Origins and Inspirations
I created Belisa Designs in 2023 as an avenue to share my creations with the world.
Even though I have drawn and painted since I was five, I rarely showcased my work. I didn’t want to make things for publicity. I would much rather be anonymous. But I started to wonder about my purpose, and the purpose of art. My favorite painter of all time is Van Gogh. The man and his life are such great inspirations to me. I asked myself, “What would Van Gogh do?” And I decided that I had to share my work, even if no one sees it, or understands it, or if it doesn’t make a single cent-that’s not the point. Because across the centuries, as I stand in front of one of his paintings, it still makes me cry. And I think art has the power to do that. To share beauty, life, passion, light of timeless essence spanning time and space.
Here you see some of my art, and some of my designs. Some are deep, some are dark, some are joyous, some are silly, some are cheeky and sarcastic, some are “just because,” some are pretty, some are twisted. You see some of my interests. I won’t do much explaining; you can interpret as you see fit.
Another motivation is the knowledge that creating begets more creating. I believe that each human being has vast creative potential within. When I was a child, things just flowed out naturally—illustrated chapter books, board games, curricula for pretend schools, design concepts for imaginary websites, clothes, fantasies…But with the pain and accumulated burden of life, we often forget to tap back into that original spirit of unbridled creative energy. I want to embody the present, aware, pure and creative essence of myself, that I was born with.
I hope to make things. And make more things. Books, stories, art, films, ideas, they’re all swimming around, merging from the unconscious to the conscious.
What is your process?
I draw or paint-this is the easy part. I like to make things in one go now. In Chinese it’s called, “一气呵成“: coming together in one breath. I like the feeling of looseness, spontaneity, freshness and togetherness that this achieves. Many times have I ruined a good piece by overworking it, whether in painting or acting, or life. So now I do my best to not judge myself or try to aim for perfection, because the more I try to “make things right” the less right it becomes. Less trying, more being. When I was younger I did paint in layers, oftentimes because I had to-I went to class once a week. There is a nice effect to this, and this is how many paintings were traditionally done. But now I want the feeling to come to me and leave its mark on the page where it may. I want the subconscious to take over, because that is where creativity truly flows. And in turn my work is becoming more free, expressive, impressionistic and daring. I’m less concerned with how I’m perceived and if my work is “good enough” to be perceived by x and z bystander as “good art.” In fact I am not concerned at all now. I like it.
For cards, in one sitting, I may draw several designs or concepts. I pick the ones I like or other people have liked enough to turn into a card. Or I may have a guideline for a certain event, say a chess tournament or a holiday occasion that I have to make a specific themed card for, so either an idea comes to me or I brainstorm until I land on something that I like. Other concepts have come to me and I write them down either as quotes in my journal or draw them as designs in my design book.
Afterward, the product-making was challenging for me at first, before I streamlined the process. Here is where I can be very perfectionistic. First, I digitize the image, either through taking a photo or scanning. Then comes the color-matching part, where I can get really obsessive with trying to make sure the print reflects the original work. Most times it does not quite capture the image. I eventually get something that I think is still good in its own right.
I go through various iterations. Sometimes I get feedback, other times more ideas come to mind. I play with a bunch of options. (I’m trying to be less obsessive with it though.) I want to create something I’m proud of.
What are your inspirations?
My favorite painters are Van Gogh, Soutine and Munch. Vlaminck, Dali, Picasso, Fechin and Gauguin have also inspired me. When I visit a museum I often see great pieces that I study.
Life, nature, dreams, people, are all muses. An image, an idea, some imaginary conversation, journal entries, feelings…
What do you like to do besides art?
Read, write, dance, sing, hike, do yoga, do taichi, sleep, watch the moon, play chess, play guitar and piano, learn languages, explore a different culture, learn things, have an interesting conversation, connect with someone.
And some non-personal stuff: Product and Shipping Info
As most of these products (with the exception of large-size custom prints) are currently printed and cut in-house, they might have minor differences in terms of exact size or color and may not be entirely cookie-cutter uniform as you might expect from a factory-made product. I hope this only adds to the uniqueness of the product you are getting.
I currently do not offer returns. However, I always appreciate your feedback and if something is less than satisfactory with your order I will happily help address it. Please submit a contact form or email belisadesignsco@gmail.com.
The current shipping policy is free domestic shipping. I try to ship as fast as I can, but please be patient with your order.
Although I could not cut back completely on packaging waste, I have tried to reduce usage of plastic wrapping as much as feasible and reuse materials as necessary for packaging. This is in part of my desire to create something with meaning, quality, beauty, joy, and goodness for the planet.