Made, not just imagined.

Growing up in China, I was immersed in the rich traditions of its art and culture. From calligraphy to papercutting, learning each form allowed me to develop an appreciation and patience for detailed work and provided a calming method for self-expression.

Later, I used art to capture the different places my family moved to, translating experiences into sketches and colorful paintings. After moving to the United States and studying under Akamichi Studio, my artistic journey expanded into experimentation.

I began reimagining the mundane, transforming the scale, composition, and spatial arrangements of ordinary items into sculptures that challenge societal inequities. For example, I used red balloons and PVC pipes to illustrate the disproportionate allocation of wealth, evoking emotions of suffocation and inequity. I also integrated art with technology through game design and 3D animation, partnering with businesses to create a financial literacy video game and develop digital campaigns.

My artwork found deeper purpose through designing and leading a mural created by neurodivergent Scouts from my special-needs troop. Painting together, I saw how art's calming and uplifting effect extended beyond me, allowing the troop to bond more closely than they ever had through other activities I designed. After the project, their parents sent me emotional messages about how their children, often restless, were able to focus deeply and experience a sense of accomplishment through painting.

These moments showed me that art is more than self-expression; it is a universal language that fosters meaningful connections, inspires inclusivity, and challenges the status quo.