Meet Ellie Lin, an emerging young artist who just won the Best in Show AND People’s Choice awards for NUMU’s ArtNow 2023 Annual High School Juried Exhibition Unarmed Truth. Ellie graduated from Los Altos High School this year, and will be attending Rhode Island School of Design this fall, to pursue fine art and illustration. In this post Ellie shares some reflections on her involvement in ArtNow and her own art practice. Follow Ellie on Instagram @dynojelatoe to stay up to date on what she creates next!
Ellie Lin, Charcoal portrait
Ellie Lin
How did you learn about ArtNow and what made you decide to apply?
“My first time hearing about ArtNow was in 2022 through my art teacher Christine An. I was inspired by the theme of that year, “Brave New Worlds.” It gave me a sense of optimism coming out of the challenge of high school amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, art has also been my most positive personal outlet. I was thrilled by the chance to apply to ArtNow’s in-person art gallery to experience other student artists’ perspectives on challenges we have all gone through.”
What was your experience with ArtNow?
“ArtNow has been awe-inspiring. Being surrounded by a whole class of artists and a gallery of artists from all different schools, I am endlessly inspired by my peers. Participating in ArtNow has encouraged me to put my best, most authentic self out there. My favorite part is seeing the authenticity and dedication behind every student’s artwork. ”
Ellie Lin, Recluse, Acrylic paint on canvas, recycled paper and plastic stars
ArtNow 2023 Unarmed Truth Best in Show & People’s Choice Award
Grade 12
Los Altos High School
Instructor: Christine An
“I am a recluse in my room, my emotional fortress. My room allows me to escape people, but my walls reveal that what I actually crave is an illusion of escape. In reality,I cannot live without sentimental chaos and overstayed souvenirs.I cannot live without constant reminders of the people I love but refuse to let come too close. AsI smother my room with mementos,I am preparing for that inescapable moment when I find myself undeniably, and utterly alone.”
How did you come to make/love art?
“I have been drawing all my life, but taking high school art classes has pushed me to seriously study art and, as a result, spend way more time doing it. My love for art also comes from my family. They’ve always been supportive of my hoards of art gifts. My family is my biggest inspiration behind my work.”
What's your favorite medium/subject matter?
“My favorite medium is acrylic paints because they are vibrant and can go on virtually any surface material. I also like polymer clay and papier-mâché, which are the most fun to use with acrylics. When making art, I gravitate towards family as my subject matter. I often incorporate portraits and anything food-related into my paintings. I try to make artwork that tells a good story because I feel it can convey emotions that are otherwise hard to describe in words.”
Ellie Lin, Soup Season
What are some of your artistic goals?
“In the future, I aspire to learn oil paints and to use materials more sustainably in my artwork. Making art is both a creative and a wasteful process, so a goal of mine is to use every drawing surface and medium I have before consuming more. I also hope to one day illustrate a graphic novel. Having grown up with children’s illustrators and graphic novelists as my dream inspirations, it would be meaningful to me to tell a story that could be enjoyed by kids.”
How would you describe your art practice?
“Constant. When not actively creating, I am always thinking about creating. Though in the moment, art is a really introspective and meditative process, it is also incredibly time-consuming. Conceptualization, sketching, painting, and scrutinizing over tiny details is a long process, but I feel the most growth from a full day spent painting.”
Any advice for emerging young artists like yourself?
“To all artists, create whatever art your heart desires. There is no standard for the style, the message, or the material of an artwork, and my favorite work has always come from the most outlandish ideas. When not contemplating an artwork’s deep meaning, I make art inspired by my favorite shows and characters, so don’t hold back! Finally, don’t be afraid to put your artwork out into the world. As Ms. An has always taught me to do, you learn the most from taking risks and committing to your ideas.”
What's next for you in your art journey?
“This fall I will be attending Rhode Island School of Design, where I look forward to taking figure drawing classes and meeting cool artists!”
Posted by Michèle Jubilee, NUMU’s Education Curator
