Portfolio | Andrea Luu Designs

Personal Projects

Seaglass Collection

In this collection, I explore the concept of cyclical transformation, illustrating how the process of becoming and unbecoming, of enduring and evolving, ultimately leads to a deeper understanding and acceptance of one's true self. It is a celebration of the resilience and beauty that emerge from life's challenges and the eventual return to one's authentic essence.

Orange and pink hued seaglass, rocks, and shells arranged in order of the lesbian flag

Sunset (Lesbian Flag), 2024

"Sunset" is a visual exploration inspired by the rich and vibrant colours of the Lesbian Pride Flag. This piece extends the thematic dialogue of my previous work, "The Ocean," by delving into the emotive and symbolic hues of the Lesbian Pride Flag, which celebrates the diverse experiences and identities within the lesbian community.

In "Sunset," I have translated the flag’s gradient of pinks, reds, oranges, and purples into a compelling representation of a sunset. The warm, radiant colours evoke the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the lesbian identity, capturing a spectrum of emotions from passion and strength to serenity and introspection. The sunset, with its transformative and ephemeral beauty, mirrors the evolving and diverse experiences of those within the lesbian community.

The gradient of colours in "Sunset" reflects the flag’s colours in a way that symbolizes both the unity and individuality within the community. The pink tones convey love and warmth, while the reds and oranges suggest energy and courage. The deeper purples represent the complexity and depth of identity. By depicting these colours as a sunset, I aim to create a visual metaphor for the beauty and richness of lesbian experiences, celebrating both the collective and the personal.

This piece is a continuation of my exploration of pride symbols and their emotional resonances, building upon the foundation established in "The Ocean." "Sunset" serves as a testament to the vibrant spectrum of identities within the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the unique and cherished narratives of each group.
Through this artwork, I hope to offer a moment of reflection and celebration, inviting viewers to appreciate the depth and diversity of the lesbian experience as portrayed through the metaphor of a beautiful, fleeting sunset.

Red seaglass adorned with gold flecks sitting alongside amber and green seaglass on canvas.

Just Another Statistic, 2024

This piece explores the complex relationship between memory and mourning through the lens of information design. The work invites viewers to reflect on how memories endure and evolve over time, especially in the context of profound loss. The piece represents the harrowing journey of 800,000 Vietnamese refugees who fled by boat. Each piece of sea glass symbolizes 100,000 lives, evoking the scale of this massive exodus. The glass appears as if freshly gathered from the ocean, reflecting the raw and immediate impact of the refugee experience.

In this representation, red glass adorned with gold signifies the 200,000 to 600,000 precious lives lost at sea, embodying both the physical and symbolic aspects of their tragic fate. The use of red glass with gold highlights the profound loss and the enduring remembrance of those who never reached safety. The remaining glass pieces represent those who survived. Amber glass is employed to signify the trauma endured by the survivors, encapsulating the emotional and psychological scars that continue to shape their experiences.

This piece is a tribute to the resilience of those who survived and a solemn remembrance of those who were lost.

Brown and yellow seaglass arranged in a circle to represent the sun

The Sun, 2024

"The Sun" is a celebration of vitality and optimism, inspired by the vibrant energy of the tarot card it represents. Composed of yellow, amber, and brown sea glass, this piece reflects the radiant light and warmth of the sun against a crisp, white background. Each carefully selected piece of sea glass contributes to a dynamic interplay of colour and form, capturing the essence of clarity and renewal. The bright yellow and amber tones symbolize the power of sunlight, while the earthy brown accents ground the work in a natural context, radiating a sense of joy and enlightenment.

Green seaglass forming the map of vietnam with scattered gold flecks.

