Meet Evian Le | Multidisciplinary Artist

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

Hi EVian, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Letters to a Young Poet” by Rainer Rilke is one of those timeless book that defined my understanding of “a true artist.” One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “It is a matter of living everything. Live the question now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, one distant day live right into the answer.”

Rilke possesses a fervent yearning for life, and he believes that as artists, we must seek experience everything fully, and art is created from understanding, out of its own necessity. He encourages us to be consumed with every emotions to ever grow within us and allow it to unfold, and to be patient and humble enough for clarity to bear fruit in the subconscious of our mind, and ultimately give birth to the art that we are meant to create. “In understanding as in creation.” This philosophy is something I’ve come to cherish and live by.

Being an artist, it’s easy to feel lost. As in my case, I grow up in a country where art is often dismissed as a frivolous or wasteful pursuit. Not only are there doubts at the beginning, there are even more to figure out when you’re embarking on this path: how can I be financially dependent living this passion of mine? What is my art style, what is so special and one-of-a-kind about what I do? And now that there’s AI, do I have a future with this career, and what will that future look like? These uncertainties can be overwhelming, and yet what I love the most about Rilke’s quote is that it reminds us to be patient with ourselves and with the passage of life. It encourages us to hold onto those questions, embrace and cherish them, knowing that, with time, they will find their answers—not through conscious effort, but by living them, by experiencing life fully, and by understanding.

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.
My parents never had the chance to pursue their dreams as children. They grew up in an environment where simply making it through another day was far more important than recognizing their potential or skills. However, I believe they have never let go of those dreams; instead, they chose to let those dreams live on through us.

Growing up in a society where being an artist often meant being seen as weak, useless, or foolish, my parents were supportive enough to send me abroad to study in a place where my talents and passions would be appreciated. I have always been grateful for their support since childhood, especially since I witnessed some of my friends’ parents tearing up their drawings when they felt their children’s school performance wasn’t good enough. Recognizing how lucky I am to have the chance to pursue art has been one of my biggest drive.

The journey definitely was not easy. My parents’ sacrifices and the pressure to make the most of the opportunities they gave me sometimes felt overwhelming. On top of that, being in a foreign place, I had to fight much harder to advocate for myself. Creating connections and finding my way in a new environment was something I had to navigate on my own, ase most of our extended family and relatives weren’t familiar with the path I was choosing. However, I was lucky to find a great and supportive community of like-minded peers at SCAD, and most of my freelance work have come from these lovely friendships. I’ve also had the chance to meet artists I admire and have conversations that really resonate with me and what I want to do.

I’m never exactly satisfied with my own work, though it’s something that I’ve come to accept. I believe contentment is the death of creativity and improvement, and so I don’t mind the struggle if that’s what keeps me growing. Yet, it means a lot to me to see that my work is truly valued by the people around me and the people I work with. The lesson I’ve learnt is to just never lose sight of what makes me an artist in the first place: the conversations that exist through art.

For me, art has always been a conversation, an independent entity that, once created, can stand apart from the artist, becoming its own being, and can speak to others in ways I might not even anticipate.

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.
Currently I’m residing in South Carolina, but I thought I’d just recommend an itinerary to Vietnam, since that’s where I’m from.

First of all, I would say to visit Hanoi for the cultural heritage! One place I’ve always loved to visit even as a kid is Quoc Tu Giam, or the Imperial Academy, the first university in Vietnam. Another suggestion is to rent a motorbike and go on a ride around either Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake, and don’t forget to stop by for the snacks along the road. While you’re in the city, definitely check out Bun Cha and Salted Egg Coffee, or go to Yen Cafe for a cup of “Da Lat”. Those are my favorite treats of all time.

For a relaxing holiday, Da Nang is where you want to be. The beaches are stunning and the fresh seafoods there are to die for. Talk to the local fishermen and you will also find them to be the loveliest people to ever tread on this planet. Hoi An and Hue should be right next to Da Nang, and I would recommend going to both and visit the night markets for another taste of culture.

Last but definitely not least, Ho Chi Minh City – or Saigon, as more commonly known, and Da Lat. Saigon is definitely where all the fun is. SWith so many expats living there, the food, culture, and entertainment are super diverse. Plus, there are art and flea markets happening every week, and the entire city is littered with hidden gem. And Da Lat? That’s where my heart lies. I’d suggest signing up for a camping trip up the hills, you’d also be able to find the prettiest cafe anywhere you go.

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 just have to give a big shoutout to Aarushi Menon! Not only is she an incredibly talented graphic designer at Penguin Random House, but she’s also such a wonderful person. Aarushi introduced me to Shoutout LA and has always been there with the most thoughtful advice and support.

I also want to highlight Asians in Advertising. I signed up for their mentorship program, and it’s been amazing! I’ve made some fantastic connections, found my community, and learned so much about networking and shaping my career path.

Website: https://salted-evian.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salted.evian/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/le-b-thuy/

Image Credits
Vietcetera, Kinder People Studio