Artist Statement
Since I was four years old, my grandma would always say that I would be an artist just by noticing my "way of living". She passed before that passion bloomed into fruition, but her words manifested into who I am today, a creative.
Family has always been the center for my artistic expression in one way or another. My mom and brother both suffer mental illnesses, and their way of handling their strife is “manic creating”. While my mother taught me the value of making something new everyday, my brother was the one who taught me how to paint. When I realized I really loved painting specifically, I would ask my dad for art supplies, and he would drop them off on holidays/birthdays.
My life was chaos, and art was a safe space to express my emotions on a blank canvas. As years passed, I began experimenting with various mediums to continue processing the world around me. One of those mediums happened to be sewing, which I became enamored with. Since designing my own clothing line, Blume Season, I have rid myself of past insecurities, and helped other women love themselves inside and out. I am only twenty-three, and therefore have much more to create, so I am very happy that I now feel confident and comfortable to share my pieces, and I look forward to continuing my journey with all of you.
Biography
Torin Ashtun is a Long Beach based artist whose vibrant works captivate people all over the globe. Her long list of mediums include painting, sewing/design, sculpting, and writing.
Ashtun's current inspiration flows from the distinct bell-shaped Tulips, which are often featured in her works to create a common story throughout each medium, such as her oil and acrylic paintings, and clothing line, Blume Season.
Torin has been featured in multiple articles, such as Vogue, Rose Inc., Rat & Boa, and LoQ, as well as collaborated with multiple fashion brands, such as MANGO and H&M.
CV
Born in Long Beach, California
Lives and works in Long Beach, California
Solo Exhibitions
2021 Reach for the Moon Aim for the Stars, curated by Torin Ashtun, B.S. Gallery, Long Beach
2021 Meet the Brown Silhouettes, curated by Jessie Andrews, Tase Gallery, Los Angeles
2022 Brown Silhouette’s “Last” Art Show, curated by Torin Ashtun, B.S. Gallery, Long Beach
Group Exhibitions
2021 Sensory Interactive Art, curated by Shalandrea Houchen, Orthodox Gallery, Los Angeles
2022 The Phoenix Salon ‘N Barbershop, curated by Shalandrea Houchen, Sole Folks Art Gallery, Los Angeles
Bibliography
2020 Online, Vogue, January
2020 Online, Rose INC, April
2021 Print, Spur Magazine, October
2022 Print, Harper’s Bazaar Spain, April