sharon tu

Short story: I am a multifaceted portrait artist, deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for drawing. My journey began in childhood, blossomed throughout my early years, and took a brief hiatus during my teenage years. In 2017, I rekindled my love for art, embracing various mediums to express my creativity.

As for the long story:

Starting with youthful sketches in daycare and grade school, where my knack for art first gained recognition and applause, my path in art began. A landmark moment in first grade—a $5 victory in a Valentine's Day card competition—fueled my everyday love for creating. My fifth-grade teacher, valuing my artwork, kept it for future students to see, and my family, especially my dad and brother, shared this artistic inclination.

In my teenage years, however, doubts crept in, pushing art to the sidelines. A significant life change occurred at 15 with the birth of my child, challenging me to balance motherhood and personal growth. This era was transformative, profoundly shaping me.

As an adult, once the pressures of parenting lessened, I found myself exploring my identity, leading me back to my art in 2017. This was marked by my participation in the Inktober challenge, a commitment to produce daily ink drawings throughout October, inspired by comic artist Jake Parker. This venture was a catalyst; I devoted myself to daily sketches, focusing on women of color who left a mark on history.

Today, my journey continues with daily sketches, a process of constant evolution and self-discovery through my art.

My inspiration comes from women who pursue their dreams independently, without needing validation or assistance from men. This motivates me to stay strong and not feel sorry for myself. Women are beautiful and full of love, essential to the world and each other.

At the moment, I'm immersed in photography and videography, finding that they enhance my perception of light, shape, and composition, thereby enriching the emotional depth of my storytelling art. This journey offers limitless knowledge and creativity, continually expanding my visual library. I aim to communicate through a language that can be felt rather than just seen.