Map of Vietnam, 2024

This piece employs green sea glass to form a map of Vietnam, a visual representation of the country’s once lush and vibrant landscape. The glass symbolizes the natural beauty that existed before the devastation wrought by war. Gold flecks are interspersed throughout, representing the bombings that rained down from the skies, leaving behind a legacy of destruction and environmental ruin.
The work critiques the often-glorified portrayal of the Vietnam War in Hollywood media, where the profound human and environmental costs can become overshadowed by dramatic narratives. By juxtaposing the vibrant green sea glass with the intrusive gold flecks, this piece highlights the stark contrast between the country’s pre-war splendour and the harsh reality of its wartime and post-war trauma.

Additionally, the piece acknowledges the ongoing impact of unexploded ordnance in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, where many bombs remain active, rendering large areas inaccessible. The use of over-poured glue to create a watery effect on the map symbolizes the continuous presence of these remnants, as if they had just been pulled from the shores, reflecting the ongoing environmental and societal challenges.

Through this piece, I aim to address the often overlooked and enduring consequences of war, encouraging a deeper reflection on the true costs beyond the glorified portrayals and reminding us of the lives and lands forever changed by conflict.

red and green seaglass in the shape of a watermelon

Dua Hau Do (Watermelon), 2024

The watermelon stands as a universal symbol of liberation, endurance, and survival. It is a fruit that graces celebrations like Lunar New Year, ancestral ceremonies, and weddings, embodying shared cultural significance. In discussing themes of war and conflict, strength and unity, it becomes clear that these ideals resonate across generations. The parallels between the war in Vietnam and the ongoing struggle in Palestine highlight a troubling repetition in history—one that we cannot ignore, especially in light of the displacement of Palestinians.
Incorporating the watermelon into this collection is a powerful choice, rooted in both cultural heritage and contemporary relevance. There is a Vietnamese origin story about the watermelon that adds depth to its symbolism.
According to the tale, a king left his son on an island to teach him a lesson, believing him to be spoiled. However, the son, seeking independence, refused gifts to avoid owing anyone. On the island, he discovered watermelon seeds left by birds and decided to plant them. When the fruit ripened, he carved his name into the rind and cast it into the ocean, hoping for rescue. The king found the watermelon, tasted its sweetness, and was astonished to discover his son was alive. Regretting his actions, the king brought his son home, who shared the fruit and its seeds with all.
The moral of this story resonates profoundly today: we are all living on borrowed land. This land nourishes and sustains us all, and it is imperative that we learn to share it compassionately and equitably.

Cobalt blue seaglass in the shape of a crescent moon, with a pearl in it's center

The Moon, 2024

"The Moon" delves into the enigmatic and introspective qualities of its tarot counterpart “The Sun”. Crafted from cobalt blue sea glass, this piece takes the shape of a crescent moon, with a pearl nestled in its curve. The deep, rich blue evokes the mystery and depth of the night sky, while the pearl represents purity and intuition. The combination of these elements creates a contemplative and serene composition, inviting viewers to reflect on the inner realms of their consciousness and the quiet beauty of the night.

Together, these pieces embody a dialogue between light and dark, clarity and mystery. "The Sun" and "The Moon" are not only representations of their respective symbols but also reflections of the universal themes of balance and duality. Through the medium of sea glass, I aim to capture the profound emotional and symbolic resonance of these tarot cards, offering viewers a visual experience that celebrates both the vibrant energy of the sun and the serene mystery of the moon.
These works reflect my ongoing exploration of natural materials and their ability to convey complex themes. I hope they inspire a sense of wonder and introspection, inviting viewers to connect with their own inner light and darkness.

Daisies, 2024

“Daisies” is a celebration of simplicity and delicateness, crafted from white, yellow, and green seaglass to form charming floral shapes. This piece embodies the essence of nature's beauty, capturing the gentle spirit of these beloved flowers.
The use of seaglass adds a layer of texture and history, reminding us of the ocean's transformative power. Each piece of glass reflects light in unique ways, evoking the joy and freshness that daisies represent. With this artwork, I invite viewers to appreciate the understated elegance of nature and find beauty in the small, often overlooked details of life.

