At the age of five, Asia Eng was diagnosed with a hearing impairment and speech
impediment that made it hard for her to communicate. As a result, Asia relied on drawing and writing as a form of communication and self-expression, being that she was also a terribly, shy child. Inspired by her artistic, older sister, and encouraged by her parents, Asia pursued art as a career path.
By the time she was nineteen, Asia moved from her home in Oakland to Los Angeles in order to attend the Otis College of Art and Design. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, concentrating on Illustration and Minoring in Creative Writing. Before graduating, Asia accepted an internship at Disney Children’s Place in Pasadena. At Children’s Place, Asia worked on an internship group project and Tween apparel (i.e. Hannah Montana and High School Musical). After the internship, Asia focused on gallery work. She had her first headliner at a group show with Cannibal Flower at Hangar 101, sharing the spot with another rising artist and fellow colleague, Mia Araujo.
It has been two years since she has graduated from Otis and Asia has already worked with such clientele as Disney Children’s Place, Disney Imagineering, Harley Davidson, Warner Brothers, NZXT, Jones Edition, and Jakk’s Pacific, Thunder Lizard Studios, and The 3rd Law. At this moment, Asia is also focusing on the artwork for her own apparel. In addition to her work in clothing, Asia works as a part time teacher for Ehja Kang Art Studio and portfolio school, Vision 21. The schools range from different locations, including Northridge, Arcadia, La Crescenta, and Koreatown. Asia’s students range from four to forty-five; she teaches children’s art, general art, and college prep/portfolio art. Teaching has become a large part of Asia’s life, she has described it as “like falling in love: where you were living life perfectly fine, but once you have it, you can’t imagine life without it.” Teaching has shaped Asia’s character, as some students see her as a role model, she is forced to become a better person because of it. Asia is also being considered to teach in Korea for a duration of six months on behalf of Vision 21.
Asia kicked off 2009 with her first Exhibition space at the Hive Gallery in downtown, Los Angeles, and her first solo-show in Long Beach with Alphacult. Asia is thrilled to feature at Pueblo Nuevo, her first show in the Bay Area (the co-founder of Pueblo Nuevo, Plinio Hernandez, is a respected colleague of Asia’s). Asia is currently featured as one of the artists for "The Kids are Alright" national tour, curated by LeBasse Gallery. She will finish off the year as the headliner for a group show at the Hive Gallery (December 2009).
More
Jay FC
Location:www.stbaldricks.org/participants/JayFC
