ARTIST OF THE MONTH: XIA
July 1, 2026
Written by Olivia Elizabeth
All images courtesy of Xia
JULY’S ARTIST OF THE MONTH, XIA, KEEPS IT COOL AS WE ENTER ONE OF THE HOTTEST MONTHS OF THE YEAR— The New York born and raised artist has always had a knack for creativity. After graduating with a BFA in Art and Design Education, Xia is now teaching the next generation of artists. Her art draws upon feminine symbolism to comment on her own identity while using fauna motifs and striking, but whimsical, colors. Although we focused on her painting today, she wears many creative hats, calling herself a jack of all trades. She also creates content on TikTok, sharing her eye and taste for all things fashion. While sitting down with Xia, we were able to chat about everything from the unconscious language her art seems to speak, to the importance of creation, especially in a time where it may be all too painful or difficult to do so.
Fidelity (2025), Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
PETTY: How long have you been an artist? How long have you been painting specifically?
XIA: I've been an artist for as long as I can remember! I was always creative as a kid whether I was drawing with markers on the floor or crafting items for my dolls [laughs], I think once I started drawing realistically in early middle school, that's when the people around me started to call me an artist. It wasn't until high school with the push from my art teachers that this could be a career for me, so that's when I decided to go into art education. Painting, specifically, I only started my spring semester of junior year!
PETTY: What mediums have you worked with? Which is your favorite?
XIA: I would call myself a jack of all trades in art because I love trying new things. I've worked with the classic pencil, ink, charcoal, paint, printmaking, jewelry making, glass mosaics, ceramics and pottery, fiber arts and more. I honestly love them all but recently I've missed pottery a lot and would love to get back into it. I think it could be a great way to combine painting and sculpture. I'm grateful that art school gave me the opportunity to try all of those mediums.
Ethereal (2024), Colored Pencil
PETTY: What does your creative process look like? What materials do you need to get started?
XIA: My creative process is a bit sporadic. I visualize pieces in my day to day, a lot of it when I'm sleeping or listening to music. I see a lot of symbols and images in my head and piece them together like a puzzle or collage, I think that's why a lot of my work has a collage element to it. But I need to sketch what I see in my head to figure out composition and color scheme, then once I finalize that I just start the piece!
PETTY: Is there something in your work that stays consistent no matter the piece?
XIA: Definitely symbols. I use a lot of spirals, droplets, and lines. A lot of the time they are decorative, but my art professors in college were questioning if there's more behind them, like a sentence I'm trying to say in my own language that no one else can quite figure out. I'm still experimenting with that though, but it's an exciting jumping off point for my next era of creating!
a tiger & a lamb (2024), Acrylic on Canvas
PETTY: How did you find your particular style or the voice of your art?
XIA: Oh gosh, I feel like I'm still searching for it [laughs]. I think with being in art school forced me to create even when I didn't feel like it. In doing that it allowed me to make a bunch of work and connect the dots from there. It also helped a ton when my peers would help me figure out what my style or voice might be based on the connections they've made. I truly value the words of my classmates and professors because I truly don't think I would've ended up where I am today without them. It's an ongoing journey though, and I'm sure it will evolve more as I grow as an artist.
PETTY: Where does the inspiration for your art come from?
XIA: A huge inspiration for me is the artist Hilma Af Klint. Her work is incredible, especially her Swan series. I also take huge inspiration from contemporary artists on social media like Darcy Whent. I also get inspiration from the people in my life and my environment. Music is also great too since I tend to visualize different colors and symbols when I listen to music. It definitely helps when I'm working. It's like a super power.
Liberation (2026), Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
PETTY: Do you have a favorite piece of yours? Why or why not?
XIA: I would say my current favorite piece is Liberation (2026). This piece was something I saw in my head and wanted to execute, but got overwhelmed at times with how I would execute it. My friends in the studio know I was constantly pausing and asking if I should keep the color of the horse blue or whether or not to do the border, or if the scissors are random. Yet, as my vision slowly started coming to life, the more everything just felt right. I loved the scale, I loved the colors, and it ended up being one of the pieces I displayed in my thesis show. It challenged me in many ways but I’m happy with the outcome which is rare for me sometimes.
PETTY: When teaching the new generation of artists, what is something you make sure to pass along?
XIA: Oh gosh, just the importance of art. I've told my students and other young artists to never ever doubt the importance of their art and the arts as a whole. A lot of young artists including myself get the narrative of "making no money” and having a “useless degree” shoved down our throats when it's SO far from the truth. The world needs art and in order to have that we need artists. Especially now in the political climate and rise of generative AI. I don't want any young artist to feel like they're on the wrong path if it's something they love and have a passion for.
PETTY: Self-expression through fashion seems to play a big part in your life. Does it ever play a role in your art? Do you want it to?
XIA: What a great question! I'm sure the two cross haha, maybe more that I realize. I've always seen my love for fashion as separate from my art. I feel like I usually wear black all the time and then my work is super colorful so it feels like two different worlds. I think self expression through fashion can definitely play a role in my art more in the future! I loved fashion design in high school and sewing, so maybe I can blend those two worlds for myself in the future!
Crane (2026), Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
PETTY: What does the future of your art look like? What are some of your career goals?
XIA: I hope that I can create more art consistently. I'm often a perfectionist so it steers me away from creating especially when I'm busy. But I'd love to have a studio, and make a ton of work and learn more about who I am as an artist. I would hope in the future I could sell prints or merchandise of my work or design a calendar. Overall I just hope I continue creating in some way, and if it grows into a career then that would be amazing.
PETTY: Does the feeling of completing a piece propel you into the next or make you want to stop and reflect? Or maybe something else?
XIA: It truly depends! Sometimes I have days where I sketched out four different pieces and it makes me want to do them all at once. Other times I get paralyzed and finish a piece and stop. If I'm in a creative flow and I’m motivated then sometimes that propels me into the next piece. Other times I get stuck and reflect on what I just finished for a while.
disruptions of peace (2025), Oil on Canvas
PETTY: When you aren't painting, what other creative outlets do you enjoy?
XIA: Content creation for sure. I've always loved making videos and taking pictures since I was young so it's very fitting that it's become a side hustle for me. I also love journaling and dancing.
PETTY: Do you feel like your pieces have a story to tell? Do you create them with the story in mind? What do you hope they say to the viewer?
XIA: I think I'm still writing that story. I just hope that the viewer can resonate in some way, even if it's just pure enjoyment or if they feel connected to the piece. It truly is subjective to the viewer. Hopefully when I create more after this break I'm taking, the more I can see that story unfold.