My Art Contains a Piece of My Soul
by Claire Lin
For Claire Lin, art is more than a form of expression—it's a way to leave a lasting impact on the world. Growing up, Claire was surrounded by a family that valued creativity, which profoundly shaped her artistic journey. “I love creating art because it allows me to leave an irreplicable mark,” she shares, reflecting on her drive to make something meaningful in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Claire’s art process is a blend of control and spontaneity. She likens herself to a captain commanding her crew, but instead of sailors, it’s her bristle brushes that follow her lead. “When I paint, I feel like I’m guiding an impressive army of bristle brushes—they scrape, shade, splatter, and sweep, opening up a galaxy of possibilities,” she says. This method allows her to explore new ideas, often losing herself in the creative process. “I start with a vision, but the strokes evolve, and I let the art take me where it wants to go. It’s a balance between guiding and being guided.”
The tools she uses are integral to her process. Claire favors oil pastels, which she describes as “a medium that brings my imaginary creatures to life.” These creatures, born from her imagination, find their place within the confines of exquisite wooden frames. “They start as thoughts, vivid in my mind, and then I bring them into the two-dimensional world of oil pastels,” she explains. Each piece is not just a creation but a protective entity. “I love that my art can reside in the homes of those I care about, almost like it’s watching over them.”
Her upbringing instilled in her a sense of responsibility towards those she loves, a theme that resonates throughout her work. “I grew up in an environment where caring for others was paramount. This is something that translates into my art—there’s always a part of me in every piece, watching and protecting,” Claire notes.
Art, for Claire, is also a source of peace. “When I paint, it’s like retreating to a peaceful place by the sea,” she says, describing her creative process as a sanctuary. But this retreat isn’t just about finding calm; it’s about leaving a piece of herself behind. “Every piece I create holds a part of my soul,” Claire reveals. “Under the varnish, there’s a heartbeat—my heartbeat.”
Claire Lin’s work is a testament to her artistic philosophy, where each brushstroke is deliberate yet open to the unexpected. It’s this blend of intention and discovery that defines her art, making each piece a lasting legacy of her existence and her deep connection to the people she loves.
