painting I create tells a story, and those stories are often inspired by my past experiences.
By drawing on my own life, I am able to infuse my art with a sense of authenticity and emotion that resonates with others. Ultimately, my paintings are a reflection of my personal characteristics, shaped by both my inspiration from the world around me and my own unique experiences.
What do your plans for the future include?
I simply cannot imagine a life without painting. My plan for the future is to continue pushing myself beyond my limits, exploring new avenues of artistic expression, and seeking out more opportunities to showcase my work.
How does it feel to be a visual artist in the digital age? (Now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
Living in the digital age has revolutionized the way visual artists operate, providing them with many advantages, including convenient communication methods and greater exposure.
With the help of social media, artists can quickly and easily share their creations with audiences, potential collectors, and galleries, facilitating self-promotion. Galleries, on the other hand, can reach out to emerging artists through online calls for submissions, which provides an excellent opportunity for direct contact.
Online galleries are also gaining popularity, enabling viewers to explore artwork without leaving the comfort of their homes, including the opportunity to view and learn from masterworks; however, due to the vast number of talented individuals sharing their work online, it has become increasingly challenging for artists to stand out from the crowd.
What is your advice for young and aspiring visual artists?
As an emerging artist, I believe that consistent hard work and unwavering focus are essential to achieve my goals. It is important to persevere through challenges and stay motivated, while continuously improving your skills and mindset.
By doing so, you will be well-prepared to seize any opportunities that come your way and make the most of them. I believe that success in the art world requires not only talent but also dedication and a willingness to put in the effort to achieve your goals.
Were there any moments in your career that helped define you?
When I had my first solo exhibition at Yiwei Gallery. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase my work, and the positive feedback I received from the audience was inspiring. This experience encouraged me to continue creating and pushed me to refine my art further.
What does the word success mean to you?
To me, success means accomplishing the goals that I strive for, whether they are material or spiritual in nature. It’s not just about attaining material possessions, but also about fulfilling a sense of purpose and achieving inner satisfaction.
Pursuing spiritual growth is just as essential to me as material pursuits, and I believe that success can be found in both areas.
Ultimately, success is about feeling fulfilled and content with what I have accomplished and the path that I am on.
