Meet Aja Terwilliger | Licensed Acupuncturist & Artist

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

Hi Aja, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by people who make an effort to change things that they aren’t happy with. I am inspired by people who decide they want to do something and they don’t let challenges stand in their way. I feel inspired by people who live life unafraid and live authentically to do the things that make them happy. For my whole life I’ve wanted to travel but until I was 27. years old I always thought I didn’t have enough money or that I couldn’t take the time off work. Until I spoke to people who said, “Make the time, save your money and you can travel.” It felt impossible but despite my fear, I finally made the leap and realized it was just my mind that was standing between me and traveling.

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 started painting on skateboard decks when I moved to Los Angeles in 2012. I’ve painted since I was young and have always loved it and once I started painting on skateboard decks I had a lot of friends and acquaintances who wanted to purchase them. I made it a side job but have never pursued art as a “career”. I’ve more recently in the past few years been painting on wood panel and using resin as a finish. My art is heavily influenced by pop artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. I use a lot of bold colors, bold lines and dots. I also have a lot of pieces that are just mouths. I honestly don’t know where that came from or how it started but it’s definitely a theme throughout my work. My dad passed suddenly in August and I hadn’t been painting a whole lot in the past few years due to actually pursuing a career as an acupuncturist. Once he passed I was really made aware of the fact that life is short and we should do the things that bring us joy. I’ve been painting a lot since then and putting way more energy into selling and trying to showcase my work. I can’t speak to what it’s like to be an artist in a professional sense (yet) but I will say the lessons I’ve learned are if something brings you joy, do it. If you want something, go get it. If you love something, put your energy into it and it will grow. I’m really excited about what’s next. I’m hoping to have a gallery show one day and I’m excited that I get the opportunity to show my art to the world. Even though my dad can’t be here for it I know he’d be proud.

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?
My go-to in LA is always Din Tai Fung or San Gabriel Valley for the best Dim Sum. I always take my mom to The Broad when she’s in town, the art district in DTLA, Malibu for a hike/walk at Big Dume for an insane view. Obviously Venice beach for people watching. The Hollywood Bowl for music. The Hollywood cemetery in the summer time for movies is the best. Melrose for shopping. Honestly I’m sounding more and more basic but Intelligentsia really does have the best coffee in LA. And go to Echo Park Lake for the peddle boats. Never disappoints. And come to Thrive Health & Wellness Collective for acupuncture and your wellness needs in LA!

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?
I want to shoutout Margot Chambers who is an incredible acupuncturist and owner of Thrive Health & Wellness Collective. She inspired me to go to school to become an acupuncturist myself and who I now work along side. In the art world, I also want to shout out every person who has ever said to me, “You should really get your art out there” even when I felt like I had nothing to offer. Everyone who has ever told me to keep painting has inspired me and encouraged me to paint despite how I felt and to finally sell and advertise my work.

Website: https://www.saatchiart.com/ajaterwilligerpigott

Instagram: @ajanicole__art

Other: Acupuncture website- threepointsacupuncturela.com

Image Credits
Chris Frara and Eric Wright