A self-taught artist, Xin works largely in watercolor and paper weaving abstraction. Born in Beijing, China, Xin emigrated to Washington when she was twelve years old, graduating from the University of Washington with B.A. in Communication and Sales. After two years of working in corporate America, Xin decided to solo travel the world for four years, deepening her connection to art a constant theme her life since she was 3 years old. She continued to expand her artistic skills and pursued art as a way of self-healing. 

“Art has always been the constant in my life. I took my very first art class at the age of 3. For the next 9 years, I went to a local art school in China every Sunday. I learned watercolor, ink, cast drawing, gouache, oil pastel, and Sumi. After immigrating to the United States at 12 years old, I did not know enough English to attend an art school. I taught myself anime drawing and started an anime club at my middle school. Even with years of training, art was still viewed as a hobby in my family. It was unacceptable for me as an immigrant to major in art. To expand on my years of training, I started taking art classes from local schools on abstract acrylic, collage, alcohol ink, charcoal, and botanical… I turn to art to release and heal. My emotions connect with people I have never met before. Together, we are experiencing these special human emotions and looking for some comfort to feel ok. I hope collectors can engage with my art and realize, “I know that feeling and I am not alone!”

In 2022 Xin joined ShoreLake Arts as a teaching artist, instructing both youth and adults, and we are delighted to have her working with us again this Spring. As both an artist and an instructor, Xin illuminates our shared condition, helping us to express ourselves through visual art.