Alicia Cardell is a Queer Taiwanese-American artist and small business owner of ACardellArt which empowers mindfulness and healing through the creation of handcrafted illustrated goods. Alicia's artworks are informed by her practice as a storyteller and an illustrator, and have a range of media—from cute hand-folded zines to coloring books to a 100ft mural in San Jose.
“By no means have I mastered mindfulness nor self love. As someone who struggles with mental illness, my artwork is just my attempt to soothe my inner child. I Illustrate stories I wished I could have seen growing up. Conversations in Mental Health & Emotional Safety. I gently bring awareness to toxic dynamics & limiting mentalities that no longer serve us through personal and introspective stories. I believe in empowering ourselves with the proper tools to heal our trauma so we aren’t passing it onto the next generation.”
- Alicia Cardell
In the summer of 2021, Alicia began teaching children ages 5 to 9 which she feels has allowed her to unravel some of her best work. “Drawing with lil ones has allowed me to let go of control. I’m grateful every day that I get to draw with them. The creative energy is so infectious when we draw together.”
These experiences led to the development of Alicia’s first coloring book which she describes as “lil doodles that hopefully spark that inner child for you as it has done for me.”
Words by #WeTheArtists Guest Curator, Shrey Purohit who is spotlighting Bay Area-based AAPI artists for the month of May.
Feature Published: May 27, 2022
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