In Asian Praisings we give special attention to people of Asian origin. Through short interviews, we hope to improve the representation of Asian Dutch. Our interviewee this time: Lisa Nguyen, an illustrator.
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Lisa, tell us something about yourself
I like drawing, writing, dancing, and World of Warcraft. I finished a degree in Illustration Design at ArtEz located in Zwolle. Afterwards, I suffered from psychosis and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. At the moment I am still recovering at home.
How would you describe yourself?
Even though I am struggling with schizophrenia, I don’t want to be defined by it. I am much more than “just a person with a mental illness”. I am an illustrator, a dancer, a writer, and a gamer!
What was your best project?
I wouldn’t say “schizophrenia” has been my best project, but it has been emotionally significant. It was my first project that publicly dealt with and expressed my schizophrenia so I was quite nervous. Schizophrenia is a loaded term, but I do believe that by turning it into art and raising awareness of it, I can break some of the preconceptions surrounding the illness.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am mostly influenced by other illustrators. At the moment I’ve been especially influenced by @electromilk, @xuhxyn, @gasia.gasia and @antonioaiello_. They’re all Instagram artists whose work I highly admire. In my opinion, when one sees something they like in the work of another artist, they should use it as inspiration for their own work.
What are your future goals?
At the moment I am still battling my mental illness through therapy and medication. Ultimately, I would like to live a life unencumbered by schizophrenia.
FOLLOW LISA NGUYEN
Instagram: @lisaa.nguyen
Website: lisa-nguyen.com
Read this interview with Sioejeng Tsao.
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