In this photo editorial and interview, we delve into the vibrant world of artist Loan Chabanol, whose multifaceted creations bridge Paris and Los Angeles. Loan’s work, including her "Cotton Candy" series, reflects a deep connection to her diverse heritage and personal experiences. Conducted by Trang Nguyen of Kaarem and beautifully captured through the lens of photographer Cristina Trayfors, this feature offers an intimate glimpse into Loan’s artistic journey. Our conversation explores how her Vietnamese roots and artistic evolution shape her creative vision.

You can experience Loan Chabanol’s "Cotton Candy" series in person at KAAREM Santa Barbara boutique, where her painting are currently on view.

This body of work emerged during a period of my life when I felt at peace with the transformation process. Somehow, forms and colors came to me in a very powerful way—so powerful that I felt an urge to do something with them. I picked up my brush and put it on canvas.

I'm not entirely sure how the idea came to me. To be honest, it felt natural. I got a feeling first, and somehow it felt right to use soft colors, as seen in nature. Real change happens organically and gracefully.

I always hope that people will share the experience I felt while creating it. It's like a musical note—when you create something, there is a song, a story being told.

Softness, change, new horizons. Believing that at any moment, you can create a new present, a new future, a new life for yourself.

I believe that maintaining a connection with your inner child is a way to find some answers. I'm always looking for answers. I don’t always find them in the way I wish, but sometimes just asking myself why I feel a certain way is already a start.

Be open to change!

Painting a sunset in art class when I was 12. I remember that day clearly as the catalyst for something I would do for the rest of my life. I created a pink and orange sunset abstract painting. Somehow, all the colors came together, and I felt like I was witnessing something magical and real. I knew at that moment that I would do this for the rest of my life. I spent hours painting with a dear friend of mine artist Bernard Bistes. He was an amazing mentor, friend and teacher.

I was massively influenced by cartoons and poetry—anything that reminded me of innocence and the softness of not yet being an adult. The imaginary world that we all have before growing up. I loved the simplicity of lines, the minimalism of Japanese art, and the strength of storytelling, such as in Paul Klee’s work or even Tim Burton. I loved anything that evolves and is in accordance with its time: animation, art, artists' journeys... What I like most is witnessing the journey of an artist who is not afraid to use different mediums and yet is still in the process of finding who they are and what the meaning of life is.

Losing my dad at a very young age profoundly shaped my artistic journey. I felt a need to create images that expressed what I couldn’t convey in words. This gave me a sense of purpose and a glimpse into the future. Additionally, growing up with a mixed ethnicity—my dad being half Vietnamese—I was drawn to delicate imagery, Asian roots, and by my mother’s poetry. She is an incredible writer; I have hundreds of postcards that she wrote to me, each one more beautiful than the other.

The name came about when I started to draw this little girl. I realized that it was me. It was always with all the emotional core. It was the first time I drew a self-portrait without knowing it.

I think my proudest accomplishment is being able to create and tell a story every time. Creating meaningful expressions that can help bring awareness to people’s minds, including my own.

It’s interesting—I never know what is going to spark an idea. It usually happens out of the blue. I can have a dream or a vision. I can see something that speaks to me and decide to explore it. Then the medium sort of chooses itself, and I just start to draw.

I guess when you want to use a medium you’ve never tried before, you face a state of challenge. But the challenge is something that nourishes me.

I believe that without vulnerability, you can’t create anything meaningful. You need to be vulnerable to be true.

Every experience of creation has been therapeutic. Every time, I was trying to say something I couldn’t say to myself. More recently, I have been doing a lot of commissions, and the process of creating for someone has been even more fulfilling. It actually helps me push myself more and find new ideas.

Positively, I hope! Art is subjective, and people can either feel something or not. It’s not in my hands what they will feel, but I will feel accomplished if they feel something.

Art is everything we are not able to convey or express in words. It is the link to the divine and quite often the answer to many of our questions.

It’s more like where will I take my art than where it will take me. I believe in inclusivity. Creating space and access to art for people who can’t access it is something that inspires me. Breaking the codes of what the art world is and remembering that an artist was here to be of service first, to create for the people and not for themselves only.

Be yourself. Be limitless. Listen to the inner whisper and do what feels right to you. People will try to put you in boxes, so choose who you want to be first. Spend time with people who want to see you grow. Live life to the fullest.

Loan Chabanol is a multifaceted artist from France, currently living between Paris and Los Angeles.

Her painting exhibits include a group show in Brooklyn titled "Art Meets Fashion" and later a solo, immersive exhibition in New York called "Born in Blue," featuring an animated film about a Phoenix rising from the bottom of the ocean. Her series "Namsis" premiered in Los Angeles, followed by her participation in the "WeRise" group show alongside renowned artists Shepard Fairey and Glenn Kaino. More recently, she was commissioned to create art pieces for restaurants, cafes, and partnerships with brands worldwide.

Chabanol began her career as a fashion model under Elite Paris and has appeared on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan. Later she moved into acting and was recognized for her roles in John Turturro's directorial debut, ”Fading Gigolo," the romantic drama "Third Person," "The Transporter Refueled," and the horror anthology series "Tales of the Walking Dead.”

Instagram: @loancha | @loanfineart
Website: https://www.mikagirl.com