People: Xuan Loc Xuan

Xuan Loc Xuan dresses up melancholy in vibrant colors in most of her artworks, and the results are breathtaking. Xuan is a freelance illustrator based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Having grown up as an introvert child in a large family, Xuan always felt an inherent sense of loneliness and sadness. And the essence of those feelings drips down into most of her work. Her subjects are always shying away from the audience. They are either glancing sideways or have their back to the world, and are always lost in their own thoughts. Most of Xuan’s work also has a very ethereal feel to it.

Xuan studied graphic design at Ho Chi Minh University of Fine Arts, and started her independent practice four years ago. She is a firm believer in the theory that ‘Life creates arts while arts change life’. We speak to Xuan about her life and arts over an email. Read on:

Tell us something about your childhood.

I was born and raised in a poor district in the south of Vietnam (Dong Nai Province). My childhood was associated with corn fields, tea hills and white coffee-flower. I attended a small school in the village. Overall, it was a pretty boring childhood. Thanks to my shy nature, I did not have too many friends and often ended up playing alone and feeling very lonely. I am the youngest child in a large family, and since my parents were busy all day with work, I learnt how to take care of myself very early in life.

Since my childhood, drawing had always been a great passion. My elder sister is also an illustrator, and she was the one who helped me take my first step towards art. I am always grateful to her for that and admire her so much.

Xuan Loc Xuan

What influenced you creatively when you were growing up?

I think the sadness of my childhood turned out to be the biggest creative influence for me. As I said, I was an introvert and often felt lonely. So my paintings reflect those colors: cold, sad and dark. Although my present life is happier than my past, but there is a twinge of sorrow that I always carry with me. I think I’ve learnt to live with it.

Also, my brother is one of my editors at Hoa Hoc Tro Publisher (where I contribute). When I had just started out, my skills weren’t that good but he helped me out a lot. I was extremely surprised to know that he is not only a good editor but also has excellent drawing skills. From that time on, he has been one of my biggest inspirations.

Anyone

You studied Graphic Design at HCMC University of Fine Arts. What were some of the key learnings there?

I learnt many things at the university including basic painting skills, computer software, different styles, shapes and directions in arts. But there was one particular incident that was very inspiring. Once when I was unhappy with a painting I had made, one of my teachers came up to me and told me, “Don’t be impatient. As time passes, your maturity would make your strokes more profound.” The power in those words still helps me to try harder whenever I’m disappointed with my work.

Out of all your projects so far, which one do you like the most?

Among my artworks, I really like the paintings with the ocean at night. I have always liked the sea. The blue of the sea gives me a relaxing and soothing feeling. And it gives me a lot of inspiration to compose.

Blue

Tell us a bit about the specific colors and techniques you use in your portraits.

I tend to use minimal design. I use color as a main factor in my works. For me, the colors determine the strength of a picture. For portraiture, I don’t draw surroundings or use any background color, but I describe the main focus in a portrait. I carefully describe it from the eyes to the rosy cheeks to the corner of the mouth. Sometimes, the smallest elements become the biggest attractions of a portrait.

How does Vietnam inspire your work?

I am often inspired by the familiar images of Vietnam – vast green rice fields, immense blue sky with small white clouds, beautiful wild beaches, and erratic weather in Saigon.

What are some of things/observations that have deeply inspired you and your work over the years?

I get inspired by the idyllic things I see like the cool blue of the sea. I also always get inspired by the things that create a sense of sadness, and sometimes also by the people I know.

How do you balance between personal and commissioned work?

I usually set up a specific plan, and divide my day into logical time frames. I take up personal works reasonably to make sure that they don’t affect my commissioned work. This way I avoid putting too much pressure on myself, and am able to execute both properly.

Rain

I don’t draw surroundings or use any background color, but I describe the main focus in a portrait. I carefully describe it from the eyes to the rosy cheeks to the corner of the mouth.

Who are the artists around the world that you really admire?

My favorite is the French artist Pascal Campion. He has an amazing, vivid, creative and very inspirational drawing style.

What are you currently working on?

I have many plans lined up for the near future. I want to develop a project related to handicraft products. I also want to do a comics projects for both children and adults. I think I just need more time and more efforts to accomplish all my goals.

Cafe. Waiting. Love

I am often inspired by the familiar images of Vietnam – vast green rice fields, immense blue sky with small white clouds, beautiful wild beaches, and erratic weather in Saigon.