JIAQI HE

Artist Biography

Jiaqi He was born and raised in Guangzhou China. She moved to the US during high school. After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she worked at various companies as a graphic designer. In 2015, she decided to pursue her passion for watercolor and started her own brand Penelopeloveprints. Now she works as a freelance artist as well as managing her small business, selling artworks at comic and anime conventions throughout the US.

Artist Statement

There are three things I am passionate about, watercolor, food culture, and nature. They seem to be three separate subject matters, but through the process of painting, I am able to combine all the things I love and create a unique identity as an artist.

Watercolor is fun and pretty; it is a great way to capture the organic form of nature. My marine life painting starts with a simple fascination of an animal, and the desire to create something dreamy, decorative, and please to the eyes.

I love adding small animals and creatures to my food illustrations, telling a story through the colorful, whimsical, and fun composition. My food illustrations are heavily inspired by East Asian cultures. I want to communicate a story or the history of Asian cuisine, to an audience who might not be familiar with my culture. I want to spark their curiosity, and to learn more about the stories behind Asian food cultures.

Gallery Exhibits have been supported by MAC Corporate Underwriter Colony Brands, Inc. and Season Media Underwriter Big Radio, with additional support from Dave and Julie Buchanan, Pete Guenther and Barb Woodriff, Lee and Chris Knuteson, Mike and Norah Sanders, Kevin and Chris Callahan, Jane Paradowski, Deb Thompson, Chuck and Chris Wellington, and Don Amphlett and Jan Johnson.