Artist Interview: Luosha
Small Moments, Forests, Seasons, and Little Worlds of Wonder: Inside Luosha’s Art
Written by SOONNESS / August 28, 2026 / Profile photo: Artist Luosha's work desk
There is a quiet sense of wonder in Luosha’s illustrations, where forests seem to hold stories of their own and animals go about small, familiar lives. Inspired by nature, changing seasons, and the books she loved as a child, the China-born, Canada-based illustrator creates gentle worlds that feel magical without ever feeling far away.
For our collaboration, Golden Forest, Luosha imagined an autumn day unfolding through the journey of a single fallen oak leaf, carrying us from one corner of the forest to another. In this interview, she shares how she found the courage to pursue illustration, why forests remain an endless source of stories, and the small observations that bring her imagined worlds to life.
Early Life & Inspirations
Can you tell us a little about where you grew up and the kinds of stories or books that shaped your imagination as a child?
I grew up in Wuhan, China. Some of the books and stories that stayed with me most were The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Journey to the West, one of the great classic Chinese novels.
I was drawn to the gentle, imaginative worlds of the first two, especially the way animals and nature were woven into the stories, while Journey to the West introduced me to a much more fantastical world of mythology, magical creatures, and adventure. Looking back, I think all of these stories helped shape my love for creating imaginative worlds where nature, animals, and a sense of magic can come together.
At what point did you realize illustration could become more than something you enjoyed—that it could become your life's work?
I think there were two moments that made me realize illustration could become more than just something I enjoyed.
The first was a more personal realization. I realized that I could actually pursue the kind of life I wanted rather than simply choosing the safer or more expected path. I wanted to follow my passion for art and, at the very least, give myself the chance to see where it could take me. I knew I would always wonder “what if?” if I never tried.
The second came when I started sharing my illustrations on social media. I began receiving lots of encouraging feedback, and eventually I was invited to take on commission work. Seeing people connect with my work and, for the first time, being able to make an income from my illustrations made me realize that this could actually be a viable career. Those experiences gave me the confidence to take illustration seriously and pursue it professionally.
You later moved to Canada. Has living between two cultures changed the way you see the world or tell stories through your illustrations?
I’m not sure I can point to a specific way that living between two cultures has changed how I tell stories, but one thing that has definitely influenced me is the landscape and seasons in Canada.
I grew up in Wuhan, where I wasn’t used to such long, distinct autumns and winters. The atmosphere of autumn here especially amazes me—the changing colors, the crisp air, and the feeling that the whole landscape is gradually slowing down.
And then there’s winter, which was a big adjustment for me at first. I wasn’t used to the cold or all the snow, but over time I’ve really come to love it. There’s something very cozy about winter—the chilly air and snow outside make being indoors feel even warmer. I love that contrast: the cold world outside and the soft, warm feeling inside. I find myself drawing a lot of inspiration from both autumn and winter, and I think those seasonal feelings naturally find their way into my illustrations.
Storytelling & Artistic Process
Your illustrations often feel like pages from a storybook. Do you imagine a larger story behind each piece, even if the viewer never sees it?
Yes, absolutely. I naturally start imagining what might have happened just before the scene, what could happen next, or what might be happening just outside the edges of the picture.
Many of your worlds feel peaceful, magical, and lived-in. What draws you to creating these kinds of places?
I’ve always loved forests. There’s something about being surrounded by trees and nature that makes me feel peaceful and curious at the same time. I love imagining all the little lives happening among the trees—the animals, plants, hidden paths, and cozy little homes that you might discover if you look closely.
Animals appear throughout your work—not simply as wildlife, but almost as characters. What do they allow you to express?
I love the way animals can make a story feel both familiar and a little more magical. Through them, I can explore human emotions and experiences—friendship, curiosity, or simply enjoying a quiet moment. They let me tell human stories in a softer, more whimsical way.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the first spark of an idea to the finished illustration?
It usually starts with something very simple—a flower, a leaf, a cup of hot tea, or even a little moment I notice during the day. Almost anything can become a spark for an idea. From there, I start wondering about the story behind it. Who might be there? What might be happening? What could happen next? Once I have a feeling or a little story in mind, I begin sketching and exploring different compositions. I also like to play with color palettes along the way, because color is such an important part of creating the mood and atmosphere of an illustration.
Behind the Scenes of Golden Forest
When SOONNESS first reached out about doing a puzzle collaboration, what was your initial reaction?
I was very excited! I had actually seen SOONNESS puzzles on social media before, so when SOONNESS reached out with the idea of creating an autumn-themed puzzle, I immediately felt a connection to the project.
What inspired the story and atmosphere behind Golden Forest?
Soon suggested creating a silent one-page comic, similar to one I had done before. I immediately thought it was a great idea, as it would give puzzlers lots of little details and moments to discover and enjoy while puzzling. Then I came up with the idea of following a fallen oak leaf as it travels through different corners of the forest, allowing us to experience the beauty of autumn from day to night.
There’s such a wonderful feeling of warmth, friendship, and community throughout the artwork. Was there a particular emotion you hoped people would experience?
Yes! I hoped the artwork would give people a warm and cozy feeling while also capturing the joy of friendship and the sense of community in the forest.
I wanted there to be lots of little moments for people to discover, so that spending time with the puzzle would feel a bit like spending time in the forest with these characters.
Art, Life & Growth
Has your artistic voice changed over the years, or do you feel you’ve always been telling the same stories in different ways?
I’m not sure I’m always telling the same story in different ways. I think my subjects and stories have changed over the years, but there are certain themes I naturally keep coming back to. The forest is one of my long-term subjects—it’s a world I can always explore and find new stories in. I’ve also created other kinds of stories, including adventures featuring little girls. So while the stories themselves may be different, I think there are some recurring themes and feelings that connect my work.
When you feel creatively stuck, what usually helps you reconnect with your ideas?
When I feel creatively stuck, I usually try to step away from the work for a little while. Going for a walk in the forest helps me reconnect with nature and clear my mind. Sometimes even taking a bath helps! I also like browsing random pictures on Pinterest and sketching whatever catches my eye. I find that these little breaks often help new ideas come naturally.
Outside of illustration, what brings you the greatest inspiration or joy?
Recently, it’s definitely knitting! I’ve really enjoyed spending time knitting and making something with my hands.
Looking Ahead
Looking ten years into the future, what kind of artist do you hope to become, and what do you hope people will feel when they encounter your work?
I hope I’ll continue to grow as an artist while staying curious and open to exploring new stories and ways of creating. I’d love to keep making work that feels warm and a little magical. Most of all, I hope people feel a sense of comfort and joy when they encounter my work, and perhaps discover a small moment that makes them smile or want to stay a little longer.
Image Credits
Images courtesy of Luosha Liu
Additional imagery via Wikimedia Commons