Urban ArtWorks
August 27, 2024
Youth Artist Spotlight: Ivy Liu
Ivy Liu is an Asian-American artist based in Seattle, Washington. Her art grapples with themes of social and climate justice, ranging from her experiences with identity, to climate change and mental health. As a teen artist, she is hoping to grow in her abilities, whilst also using her art as a platform for advocating for issues she is passionate in. Her art has won numerous awards such as a Gold Key at the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and has been featured in many galleries.
This image shows Ivy Liu, a female Chinese American artist with black hair, sitting in a hallway inside the Inscape Arts Building where Urban ArtWorks is located. She is holding one of her artworks that has a girl reaching out of the frame with cut-out greenery, and she is holding pink flowers with flowers coming from cut-outs on her legs.
Tell us about your Urban ArtWorks involvement.
I had already been pretty involved with the arts community through the Seattle Art Museum as a Teen Arts Group Intern, but through meeting art friends from gallery opportunities, I got introduced to Urban ArtWorks and the amazing work they have been doing. I came to find out about this amazing mural opportunity through social media, which has proved very helpful for finding opportunities for artists.
What inspired your design for the artwork for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange with The Vida Agency at Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA)?
In designing this mural, my main focus was to ensure the design encompassed and celebrated the diversity of the Washington community. I drew inspiration from the stories of individuals who have struggled to access quality medical care, particularly those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Coming from a family of immigrants, quality resources including education and healthcare are often unavailable for families in need, making such programs necessary in creating a flourishing and diverse community.
In the mural, the vibrant colors and shapes are meant to highlight the strength found in the idea that health is a fundamental right of all humans, including every factor of healthcare like obstetrics, oral health, etc.
This image shows Ivy Liu, a female Chinese American artist with black hair smiling while holding her design that was chosen by the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. The design reads “Healthcare for all” she is standing in a room where volunteers are painting behind her, during the paint day at the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) offices.
How does your heritage or identity influence your artwork? Do you incorporate elements of your identity, culture or history into your projects?
My art commonly grapples with themes of identity and varies depending on what’s going on in my life. I often create self-portraits with a certain overall theme ranging from my emotions to a message I have for the world. However, most often, it reflects my sense of identity and what defines it.
As a Chinese American, I’ve experienced the two sides of my identity. They tell two completely different stories about me, however intertwine in my art style and the narratives I choose to tell. These experiences aren’t just elements I incorporate into my art – they are the lens through which I see the world and the reason I create.
This image shows Ivy, a female Chinese American artist with black hair smiling while painting with volunteers at a table during the Refugee Women’s Alliance paint day.
Can you describe the process you went through to capture the theme of “healthcare for all” in your mural?
In the beginning of my research for this mural, it was important for me to draw from my own experiences as a long-term patient. Living with a chronic illness has provided me with a unique insight into the healthcare system, and what it means to reshape the industry. By using my own experiences, it was easier for me to connect with the theme of “healthcare for all” and be able to add meaning to certain symbols.
Many frequently underestimate the routine aspects of healthcare that contribute to our health and well-being, such as going to the dentist, annual checkups, and prenatal care. To highlight this importance, I aimed to include all of these aspects that contribute to our daily health. Adding on, I wanted to ensure that my mural truly reflected the community it serves to truly embody the theme of “healthcare for all”. I dedicated significant time toward researching what makes Washington’s community special, looking into the demographics and cultural landscape that make up our state. Resultingly, each element works in harmony to reinforce this message.
This image shows the final mural hanging in the hallway at the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) offices.
How was it working with ReWA community volunteers during the mural painting experience?
It was truly inspiring to witness over 45 community volunteers unite in support of this new legislation, helping to bring this mural to life! I met tons of amazing individuals who just as equally want to make Washington a welcoming space for all communities. Even some of the children from the neighboring daycare came to lend their hands on painting the mural.
However, these individuals didn’t just come to paint a mural, they were actively shaping a future where they, and countless others, can thrive.
This image shows Ivy, a female Chinese American artist with black hair smiling in the center of volunteers during the paint day at the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA) offices. She is wearing a sweatshirt that says “Amsterdam” and she is the only person facing the camera.
What role do you think art plays in raising awareness about important issues?
Art plays a pivotal role in shining light on major issues by offering a fresh perspective. Art takes complex problems and turns them into images that can make us feel something new, or see an issue in the eyes of someone else. Unlike traditional media like the news, art can create powerful metaphors to make challenging topics feel relatable and more tangible rather than obscure ideas. Art IS Activism and can be used as an impactful medium.
Why is public art important?
Public art serves as a powerful medium for social advocacy and promoting unity. It is an accessible form of art for many communities. In this case, public art is a symbol for the aspects of culture that make up Washington, including the newfound access to quality healthcare. It represents this need to incorporate more inclusive policies in not only Washington but especially where those who have been historically underserved or marginalized reside. Public art creates community and a shared sense of identity as it encourages public engagement.
This image shows Ivy Liu, a female Chinese American artist with black hair smiling. She is facing the camera and standing in front of a white background wearing a gray long sleeve shirt.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working on this mural?
The most rewarding part of this mural has been connecting with the communities in which this piece of legislature impacts. Being able to meet so many passionate teens, children, and adults has given me hope for the campaign’s future influence. Seeing the diverse array of people from various different backgrounds all coming together to inspire the future of healthcare is what motivates me to create.
Through this mural, I have also learned so much about policy and advocacy, inspiring me to take another angle in my art. I hope more opportunities arise where I can use my art to make change.
This image shows Ivy Liu, a female Chinese American artist with black hair siting cross-legged in front of a white door, holding a painting in her lap. The painting depicts a woman lying on a bed of green leaves, reaching for a large, green leaf. There are two other framed paintings to her left and right. The painting on the left shows a woman standing in a field of flowers, while the painting on the right shows a hand reaching for a fish in a pond.
How do you see your art evolving in the future?
In the future, I see my art playing a big role in my activism career. This mural opportunity introduced me to ways I could use art to express my opinions on policies affecting my community, ways that I could have never expected. From a kid doing art because I loved it, to being able to turn that passion into something more is truly so inspiring, and I would love to use this power for the greater. Ultimately, I see my art evolving into a bridge between communities and policymakers, inspiring collective action for a more just world.
This image shows Ivy Liu, a female Chinese American artist with black hair smiling brightly at the camera. She is standing in front of a white wall with horizontal siding. The background is out of focus with some greenery.
