Gabby Ma

The relationship I have with my sister is multifaced, now as a graduating senior, I only remember the fond moments. I wanted to create a visual development portfolio that highlights these genuine and mundane memories. I turned both of us into characters, I came to the realization that animals and their token symbolism can aid my message when correlating with an emotion. Their magical realism contributes to the fictionalization of us. In “Minnow”, minnows represents small valuable moments. There is a magic about sisterhood, and the depth of our connection is what carries my series. 

My series changed from a design format to illustrative pieces. This is because after establishing my characters I really wanted to bring them to life, capturing mundane moments, to create this whimsical fictional world. As the pieces progressed I loved playing with color and lighting which added to the depth of their sisterhood. My series is essentially a thank you letter to my sister, and a goodbye to my childhood. I am able to memorialize a closing chapter in my life through my art as well as step into a storytelling position which I am determined to pursue for my future career.