ABOUT
Artist Statement
My work begins with line. How it moves, changes weight, and carries emotion. I’m drawn to the expressive qualities of Chinese and Western calligraphy, where a single mark can shift from delicate to bold, controlled to fluid. Nature, culture, and symbolism also shape my work as I translate line and gesture from the page into three-dimensional form.
Light brings another dimension to this language. It allows the work to extend beyond its physical form through shadow, movement, and atmosphere, while challenging me to balance artistic expression with functional design.
As my practice evolves, I’m increasingly exploring my connection to Chinese culture and finding ways to reinterpret traditional influences through a contemporary perspective. I want my work to feel expressive and alive, while leaving space for viewers to find their own meaning within it.
Bio
Xiu Xiu Bunting is a Seattle-based Chinese American artist and designer working across sculptural lighting, installation, and mixed-media fabrication. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, her work is influenced by nature, her cultural background, and the expressive movement of line.
Working primarily with paper, metal, wire, and light, she transforms drawn lines and organic forms into three-dimensional sculptures. Her practice is rooted in experimentation, exploring new materials and techniques to create work that feels expressive, dimensional, and connected to the spaces around it.
Her work ranges from one-of-a-kind commissions to large-scale installations and creative experiences.
Artist CV
2025
Calligraphy in 3D — Artist Residency
SlipStitch Studio · Seattle, WA
Three-month artist residency exploring Chinese calligraphy through sculptural form, paper, metal, and light. SlipStitch Studio
Chinese Zodiacs — Group Exhibition
SlipStitch Studio · Seattle, WA
Exhibited a collection of sculptural lighting works inspired by the twelve animals and symbolism of the Chinese zodiac.
Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport — Permanent Installation
Chicago, IL
Collaborated with Graypants Studio on the fabrication of three one-of-a-kind, large-scale installations inspired by the root systems of the site’s historic apple orchard.
Wocus Flower — Permanent Installation
Klamath Tribes · Oregon
Collaborated with Graypants Studio on the fabrication of custom sculptural pendant lighting inspired by the wocus flower.
Whale Sculpture — Permanent Display
Future Arts Co / Washington 1000 · Seattle, WA
Donated sculptural whale installation, permanently displayed at Washington 1000.
Daisy Wall Sconce Light Workshop
Future Arts Co · Seattle, WA
Led a hands-on workshop introducing participants to sculptural lighting and creative fabrication.
Kids’ Meals Installation
Kids’ Meals · Houston, TX
Large-scale sculptural installation created for Kids’ Meals, exploring repetition, paper, form, and light.
2024
ACES — Artist of Color Expo & Symposium
KEXP · Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
Group exhibition celebrating artists of color and creative work from across the region.
2023
Maternal Instincts — Group Exhibition
MOM Art Seattle · Museum of Museums, Seattle, WA
Group exhibition featuring work by local artist mothers. New Mom
2021–2025
Diamond Table Lamps — Retail Collection
KOBO Seattle · Seattle, WA
Limited series of handmade table lamps featuring original artwork and custom pattern designs.
2019–2026
Annual Open Studios / Art Walk
Sunny Arms Artist Cooperative · Seattle, WA
Participated in recurring open studios showcasing Seattle-based artists and working studio spaces. Sunny Arms documents the event across multiple years, including 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Sunny Arms Artists cooperative
2019
Urban Craft Uprising
Seattle, WA
Presented handmade sculptural and lighting work at Seattle’s independent craft and design event.
2018
Multiple Dimensions — Collaborative Exhibition
The Evergreen State College · Olympia, WA
First collaborative gallery exhibition, presented at the completion of undergraduate studies.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The Evergreen State College · Olympia, WA
Graduated in 2018 with a focus in art and sculptural practice.
