Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Xie.
Iris, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have always enjoyed drawing. It was simply my passion- even while young, I poured hours and hours into my work. I was infatuated with the idea of creating visual experiences that did not exist in real life. Despite being born with one working eye, my monocular vision does not impair me, and has allowed me to be grateful for the vision that I am blessed with. With my ballpoint pen and loose-leaf paper clutched in my hands, the limit did not exist.
I started taking my artistic endeavors seriously in junior high. I had an extremely supportive art teacher, and her words of encouragement and investment in my progress convinced me to consider art as a career. And even though I am still very young – being a senior in high school – I am excited for what’s to come in my future. I believe I have something of value to depart with viewers of my work.
I am armed with people who support me. My mom, my friends, and my family have inspired the creation of my art. My art teachers from school help me improve, expand, and hone my skills. My coworkers and mentors at Artists for Humanity allowed me to see creation in a different way. I am eternally grateful to everyone who has helped me work to becoming the artist I am and the artist I will become in the future.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work mainly consists of paintings and illustrations. I create pieces hoping to inspire others. Specifically, I am interested in detailed and intricate works. I hope that viewers will bask in the excess of figure and find something new within the piece every time they look at it. I wish for people to realize what a gift visionary experience is. To be able to appreciate aesthetic and formulate your own interpretation of it is truly a privilege to be treasured. I create some of my work during art classes at my school, some on my free time, and some at my job at Artists for Humanity. From looking at my work and reading my story, I hope I can inspire others to believe that if they are genuinely passionate about something, there is ultimately nothing stopping you from chasing it.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
My biggest piece of advice for other artists out there is to expand your horizon. Do not shut yourself out to the world. Share your world with others by sharing your work! Talk to other artists in your area, join clubs or organizations, and don’t be afraid to connect with others who share your passion. But also, do not bog yourself down by comparing yourself to other artists. Know that everyone works hard. Talent is not simply plucked from a tree, it is cared for with constant practice and determination.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find the majority of my work on my Instagram, @pi.xien. Through my job at Artists for Humanity, I’ve been able to work with clients and get my work out there! From commissioned paintings to illustrative works, AFH has allowed me to experience what a career in the arts is like. I do have two bike designs on Boston’s BLUEbikes program that will be out on the streets soon! People can support my work by following me on Instagram. I am also willing to support any other fellow artists that would like to ask any questions or receive some advice, so please do not hesitate to contact me through Instagram or email!
Contact Info:
- Email: irisxie5@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pi.xien/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Iris Xie
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