The Artist

Mai Savelle is a Vietnamese American artist based in Southern Maryland. Originally from the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she holds an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia (UVA) and a B.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCUarts). She has a background in fine art and academia.

During the pandemic she lived in Germany. The years spent in Europe during the quarantine were a catalyst of inspiration in her recent work. The time in lockdown led to introspection on what makes a person feel whole despite the 6,526 km distance from loved ones. Through painting, Mai explored exactly what that meant to her.

What do we really value when the world shuts down? What makes us feel human in isolation?

Mai’s current work is a series in which she honors beloved objects, people, animals, and/or places that make her (or others) feel whole. Taking elements from her experiences, she weaves together vibrant colors, nostalgic patterns, and textures to preserve these moments.