Artist Statement
When I was 6 years old, I found a safe escape in creating art as a way to navigate the volatility of child homelessness. My nana always said 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.
Now a committed artist and a new mom, my art is no longer a refuge from adversity— instead, it’s a powerful medium of self expression. The mediums I identify with currently are painting, digital art, punch needling, and textile manipulation. Sculpting and writing are also mediums that I express myself through. I am only twenty-four, and therefore have much more to create and I look forward to continuing my journey with you.
Biography
Torin Ashtun was born and currently lives in Long Beach, CA. Her long list of mediums include painting, punch needling, crochet, sewing/design, sculpting, and writing.
Ashtun's current inspiration flows from motherhood. In becoming a new mother, Torin took a short break from sharing work yet never stopped creating. At the end of 2023 she emerged by mixing textiles and punch needling into her archived paintings. Between her multiple mediums and new lifestyle, Ashtun is taking her time to create a new meaning from old works.
Torin has been featured in multiple articles, such as Vogue, Rose Inc., and LoQ, as well as collaborated with MANGO to raise funds to educate young girls in countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
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
2023 We Are L.A., curated by Delaney George, Gallery 90220, Los Angeles
Bibliography
2020 Online, Vogue, January
2020 Online, Rose INC, April
2021 Print, Spur Magazine, October
2022 Print, Harper’s Bazaar Spain, April
2024 Online, DOEN, March
2024 Online, Cleobella, March