WORK #1: Time Is (Not) In Your Hands
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STATEMENT
STATEMENT
MEDIUM: INK
Originally a school art assignment, this surrealist ink piece prompted me to think about people and their relationship with time.
The circular formation of swirls and faded memories resembles the border of a clock, while the arm in the middle serves as the clock's two hands. The process of aging is a slow and enlightening one; it is wise to cherish every moment you have. The translucent, newborn-like hands seen in the top left corner grasp for the teenage hand in the top right, so desperately wanting to mature into a cool teenager. However, as time goes on (clockwise direction), the hand grabs on to the fabric of time, not wanting to get older, fearing adult responsibilities.
The detailed hand on the bottom resembles a senior's hand, which is dragged along by the hand in the middle. It's time for that hand to go.
Is time really in your hands? Or are you in the hands of time? Cherish it.
WORK #2: Comfortable Being Uncomfortable (CBU)
SCHOLASTIC GOLD KEY WINNER 2025
MEDIUM: WATERCOLOR PAPER
CBU Page 1
CBU Page 1
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Based on the memoir Oh My Mother! by Connie Wang, the first page follows Wang and her mother's journey to the Palace of Versailles in France. They feel foreign and alienated among the local French people, given that they are Chinese, but once they hear a glimpse of Mandarin, they feel somewhat at home.
CBU Page 2
CBU Page 2
(Zoom in for clarity)
The second page shows the stiff barrier between Wang and her mother's relationship breaking as they bond while navigating through a new country. Notice how there is greater contrast between Wang (left) and Qing (right) than between the people passing by in between them. In that moment, they focus on each other and embrace their cultural identity.
CBU Page 3
CBU Page 3
(Zoom in for clarity)
Finally embracing as they look at the great beauty that is the Palace of Versailles, Wang and Qing realize that through the obstacles they had growing up, they are a family at the end. Their embrace shows how one can rely on their family members to be comfortable being uncomfortable and 'different' in a new environment. This piece won a Gold Key in 2025's Scholastic competition.
WORK #3: Resilience
STATEMENT
MEDIUM: COLOR PENCIL
I created this colored pencil work in late 2024, exploring movement and time.
Whenever my mom would come home from work, I remember that she would take a short break to eat and go right back to her computer to do extra work. She always goes above and beyond, making sure the meeting is clarified, slideshows are done, etc. I admire that she has resilience, determination, and focus. I, on the other hand, have various tasks to do.
Fragments of a clock are blurred in along with my timelapse-like motions: reading a book for English class, drawing, writing on my whiteboard for efficient studying, playing games on my phone, and getting my backpack ready for school the next day.
After many months of seeing my mom in this routine, I feel like I'm moving through time, but she isn't.
WORK #4: The Great Catch
MASSACHUSETTS JUNIOR DUCK STAMP CONSERVATION AND DESIGN - GOLD MEDAL 2024
STATEMENT
MEDIUM: OIL PAINT
The Great Catch is the first piece where I experimented with oil paints. Since I saw an opportunity to submit it to a competition as well, I was determined to make my first experience a memorable one. Pictured in the painting is a male Hooded Merganser with a piece of victory in its mouth - a frog.
The texture of oil gave the painting a smooth and calm feeling, in contrast to the sudden splash that I imagine would happen as the Merganser dives for its prey.
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