Lesley Zhao, an artist, designer, and entrepreneur, has been making waves in the art world with her unique approach to creativity. By merging psychological dimensions, cultural fusion, and traditional craftsmanship, she aims to break free from the boundaries of art and create a profound exploration of personal consciousness, cultural identity, and cosmic order.

Born in China and having spent a childhood of constant relocation and overseas education, Lesley gained a deep insight into aesthetic values and emotional expression across different cultural contexts. Her paintings use lines, structure, and color to deconstruct the subconscious, emotional conflict, and inner transformation.

“My art is not just static work, it’s a visual diary of the self, time, and states of being. I’m constantly exploring and questioning the boundaries of my own identity, and that’s reflected in my work.”

Lesley began her artistic journey with jewelry design, and in December 2024, she officially founded Lesley Studio. She envisions the studio as a platform that breaks the singular definition of a “brand,” allowing creation to return to a sincere expression of the soul. Lesley’s studio is a fusion of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and contemporary design, aiming to present Chinese culture to the global stage in a new and innovative way.

Lesley’s works have received numerous international design awards, including the Silver Award from the NY Product Design Awards, the Gold Prize from the French Design Awards, and the “Best Luxury Design” from the iLuxury Awards. Her works have been exhibited in New York, Paris, and cities across China, and have been featured in over 500 international media outlets.

1. Some of her notable works include “One day · Me and Shijiu,” which is inspired by her son’s drawing of a black cat, using a child’s perspective to explore the differentiation and reconstruction of personal identity during growth.
2. Lesley’s “Lingdi Project” near the Ezhi village, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is a collaborative cultural, artistic residency, and spiritual practice initiative that brings together local communities and artists to promote cultural exchange and understanding.
3. Lesley Studio also supports women’s development programs, sponsors nonprofit art institutions, and works closely with masters of Chinese intangible cultural heritage to promote contemporary reinterpretations of traditional crafts.

Looking forward, Lesley Studio will continue to pursue cross-disciplinary collaborations, cultural co-creations, and international expansion. In May 2025, Lesley and her studio will participate in the official NYCxDESIGN exhibition and the 2025 Denmark Design Exhibition, and she hopes to collaborate with global brands such as SpaceX, LVMH, and Hennessy.

“I hope people choose my work or products not just because they are beautiful, but because they like me—or resonate with my ideas,” Lesley says. She is committed to building a lifestyle without labels, where art flows through life in the most authentic way.

Today, Lesley Studio is open to global collaborations, unrestricted by medium or format, and welcomes co-creations with brands, design studios, and institutions. Whether in cultural content, product development, public cultural initiatives, or exhibitions, Lesley responds to collaboration with openness and continuously pushes forward the contemporary expression of Chinese culture.

Lesley Zhao’s Artistic Vision

Lesley’s artistic vision is centered around the exploration of personal consciousness, cultural identity, and cosmic order. Her works often use abstract, profound, and symbolic language, and rarely focus on figurative imagery.

• She balances simplicity with tension through her use of lines and textures, creating a spiritual intensity that is both deeply usable and collectible-grade.
• Lesley’s works often carry a personal and emotional intensity, moving the viewer through the use of subtle colors and symbolic elements.

The Lingdi Project

The Lingdi Project is a collaborative cultural, artistic residency, and spiritual practice initiative that brings together local communities and artists to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

1. The project aims to preserve and promote traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices and cultural heritage, while also fostering a sense of community and cooperation among participants.
2. Lesley Studio has partnered with local communities and artists to develop this initiative, which is designed to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

Lesley’s Collaborations

Lesley has collaborated with several global brands and institutions, including SpaceX, LVMH, and Hennessy.

1. She has also collaborated with design studios and institutions to develop cultural content, product development, and public cultural initiatives.
2. Lesley’s collaborations aim to promote the contemporary expression of Chinese culture and to build a global platform for Chinese artists, designers, and craftspeople.

Conclusion

Lesley Zhao’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation.