Paint to Celebrate!

陆帆 Fan Lu 

Artist • Bibliophile • Educator • Scholar • Wife • Mother

My name is Fan. In Chinese, 帆 is pronounced /fān/ in pinyin, meaning "All is well" and "Sailing." I was born and raised in Shanghai, with deep ancestral roots in this city. Over the years, I have also studied and lived in various countries, including China, Australia, the UK, Italy, and the US. Currently, I reside in Alameda, California. Drawing and painting provide a soothing outlet for my mind and soul. Creating art feels as natural as experiencing FLOW for me. I realize that God's perfect timing always surpasses my plans or losses. Feeling called by God, I boldly left a stable full-time job at the Natural History Museum. In 2016, at 25, I came to the USA to pursue my education as an art student. God's grace has accompanied me throughout this journey, and I am filled with gratitude and blessings.  

Through faith and art, I gradually learn to observe from different perspectives; it opens the highly sensitive senses, mind, and heart that always exist inside of me, frees me to express the ways my needs and preferences, transforms my energy and reclaims my strength. Gladness on awakening, I can be myself, the one God made me into this life. I chose to follow my heart, embracing bravery in the process, because my mental health and well-being are significant to taking care of myself. Gradually, I realized and accepted the reality that no matter the visible or invisible scars, they forever exist. Still, coming along with my brave and authentic living, they do not always bother me as before. I know I am getting better after so many years. I am getting healed, for I am the beloved child of God.

I enjoy experimenting and working on various art projects and motifs in fine art and illustration, freely transitioning between small sketchbooks and large canvases. God's word refreshes me as I pray and paint. My inspiration comes from feelings, emotions, music, imagination, life experiences, travel, nature walks, towns, and books, especially classical literature, that enrich my mind and soothe my soul. I have always been passionate about singing and creating intuitive and spontaneous musical abstract paintings. Art is a healing tool to express my love and gratitude and help others. I draw and paint joyfully, recording the little moments of happiness with gratitude. From 2016 to 2019, my many artworks were featured in two solo exhibitions and eight group shows. Since 2020, I have organized onsite art and music salons and hosted numerous online bilingual music and art storytimes and events. I also devoted myself to art ministry through various churches and family music art ministry, illustrating educational books, curating my painting projects, creating custom artwork, and teaching online and in-person art classes. Additionally, I design and sell art products inspired by my original artwork since 2024. 

From 2020 to 2024, I have dedicated significant time to developing bilingual, multidisciplinary, and innovative art courses. This work integrates my art practice with teaching and has become a steadily growing part of my career. My teaching philosophy is to "Sow Good Seeds into Souls." Through my service in art education, I am committed to giving back for what God has given me, as He qualifies those who are called and makes way for those who trust Him. I am grateful that God has restored me, leading me to a more purposeful and meaningful life. Being an aspiring educator with experience in art education, I serve individuals of all ages. I use various teaching methods tailored to different learning goals, helping students find their voices for self-expression. My teaching also enhances my exploration of mixed-media materials and integrates themes across cross-cultural multi-disciplines and contexts. 

Simultaneously, my husband and I have been homeschooling our son for the seventh year. I gave birth to my son during the years between my second master's degree and my husband's sudden decision to pursue his career in music after graduation with a PhD in biochemistry. With gratitude, perseverance, effort, prayers, and God's grace, each challenge and obstacle strengthened me, for I am thriving. More miracles and beautiful blessings flow over me!