The Ocean (Gay Flag), 2024

"The Ocean" is a tribute to the recent evolution of pride symbols, inspired by the distinctive blues and greens of the Gay Men’s Pride Flag. This flag, created to honour and celebrate the experiences and identities of gay men specifically, offers a fresh perspective within the broader context of the LGBTQ+ pride spectrum.

In this piece, I have sought to capture the essence and emotional resonance of the Gay Men’s Pride Flag through a composition that mirrors the fluidity and depth of the ocean. The rich blues and greens, reminiscent of both the flag’s colours and the ever-changing hues of the sea, convey a sense of both serenity and dynamism. The ocean’s vastness and its shifting colours serve as a metaphor for the diversity and complexity of individual and collective identities within the gay community.

"The Ocean" explores the symbolism of the flag’s colours, translating them into a visual language that reflects both the stability and fluidity of identity. The blues evoke calmness and introspection, while the greens represent growth and renewal. Together, these colours create a harmonious and expansive depiction that mirrors the way the ocean encompasses a spectrum of experiences and emotions.

This artwork is not only an homage to the new pride flag but also a celebration of the evolving narrative of LGBTQ+ identities. By drawing on the imagery of the ocean, I aim to illustrate the depth, beauty, and diversity of these experiences, highlighting the ongoing journey toward visibility and acceptance.

The Star, 2024

This piece features light blue seaglass in the shape of a star, inspired by the tarot card associated with creativity and the innovative spirit of Aquarius. The star symbolizes thinking outside the box, inviting viewers to embrace their unique perspectives and explore their imaginative potential.
Crafted from natural elements, the seaglass represents transformation and the beauty that can arise from the passage of time. In this artwork, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and possibility, encouraging a connection to both the ocean’s depths and the limitless horizons of the mind.

Seaglass, 2017

This piece delves into the cyclical journey of sea glass as a metaphor for personal transformation and self-discovery. Imagine being sand, subjected to intense heat and pressure to become something valuable, only to be discarded and cast back into the sea. In this state of abandonment, you are thrown about by the elements, gradually weathered and reshaped.

As the sea glass undergoes this process, it evolves into a more rounded and refined form, symbolizing the growth and maturation that come from enduring life's challenges. This journey through the tumultuous and transformative forces of nature mirrors the human experience of navigating through difficulties, becoming more resilient and self-aware in the process.

The eventual emergence of the sea glass from the shallows, completely transformed yet returning to its origins, represents a profound return to oneself. It signifies the journey of finding one's true identity and coming home to oneself after a period of change and adaptation.

Through this piece, I explore the concept of cyclical transformation, illustrating how the process of becoming and unbecoming, of enduring and evolving, ultimately leads to a deeper understanding and acceptance of one's true self. It is a celebration of the resilience and beauty that emerge from life's challenges and the eventual return to one's authentic essence.

This series features seaglass pieces arranged in the colours of various pride flags, embodying the transformative journey synonymous with the queer experience. Each fragment of seaglass, representing the vibrant spectrum of pride flags, symbolizes a personal metamorphosis—a process of shedding old layers and rediscovering one's true self.

Transformation, in the context of being queer, often involves a profound sense of leaving behind parts of oneself that no longer align with one’s identity. It’s not so much a creation of something new but a reclamation of who you have always been. The seaglass, weathered and polished by the sea, mirrors this process of gradual change and self-discovery. Just as the glass is smoothed and refined by the ocean's embrace, so too are we, through our experiences and self-reflection, sculpting a more authentic version of ourselves. Through this series, I aim to celebrate the beauty of this ongoing process of self-rediscovery and the vibrant spectrum of identities that emerge from it.

Paper Boat Collection, 2024

The following series uses the paper boat as a metaphor for the soul’s journey and are intended to evoke a sense of contemplation and connection. The minimalist and symbolic nature of these works encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences with loss and the cultural narratives that shape their understanding of death.

