ABOUT THE ARTIST
I was fascinated by the world of art in my early years, but unable to pursue because of the need for works. Over the years I was able to develop artistic skills through regular practices on my own, without knowing I would become an artist and illustrator years after. However it was a long journey filled with ups and downs, from battling various cancers as an unwanted companion in my life.
I experienced three forms of cancer starting from Osteosarcoma in my early 20's. This unique journey was long and painful, consuming most of my younger years. 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 a course to sharpen my artistic skills and met some amazing friends and mentors. In 2015 I encountered the 3rd cancer (thyroid) in my life. I was devastated but still managed to complete the course with top performance award. In the same year I made a self-portrait painting (top of this page) and earned the title of First Runner-up at Open Division of "Life is Only One: Yoshitomo Nara - Imagination of Life" art competition in Hong Kong.
The painting is a portrait of myself when I was struggling between life and death going through numerous cancer treatments. The subject hold onto peace (little bear), hope( flowers) even when she is torn between life (light) and sickness (shadow). Although her body being weak from torturing cancers, her eyes still sparkle with hope and joy - because she is still alive, and tomorrow is another day. It is a representation of myself finding the balance between grieving and staying positive to get through every struggling moment.
In 2016 I relocated to the States and continuing my art journey, exploring the world of art combining life experiences and imaginations. I encountered more challenges such as language barriers. Both me and my husband are dog lovers but we lost our dog in Nov, 2020. He is a Shi Tzu named Fei Fei who kept me company for fifteen years, always by my side during difficult times. He will always have a special place in my heart. Later I created the flurry friends collection of Twelve dog figures in loving memory of him. They can be found as dog prints and greeting cards at my shop.
As a cancer survivor I am living a life with lasting impact from years of illness, surgeries and medical treatments. Physical limitation from these experiences prohibits me from enjoying regular activities, even for a normal walk at a distance or extended time. Accelerated deterioration of my body as a result of multiple chemo sessions, also 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: . I realized the only way to move forward with my life is to stay FOCUS at the moment, on what I can put my energy on and improve my quality or life.
I pray to God for comfort and strength getting me through the toughest times. Instead of hiding away and grieving, I learn 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 :-)
