We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Xi Chloe Hua a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Xi Chloe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Growing up in China instilled in me a strong work ethic. I believed that relentless practice and a mindset of “never being good enough” were key to improving my technical skills as a painter. However, looking back, I would have emphasized faith and patience in my creative process. I often focused so much on technical proficiency that I lost sight of why I started this journey. The purpose of art, in my opinion, is to evoke emotions in both the artist and the viewer. Therefore, the most important skill for an artist is to be observant and mindful. Technical skills are crucial, but art created without a connection to a deeper purpose or feeling may be aesthetically pleasing but lacks soul.

Being observant and mindful means noticing the smallest details of the subject from various perspectives. For instance, when drawing a flower, I need to observe the plant’s structure, how light reflects off it, and how its parts interact. A lot of mental preparation is needed before making the first mark. However, once the process begins, it’s crucial to silence the logical mind. True creation cannot be achieved through analysis. By detaching from the analytical mind, we can tap into the body’s wisdom and create truly moving pieces.

The biggest obstacle to learning was my ego. It’s natural for artists to desire praise, but a large ego can make the artist and their process fragile, fearful, and limited. Instead of being authentic, they worry about others’ opinions and maintaining a certain image. By setting aside the ego, artists can embrace their role as lifelong students and simply have fun. Art is life, and a life truly lived is about enjoyment.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Currently residing in Vancouver, I work as a tattoo artist. My extensive technical training in drawing and painting (28 years worth) empowers me to render various subjects without relying on an eraser or prior planning. Simply put, provide me with a mark-making tool and a surface, and I will create a world for you. This instilled a profound sense of confidence in me to create tattoos on people.

A pivotal aspect of my artistic journey has been the quest for a safe space where I can express myself authentically without judgment. A space where my stories can be shared, acknowledged, and celebrated unconditionally. For the longest time, such a place existed only in my imagination. However, I refused to believe that I was alone and that this safe space would remain a mere fantasy. This became the driving force behind my mission to utilize my artistic gifts as building blocks to create a container where individuals could experience such a safe haven for themselves.

Inspired by this vision, I developed a unique mindfulness-inspired tattoo process. The tattoo design evolves during the session itself, from start to finish. I eschew pre-designed templates; instead, we engage in a collaborative process, directly drawing and approving the design on your skin with a marker. All I require from you are a basic concept, approximate size, and desired placement. The rest will emerge organically in the moment.

I approach tattooing (and art in general) as a form of storytelling. The process involves both the client and myself. To me, every aspect of life is a narrative. As you share your story with me, I pay close attention to your word choice, breathing, and body language. Even the unspoken words and subtle whispers carry significant meaning. Your story resonates with my own narratives, existence, and vibrations on multiple levels. This interaction manifests on your skin as a tattoo, a visual representation of your unique narrative.

I take pride in offering this transformative experience to my clients through the art of tattooing. What sets me apart from other tattoo artists is that my primary focus isn’t to meticulously replicate a pre-conceived design. I recognize that desires and preferences are fluid and subject to change. My purpose is not to provide certainty but rather to inspire a sense of trust and faith, qualities that are sadly lacking in today’s society.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The most important lesson I’ve had to unlearn to grow as an artist is that my art isn’t solely about pleasing the client/the one receiving the art. This doesn’t mean disregarding their wishes, but rather understanding that entering a project aiming only to please puts us in a passive position where our success depends entirely on external validation. We can’t control others’ perceptions of us or our work; we can only do our best within the client’s guidelines. Trusting in our authentic selves is crucial; overthinking and trying to be someone we think the client wants only hinders us.

There’s no single story behind this realization. I simply noticed that my best work was always done when I was fully myself, without any distractions or desires to impress. As a result, I attract clients who are looking for an artist exactly like me. By committing to my authentic expression, I create art that truly moves people and connects me with like-minded individuals.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most fulfilling aspect of being an artist is the deep connection it fosters with my inner self and life’s purpose. Many people go through life on autopilot, unaware of their true identity and motivations. I believe our existence is about experiencing life to the fullest. However, without self-awareness, we can’t fully engage in the present and appreciate life’s beauty. Being an artist allows me to stay connected with myself and experience life with heightened awareness. This gives my life a sense of purpose and direction, preventing me from drifting aimlessly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inkedbychloe.com
• Instagram: @inkedbychloe
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Studio_XI_journey

Image Credits

The photos of myself were photographed by a Chinese photographer Lucy Liu. The photos of my work were photographed by myself