As a cancers survivor diagnosed with three different form of cancers starting in my 20's, I thanks God for walking me through all those struggling years and now I am still able to live every day as a celebration of life.
During those tough times, I found much peace and joy in art creations when faced with stressful physical and mental challenges from numerous treatments in and out of hospitals. In 2014 I took an illustration course to sharpen my art skills and met some amazing friends and mentors. In 2015 I encountered the 3rd cancer and I was devastated. During the chemo treatments that followed, I picked up paint brushes again and decided to paint my own story. I took part in a local art competition in Hong Kong and ended up with 1st Runner-up Award. The winning artwork is a portrait of myself while I was going through chemo treatments.
Artist Statements
In this poignant self-portrait, the artist reveals the essence of her journey—one of resilience, vulnerability, and hope. Her shaved head, adorned with blooming flowers, symbolizes the delicate balance between fragility and strength. Her eyes, deep and soulful, hold a quiet wisdom, reflecting the battles she has endured and the light she now seeks.
The teddy bear cradled in her arms is more than a childhood relic; it represents comfort, innocence, and the fragments of joy that carried her through the darkest days. The background, textured with muted greens, evokes a sense of renewal and connection to the earth, grounding her as she moves forward in her journey. The vibrant red blooms stand as markers of her triumph over the cancers that marked her early years, each petal a testament to her fight and the new life she has embraced.
Diving into the world of art became her sanctuary—a place where she could transform pain into beauty, scars into stories, and adversity into inspiration. This piece, rich with symbolism, invites the viewer to witness not just her struggles but also her extraordinary ability to find light in the shadows. Through her art, she shares a universal message: no matter how deep the scars, creativity and hope have the power to heal and inspire.
"Life is Only One: Yoshitomo Nara - Imagination of Life"
Art Competition - Open Division- 1st Runner-up Award
In 2016 I relocated to the States and continuing my art journey, exploring the world of art combining life experiences and imaginations. In God's grace I was able to extend my world of art from a hobbit to a small business. It took me some serious effort exploring different forms of art before I found my passion in oil paintings of wildlife animals. I find so much joy observing small woodland animals like squirrels, rabbits, ducks and big ones like giraffes and elephants in their natural habitants. I was always thrilled when someone resonate with me through one of my paintings.
As a cancer survivor I am living a life with lasting impact from years of illness, surgeries and medical treatments. Physical limitation prohibits me from enjoying regular activities such as a walk for an extended period of time. Deterioration of my body as a result of past chemo treatments impact my quality of life significantly. But I refuse to let these traumatizing experiences and fear of future recurrence distract me from exploring the world of art. when I was in pain and distress.
The only way to move forward with my life is to stay focused at the moment, on what I can put my energy on and improve my quality or life. So I learnt to pick up the brushes and keep painting what I love: nature and animals, from which I found much needed peace and joy, and share with people around me who are looking for the same in life.
I hope you enjoy browsing through my art creations and find your favorite pieces.