Meet Stella Wu | Fine Artist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stella Wu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stella, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by a variety of creative influences that shape my artistic journey. My fascination with cute intellectual properties such as Sanrio, as well as artists like Kanahei and comic creator Takagi Naoko, deeply resonates with my passion for charming and engaging visual storytelling. From a young age, I was drawn to the playful and endearing world of cute illustrations, appreciating how they often extend beyond traditional art to become immersive experiences through peripheral goods.

In addition to my love for whimsical charm, my art explores symbolic abstraction and the expressive potential of multiple mediums. I create visually captivating works that evoke deep emotions by blending 2D and 3D elements, experimenting with silkscreen pigments, and crafting innovative mixed media collages. This experimental approach allows me to push artistic boundaries while staying true to the joy and creativity that have always fueled my passion for art.

I draw inspiration from a range of artistic worlds, balancing the playful whimsy of cute character design with the bold, expressive abstraction found in the works of Picasso, Willem de Kooning, Jean-Michel Basquiat, etc. This blend of influences allows me to infuse my art with both lightheartedness and raw emotional intensity. My aim is to create pieces that are captivatingly playful yet layered with deeper emotional and conceptual elements, merging abstraction, symbolism, and bold textures to deliver works that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a journey of exploration and self-expression, guided by a desire to merge diverse influences and media to create something both meaningful and visually engaging. What sets me apart is my commitment to blending mixed media and abstraction, along with my love for storytelling through both playful and deeply emotional works. From charming and cute aesthetics inspired by intellectual properties like Sanrio to bold, symbolic abstractions influenced by artists like Picasso, Willem de Kooning, and Basquiat, my art seeks to balance whimsy, depth, and visual intrigue. I believe this range allows me to evoke powerful emotions and connect with audiences on multiple levels.

One project I am particularly proud of is my senior thesis, What I Learn from My World with the Language of Love (https://www.stellallaart.com/what-i-learn-from-my-world-with-the-language-of-love). This work combines 2D and 3D elements to reflect my healing journey and tell a story that is both personal and universally resonant. It was deeply fulfilling to weave my emotions and experiences into each piece, experimenting with silkscreen pigments, textures, and mixed media elements to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Getting to where I am today professionally was not easy. I started my artistic journey heavily influenced by realistic drawing styles, shaped by the rigorous demands of my early education. Breaking free from this and finding my voice in abstraction was a major challenge. I faced self-doubt and pressure to conform to certain norms. However, a transformative moment came when a teacher told me, “You can do more than just cute.” This simple statement sparked a journey of self-discovery, pushing me to explore new approaches and embrace my own style fearlessly.

The journey taught me many lessons. I learned that art is about authenticity and vulnerability. It’s about being unafraid to express oneself, to make mistakes, and to grow from them. Art is not always perfect or polished—it’s raw, evolving, and deeply tied to who we are. I also learned the importance of staying curious and open to experimentation. Whether through ceramics, sculpture, digital art, or printmaking, my desire to explore new methods fuels my creativity and keeps my work dynamic.

If there is one thing I want the world to know about me and my story, it’s that art is my language of love and connection. Every piece I create is an invitation to see, feel, and understand not just what I’ve experienced, but the emotions and beauty that resonate in all of us. I strive to inspire, challenge, and uplift through my art, creating works that speak to both the heart and the imagination. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in New York include Williamsburg for its unique vintage stores, Chelsea for its diverse art galleries, and Central Park for a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. I also love visiting Korea Town or Flushing for authentic food, especially hotpot. As for museums, I highly recommend the MoMA, The Met, the Guggenheim, and the Whitney for their exceptional collections and inspiring exhibits. Additionally, I make it a point to attend art book fairs like the Printed Matter Art Book Fair and MOCCA to discover new art and design publications. Broadway shows are also a must-see, and for a more relaxing experience, towns like Beacon and Cold Spring offer the perfect escape for both relaxation and inspiration.

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?
Absolutely, there are several people and influences who have played a significant role in shaping my journey. One of my greatest inspirations is the Taiwanese illustrator and children’s book artist, Jimmy. His books have profoundly impacted me, offering both creative inspiration and a deeper emotional connection to storytelling through art. His ability to craft evocative narratives and visually engaging worlds has fueled my passion and continues to guide my artistic expression.

I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to my teachers and mentors, who guided me through my explorations of mixed media and abstraction. Their encouragement and insights have been invaluable in helping me find my artistic voice.

I also owe a great deal to my supportive peers and classmates from the School of Visual Arts, whose feedback and camaraderie pushed me to grow and experiment fearlessly. A special shoutout goes to my family and friends, who have stood by me through every creative struggle and triumph, offering endless support and inspiration. Lastly, my art journey has been deeply enriched by the children I have worked with and learned from. Their pure joy of creativity and boundless imagination serve as a daily reminder of art’s transformative power and limitless potential. Thank you all for being a part of my story!

Website: https://www.stellallaart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellalla.art/

Linkedin: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shr-ying-wu

Image Credits
Stella Wu