Voyage of the soul

This piece features a delicate paper boat floating on a vast, empty sea. The imagery captures the sense of purgatory or the waiting period that many cultures associate with the transition between life and the afterlife. The serene and expansive backdrop emphasizes the stillness and uncertainty often felt during this phase, inviting viewers to contemplate the nature of waiting and the hopes or fears that accompany this period.

Journey of the Paper Boats

This digital illustration depicts three paper boats adrift in shallow waters—a simple yet poignant composition. The red boat serves as a focal point, representing deviation and individuality amidst the uniformity of the two white boats. This contrast invites viewers to explore themes of identity and the significance of standing out in a sea of conformity.

The minimalist and symbolic nature of this work encourages reflection on personal experiences. The paper boats symbolize fragility and the journeys we undertake in life, navigating both calm and turbulent waters. Their delicate nature serves as a reminder that each voyage is unique and meaningful.

Through this artwork, I aim to evoke contemplation about the choices we make and the paths we take, inviting viewers to connect their own experiences with the universal themes of loss, memory, and resilience.

Find the Way

In this piece, I explore themes of navigation, resilience, and the deep connections between personal history and celestial guidance. This artwork features a delicate paper boat adrift on a paper sea, with the Delphinus constellation guiding its path through the dark, swirling waters.

The paper boat, representing a fishing vessel, symbolizes both vulnerability and hope. It evokes a sense of fragility and impermanence, floating on an expansive and unpredictable sea. This imagery reflects my father's own journey as a boat person, who was rescued by dolphins—a profound testament to the unexpected and often mystical ways in which we find safety and guidance.

The Delphinus constellation, depicted as the guiding star in the artwork, serves as a celestial beacon, leading the fragile paper boat through the metaphorical dark seas. This constellation, associated with dolphins, poignantly ties back to my father’s experience and highlights the theme of being guided by unseen forces. It contrasts the paper boat's delicate nature with the vast, tumultuous ocean, illustrating how even the smallest and most fragile entities can find direction and support amidst vast challenges.

Find the way is a meditation on the contrasts between fragility and strength, insignificance and significance. By comparing the paper boat on a lake to a fishing boat in the ocean, I reflect on the inherent dissonance and beauty in navigating one's path in a world that often feels too large and unpredictable.

Through this piece, I aim to capture the essence of personal and universal navigation, celebrating the profound connections between our personal histories and the guiding forces in our lives. It is a tribute to resilience and the unexpected sources of support that guide us through our darkest times.

Hope

In this piece, a paper boat is depicted being gently guided by the spirit of a dolphin. In various cultures, dolphins are seen as messengers or guides from the spiritual realm, often representing the spirits of ancestors who offer support and direction to the living. This artwork symbolizes the comforting presence of ancestral guidance through the journey of loss, illustrating how the spirits of loved ones can provide solace and direction in times of transition.

Seascape Studies

"If you can paint water, you can control the universe."

100 Harbour St., 2023

This painting captures a poignant moment from my past: an apartment I once inhabited during the peak of my graphic design career. From this elevated vantage point, high above the city, I had a breathtaking view across Lake Ontario and beyond the Toronto islands. It was a literal and metaphorical high, a constant reminder of the heights I had reached and the expansive potential that lay before me.

The painting serves as both a celebration and a reflection. It immortalizes the grandeur of that time—symbolic of success and achievement—as well as the bittersweet nostalgia for a place I can no longer return to. The vantage point from the apartment, perched several floors above the city, represents the peak of my professional journey, a period of great accomplishment and personal fulfillment.

Yet, as much as it symbolizes my rise and the possibilities that stretched out before me, it also evokes a sense of loss and yearning for that chapter of my life. The view that once offered a panoramic glimpse of my future now stands as a reminder of how far I have come and how much I miss a place that is forever part of my past.

Through this piece, I explore the dual nature of memory and achievement—the joy of reaching new heights and the melancholy of looking back on a time and place that, though cherished, cannot be relived.

