Meet the Artist:

Interview with Torin Ashtun

Torin Ashtun is a Long Beach based artist whose vibrant works captivate people all over. 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.

Where are you in your creative journey? How did you get there?

Right now I am taking time to be fully present in my life as a mother, a wife, and an artist all at once. I constantly look for moments that I can create freely. That manifests itself as me redecorating the whole house or creating a play zone for my son. Every night when my son is asleep, I take time to work on an art project. My current masterpiece is a 2‘ x 4‘ rug that I am making all by hand. I am using a technique called punch needle and I estimate that this project will take me roughly 100 hours to complete, give or take some hours. Creating in this way that requires patience has humbled me and reminded me that even though my ultimate goal is to solely live off my art, it is also the thing that keeps me fulfilled every day. Art is very healing for me and I lost sight of that in the past two years where I mainly utilized my artistic abilities to make money. Moving forward my ambition to create comes from a joyous and grateful place.

Has community impacted your artlife and style? If so, how so?

Coming from a city like Long Beach I believe it’s inevitable for the community to impact me. I had an art studio in DTLB where I was able to receive genuine love and appreciation for my creations. The community has given me the courage to become more social despite being naturally introverted. Being surrounded by community has given me the tools to document my personal interactions with others on canvas.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting their art career?

Create what you want to create! I’ve met many convincing people who have tried to sway my art in a particular direction. Sometimes I second guessed my work after these encounters. What I have learned is that the best art I make is the art that feels good and the only art that feels good is the art that isn’t forced. Know that the vision you have for your art will come to fruition if you believe in it and work for it.

What does success in the art world look like for you?

Success in the art world looks like me independently, growing my brand and continuing to learn new art forms. I’d love to see my art in different parts of the world that I’ve never been. Being featured in popular exhibitions and galleries around Long Beach and LA is a big goal of mine.

What exciting endeavors lie ahead for you? What can our community anticipate from your future ventures, and how can they support?

At the moment I am working on a large collection of prints which are releasing every month. The plan is to release 10 exquisite prints that range in various sizes and price points. The goal is to create tangible collectible items that coincide with people’s budgets. These prints are just the beginning! I have more in store for the community especially events for our mother’s who have little time to be expressive.