Isabel Lu
Photo by Matt Ramey
Check out the new exhibit at Ella West Gallery—Holding Space: Dreams and Memories! This show delves into everyday life and challenging topics but offers a breath of fresh air with uplifting artistic perspectives. We chatted with one of the featured artists, Isabel Lu, who uses their art to contrast conventional Western health approaches. Here’s what we discussed:
What’s one food that links Chinese and American cultures?
Growing up in the South, I see many foods that overlap between cultures. For example, corn is a common ingredient in both Chinese and American cuisines. Corn on the cob is a popular street food in China, and it’s also a staple in American and Indigenous diets. Boiled peanuts are another example; it's hilarious to see how both cultures embrace them. Rice is another staple in both cultures. So, growing up in the South, I never felt out of place. While the seasoning might differ, there’s a lot of crossover between Chinese and Southern American cuisines. I think learning about and practicing TCM grounds me back into my body and ancestry.
In the age of fast food and information, how do you find balance?
A lot of my work is inspired by my fascination with Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which ties back to my upbringing. For instance, my mom would say things like, “Don’t drink cold water during your period” or “Avoid frozen foods” because they might constrict your uterus and impede qi blood flow, making you feel unwell.
So, following your mom’s advice is soothing?
Yes. I used to dismiss it, thinking if I hadn’t learned about it in school, it couldn’t be true. But after experiencing some health issues, I realized that traditional wisdom, passed down through generations, is valid and has a scientific basis. Now, it’s about listening to your body and aligning with that wisdom.
If your paintbrushes could talk, what secrets would they reveal?
Many people, both inside and outside the art world, assume that everything is intentional. Sometimes it is, but often I just let the brush move freely on the surface. My paintings express my feelings—my sensitivity and my inner self. The drippings you see may appear aesthetically pleasing, but sometimes they are just tears or angst.
What about technology?
Technology offers a lot of data and is supposed to help us stay in tune with our bodies, fitness, and mental health. However, I feel it can make us overly reliant on data, potentially bypassing our own instincts. Rather than asking, “How do I feel?” or “Am I okay?” we might just trust the data from devices like the Oura Ring. Relying heavily on technology can diminish our intuition and our understanding of our own bodies. Unfortunately, society often values masculine logic and hard data over intuition and feminine energy.
How can we persuade hospitals to view their cafeterias not just as businesses but as part of the healing process and healthy nutrition?
I don’t think it’s entirely possible to change this mindset within the current capitalist framework. Hospitals have become business-oriented, and that won’t easily change. To focus on people’s well-being, I look outside hospitals—at neighborhoods, schools, community gardens, and art spaces.
Ella West Gallery, Durham, NC. Photos by Matt Ramey
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