Grace Jiang Architecture Portfolio 2023

As a child, I was once caught staying up late building Lego Friends Forest Houses. It was this scolding that sparked my passion for construction. In my teens, I often found myself commenting on the designs of the buildings in dramas and movies; I took screenshots of the Jade Emperor’s Heavenly Palace and the Hufflepuff Common Room. Through the architecture classes, I got to construct a 3D model of my own and present my ideas. Perspective views of buildings, be they small and straightforward or large and complex, would be added and sketched to my collection in "SketchUp." This was when I got hooked on using a mouse to make a house. My artworks contain many different elements of me, including my culture and hobbies. But on top of that, the major reason I create art is to use unique artworks to combat societal issues. Climate change is one of the main topics I want to spread awareness about. Knowing that building construction contributes to nearly 40% of CO2 emissions, I want to express my empathy for nature by using sustainable resources and applying creative design methods to my projects as a civil engineer. From constructing my environmentally friendly house to designing the contrasting nature and pollution graphics, I hope my artwork can encourage more individuals to be a part of the team to conserve the earth’s beauty. Art is a crucial element of life; it brings joy to everyone. Whether it’s through the vibrant colors of blooming flowers or a portrait of a faraway family member, art can connect the world and capture every cherishable moment of life. Maintaining the natural beauty of the world while incorporating such aspects into my artwork is a true goal of mine.