Meet Ashling (Yaxin) Tu | Illustrator, Designer & Sculptor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashling (Yaxin) Tu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashling (Yaxin), what matters most to you?
The value or principle that matters most to me is communication and creating a comforting space through my art. Growing up as a kid full of imagination, I never separated the art aspect from everyday life, and I don’t define myself as different from others who don’t consider themselves artists. I tend to utilize my art skills to communicate and link the viewers together. I feel lucky to be a visual artist since it is the most direct and universal way to express thoughts and feelings. If I have to name one unique thing, I often think of myself as a bridge that collects pieces within everyone’s life and connects them back to the viewers.

By valuing communication and creating a comforting space with my art, I prioritize the power of connection and understanding. Art, for me, serves as a direct and universal medium to express thoughts and feelings, allowing me to communicate with others on a deeper level. By bridging the gap between people’s experiences and emotions, I aim to create a sense of comfort and belonging through my artistic expressions.

This value is significant to me because it allows me to share my unique perspective and connect with others in a meaningful way. By facilitating communication and creating a comforting space, I believe that my art can bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and understanding. Ultimately, my art serves as a vehicle for emotional expression and a means to forge connections among individuals, making it an essential value in my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself as a person who is willing to take risks and try out different things when it comes to art. My art is not just about exploring different mediums; it carries a deeper meaning of self-acceptance and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. I firmly believe that a single word has the power to heal broken hearts.

One particular moment stands out vividly in my memory: as I contemplated a watercolor depiction of a small room, I felt compelled to physically immerse myself in its space. Motivated by this inspiration and driven by my belief in the transformative power of art, I embarked on creating a mini sculpture, despite my limited experience with three-dimensional art. Air-dry clays proved inadequate, prompting me to embrace unconventional materials like rocks, branches, and assorted scraps to infuse the sculpture with the desired texture. This revelation shattered the boundaries of form and material, illuminating the notion that art should not be confined by such constraints.

Driven by my passion for self-acceptance and breaking through boundaries, I delved deeper into crafting miniature sculptures, eventually culminating in my solo exhibition, “Soft Corner.” Seeking to cultivate a serene ambiance and touch the hearts of others, I ventured beyond traditional gallery norms. I meticulously designed a piano room adorned with lush greenery, soft lighting, and the melodic strains of lo-fi music. Drawing inspiration from my surroundings and the healing power of words, I strived to engage all the senses, offering a respite and a transformative experience for the audience.

Throughout my artistic journey, I have imbibed invaluable lessons. Rather than adhering to rigid design principles, my focus remains on effectively conveying the intended message of self-acceptance and healing. Prompted by the simplicity of rocks, trees, and the notion of “just do it,” I continually push the boundaries and fearlessly embrace new creative approaches. I persist in my inventive endeavors, understanding that a single word can indeed heal broken hearts. These experiences have molded my growth and reaffirmed my belief that art is a medium for exploration, discovery, and evoking deep emotions, ultimately bringing healing and acceptance to all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I would ensure a memorable time for them. To start, I would welcome them into my home, cherishing the intimacy and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations. Next, I would take them to experience the vibrant coffee culture at The Aroma coffee shop in Diamond Bar—a delightful spot for a cozy and flavorful coffee break.

For a taste of the local nightlife, we would visit a bar of their choice, enjoying the ambiance and perhaps indulging in some signature cocktails or craft beers. If it happens to be during the orange season, I would make sure to take them to a location where they can witness and savor the scent of blooming orange trees, adding a touch of natural beauty to our trip.

Throughout the week, any spot we explore together would become our favorite spot, as the true essence lies in the shared experience. We would embark on adventures, discovering new locations and creating cherished memories along the way. Whether it’s strolling through a picturesque park, exploring an art gallery, or immersing ourselves in local cultural events, we would embrace the excitement of discovery and enjoy each other’s company.

Ultimately, the most fun, interesting, and exciting aspects of the trip would be the quality time spent together, the conversations shared, and the joy of experiencing new things in each other’s company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

First of all, I would like to give a shoutout to my family. I am grateful for their unwavering support as I pursue my dream and my art career.

Secondly, I want to express my gratitude to my best friends Emi, Sophie, and Yan. They have always stood beside me, and together, we have shared a wonderful college life filled with precious memories.

I would also like to give a special shoutout to my best friend, Star Shen. It was Star who originally founded our Starry House Studio, and together, we have embarked on countless amazing projects that have shaped our artistic journey.

Furthermore, I want to extend my thanks to Kevin for reaching out to me and providing this incredible opportunity to share my stories. Your belief in my talent means the world to me.

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to each and every one of you who is reading my story. Your decision to invest your time in connecting with me through my words is truly meaningful. Thank you for being a part of my artistic journey.

Website: www.ashlingtu.com

Instagram: @ashlingtu_art

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashling-tu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashling_tu

Image Credits
Winne Su