“In that period of my life, … I (was) trying to physically heal and also heal emotionally and mentally,” Hsu said. The 12 paintings progress in order, beginning with a girl sprawled on the ground surrounded by birds and ending with the girl sewing a bird into her back.
#SURREAL SELF PORTRAIT PAINTER SERIES#
After suffering a figure skating accident in middle school that left her in a wheelchair for a year, Hsu said she created a series of oil paintings entitled “Garden of Wounds” that detailed her mental and physical journey to recovery. Regardless of the medium, Hsu said her preferred method of processing her emotions is through symbolism embedded in her work. Learning from the works of other artists on sites like Pinterest and Instagram also helped Hsu solidify her skills as she eventually expanded into Photoshop, oil painting and fine art photography. While she did not take art lessons as a child, Hsu said she was able to teach herself basic drawing techniques through YouTube tutorials. Hsu said her personal connection with art began at a very young age when her mother suggested she make paper dolls rather than buy plastic ones. “I want them to look at it and then be able to relate it to themselves.” “I don’t want to directly put a scene in my art in a way where people will look at it first glance and know what’s happening,” Hsu said.
Hsu is currently venturing into digital art during her free time in quarantine, and she hopes her audience can connect with her pieces on a personal level. By using art as a mode of self-expression, Hsu said she channels memories like music recitals and figure skating performances that define her life’s story. The second-year art student said she uses the freedom of her craft – from oil painting to fine art photography – to find her voice.
Fiona Hsu’s artwork is a visual autobiography – navigating both her unconscious and conscious realities.