Sirens, 2016

This painting depicts a vibrant gathering of mermaids, a representation of the community I once belonged to, set against a hauntingly blood-red sea. The rich color palette evokes a sense of mysteriousness, while the familiar forms of the mermaids invite viewers to connect with their own experiences of belonging and identity.

Mermaids have long been woven into the fabric of global mythology, embodying themes of enchantment and mysticism. In various cultures, they are symbols of beauty and danger, bridging the gap between the known and the unknown. This piece seeks to capture the essence of that lore, exploring the dualities inherent in the mermaid mythos—both allure and peril, community and isolation.

Through this artwork, I invite viewers to reflect on the complexity of identity and the ties that bind us to our communities. The mermaids, with their enchanting presence, serve as a reminder of the power of myth and the stories we tell about ourselves, resonating across cultures and generations.

Mindfulness Tarot

I sought to reintroduce spirituality back into mental health practices by creating a bridge for beginners embarking on their journey into the realm of tarot. My “Mindfulness Tarot” decks are designed not just as tools for divination but as accessible companions for self-discovery and reflection.

Each of the three decks embodies a commitment to clarity and ease of use, allowing new readers to engage with tarot without the intimidation that often accompanies it. To facilitate learning and interpretation, each suit is thoughtfully color-coordinated to resonate with the classical elements: the fiery warmth of orange for Wands, the tranquil depth of blue for Cups, and so forth. This visual language enhances memorization, enabling users to connect deeply with the symbolism of each card. The poker-sized format of the decks fits comfortably in hand, making them ideal for spontaneous readings and easier shuffling.

With the Mindfulness Tarot decks, I invite users to embrace their intuition, explore the narratives woven into their lives, and cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment. This project is not just about learning tarot; it’s about fostering a space for personal growth, reflection, and connection.

Letter to My Demons

The journey of self-discovery and healing is never a straight path—it’s a process, often messy, and filled with both struggle and breakthrough. Letters to My Demons was created to offer individuals a tangible tool for confronting their inner challenges, taking responsibility for their growth, and releasing the negative patterns that may be holding them back.

The concept began with a desire to help people reflect on their "demons"—the negative habits, limiting beliefs, and toxic traits that we often ignore or suppress. These demons represent the emotional baggage and destructive cycles we carry, but they also offer us an opportunity: to examine them, understand their roots, and ultimately release their grip. The idea is not to fight or deny these parts of ourselves, but to engage with them in a way that fosters personal empowerment and healing.

The Letters to My Demons set is designed to guide users through this reflective process. It includes:

A letter-writing exercise that encourages individuals to articulate their feelings and confront their demons head-on, whether through gratitude, forgiveness, or banishment.
A Banishment Stamp in the shape of a symbol that represents the act of releasing negativity and reclaiming one's peace.
A Letter Seal that can be used to mark a date, turning this moment into a personal time capsule—a powerful reminder of where they were, where they’ve been, and the transformation they’ve experienced.
A Calling Card, a visual reminder to name and identify the specific "demons" that need to be addressed, with space for introspection.
A Letter of Explanation, offering guidance on the purpose of these demons and how they can serve as tools for personal growth rather than obstacles.

The design of Letters to My Demons was intentionally simple yet symbolic, with every component meant to facilitate self-reflection and deep emotional work. The tactile nature of the materials—the stamp, seal, and calling card—encourages a physical connection to the process of healing, making it not just an internal journey but a ceremonial one as well.

Healing is not a destination; it’s a journey that requires patience, grace, and consistency. This product is meant to be a companion for those on that path—whether they are at the beginning of their journey or well into the process of self-improvement. It is a reminder that we are all works in progress, and that by facing our shadows, we can create the space for true growth.

Through Letters to My Demons, I hope to provide a simple yet powerful tool for those seeking to take ownership of their healing, break free from harmful patterns, and step into their most authentic selves.