About
Thea Lao-An is an artist and illustrator based in Toronto ON, Canada.
Graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design (BFA) in 2023, Thea has experience in printmaking, painting, graphic design, mixed media, video, and installation.
Thea’s art practice explores themes of childhood and memory, often combining playful and “child-like” imagery with psychological themes relating to childhood trauma, mental illness, self-harm, and suicide.
Through illustration and storytelling, Thea creates a world of silly bears and creatures to explore all the emotions that come with growing up, experiencing grief, and processing trauma.
Thea is often inspired by the objects that have brought them comfort all throughout their life, such as their favourite childhood storybooks, video games and animation, as well as their beloved stuffed animals.
