Meet Zhiying Su | Art Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zhiying Su and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zhiying, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Teaching art is about much more than skill and technique. I do think it is very important for my students to learn techniques, use different media, and see the world through an artistic perspective, so we are always practicing through sketches and small projects. However once they establish their own style, I think an even more valuable lesson for my students is to bring meaning into their art through history, culture, and community. Art is about expressing the world around you.
At my studio, we create many pieces for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). We meet the veterans in Arizona through VFW events, read about and listen to their lives, and then incorporate their stories into our art. We try to represent the dichotomy of themes in veterans’ experiences–patriotism and pain, witnessing destruction and wisdom, leaving and reuniting with loved ones.
We also create many pieces relating to culture and community. A lot of my students are Asian American, and for some holidays such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, we research and talk about shared and unique family traditions we all have. Then we express the celebration in red and gold colors, detailed mooncakes, and themes of family and love.
Through art, my students have been able to bring history to the present and connect with their culture and community, just like the artists that came before. The more you open yourself to art, the more you’ll realize art is truly universal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started teaching art over 15 years ago, just to my daughters and some of my friends’ kids. It was a small group then, but it was just as valuable. I set up still life objects at my house and had the students observe and practice using pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, etc. Then we went on trips to Tumbleweed Park and drew real life trees and birds and the moving skies. We also participated in events of live drawing where the students completed pieces in real time in front of people walking by. As more students joined, there was less space in my house, so I rented out a space and we created so much art there. We entered numerous contests, events, and organized our own art shows. Once the pandemic hit, we had to move online, and it was a bit of a struggle learning to teach virtually because I was so hands-on and the physical studio environment was fun for everyone. However, as we transitioned, I realized that virtual teaching has its own benefits. Although I still demonstrate, the students are more independent now. We can also have larger groups in the same session and longer sessions, and the students can work on their pieces on their own time as well. I am also always available to them for questions through text or call. The students are still winning multiple contests and creating beautiful art portfolios.
I’ve realized I express myself in art through the way I teach and influence my students and their art. I have an appreciation for wildlife and nature, so I share my thoughts and ideas, and my students create wildlife pieces every year of endangered animals and their natural habitats. I also have an appreciation for innovation, and my students create pieces of advancements in aviation. Most of all, I have an appreciation for free expression, and I love when my students create pieces that show their interests, passions, and emotions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in the Scottsdale area now, so walking around Old Town Scottsdale in the evening is always a nice way to relax. I like to go to the art gallery with my students or with my friends, then it’s a must to grab ice cream at Sugar Bowl.
Being in Arizona means you have to go hiking! Camelback mountain is a fairly easy hike with some more difficult parts at the top if you like a challenge. Arizona does get very dry and hot, so make sure to bring lots of water and stay hydrated.
A cute and unique spot I love to visit occasionally is Cosanti Originals in Paradise Valley. They have a collection of handcrafted bronze and ceramic jewelry, windbells, planters, everything! They make really beautiful pieces of work, and it’s amazing to see how they transform something so simple into a complex and meaningful art.
Another place that is truly fascinating is Arcosanti; it is an experimental town that combines architecture and ecology. You can learn a lot about living with minimal disruption to the environment and just about a serene culture in general.
If you just want a comforting day out, Kierland Commons is perfect for family and friends. You can grab lunch at True Food and watch the kids play in the fountains. Then you can go shopping or see a movie, a perfect day off!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our studio would not be where it is today without the students. I am so grateful to be teaching this great group of students; they put in so much dedication and work and bring so much creativity. Some of my students started with me since they were children, and I watched them grow in life and in art until they graduated high school. I am so proud of all of them.
I would also like to thank the parents of the students. They are so involved and truly want their kids to learn and do well; they are also the first to volunteer and go out of their way to help make studio events the best for the kids.
I am also grateful for my daughters and my husband. My daughters were my first students, and both of them and my husband have supported me and my studio every step of the way.

Website: https://xiaosuschoolofart.com