The warm glow of the setting sun gleamed through the car windows, casting a soft, ethereal light on my parents' faces, as though they were haloed by its golden rays. As we drove through the city after hours on endless roads, my parents discussed where to go next, debating dinner options, while my brother and I were engrossed in our phones, gaming away in the backseat. This was the time of the pandemic- something that drove people apart, but for my family, brought us a bit closer. “Chow Family’s Road Trip” captures the feelings of warmth and tranquility that left a deep impression on me during the pandemic. Amid the chaos and loss in the outside world, our Honda Pilot kept the Chow family together, driving through different cities, neighborhoods, and parks- mostly out of our stuffy apartment, momentarily leaving behind the heaviness of the world. Reflecting on that time now, I realize how much that shared experience impacted me. What I had once seen as mundane car rides or fleeting family moments became precious memories I carry with me every day. The pandemic showed me the immeasurable value of family and togetherness. It made me realize that moments spent with loved ones are not just filler between the busy days of life- they are what life is truly about. I reminisce about the sound of weekly mahjong games around the dining table, the smell of homemade meals filling the house, and the laughter that echoed during chores as we worked side by side. I’m forever grateful for these moments of connection that the pandemic forced us to savor. Through it all, my parents’ support was unwavering, especially in how they allowed me to continue pursuing my artistic passions, even when the world around us seemed to be in disarray. Asian immigrant parents often have a reputation for pushing their children into more traditional careers like medicine or law. My parents, however, defied that stereotype. They invested not only their money but also their time and energy in supporting my love for the arts. They never imposed their own beliefs on me or tried to steer me toward a different path. Instead, they provided the freedom and space for me to explore my creativity. They understood that my passion for art was not just a hobby, but a part of who I am. "Chow Family’s Road Trip" symbolizes not only those joyful moments of togetherness but also the deep appreciation I have for my parents who, with unwavering love and faith, nurtured my dreams. Looking at the painting now, I can see more than just a family road trip. I see a reflection of my parents' sacrifices, their quiet strength, and their unconditional support. I see a reminder of how fortunate I am to have been given the opportunity to follow my passions, even when the world seemed uncertain. I see the warmth of our family, the bond that keeps us grounded, and the importance of cherishing the small moments that create lasting memories. "Chow Family’s Road Trip" is a piece of art that captures my nostalgia and the power of family- and it will always remind me of the invaluable gift of togetherness, something I will carry with me throughout my life.

Soft pastel-colored hanfu (Chinese traditional dress), adorned with intricate floral patterns and a rich history from the "Golden Age," served as the inspiration for one of my favorite artworks. Titled "Footbound," this piece portrays a young girl slouched, engaged in a phone call while tying her shoelaces. Each element was intentionally painted: the style of dress and its garments, the patterns, and the colors all reflect the Song Dynasty, whereas the hairstyle, cell phone, and combat boots reflect the 21st century. The 40” by 36” canvas and realistic style forms a real life figure that seems like almost stepping out of the canvas. The washed out colors of the mountains and flowers surround the figure and emphasize the colors of the dress. From my desire to connect more with my Chinese roots, I was able to create a painting that allowed me to learn more about Chinese history while also fusing traditional aspects with modern concepts. My fascination with ancient China, stemming from my Chinese heritage and a desire to delve deeper into my ancestors' culture, led me to explore the Song Dynasty further. After countless hours of research on this period, I became particularly captivated by the practice of foot binding. I learned that during the Song Dynasty, this painful and permanent deformation of women's feet became a social status symbol and beauty standard. It reinforced patriarchal norms and gender inequality as bound feet were regarded as symbols of submission and obedience. I was struck by the connection between tightly bound feet and my own experiences wearing stiff and robust Doc Marten combat boots. In my pursuit to appear taller and bolder, I unwittingly echoed the historical echoes of conformity. These Doc Martens, while rooted in a different time and culture, symbolize the enduring impact of societal norms. As a first-generation Chinese American, I’m always reminded that I’m too American to be Chinese and too Chinese to be American. As a girl and its collective gender norms, the impacts of both cultures' norms and standards are heightened, causing me to be more conscious about the way I act or look. Thus, I want to create artwork, like “Footbound,” in hopes of empowering and inspiring others who feel limited by their identity to break free and be themselves. “Footbound” represents the liberation of foot binding but also echoes the gender inequality still found in today’s society. To me, the painting serves as a reminder to appreciate my culture but also challenge its flaws, and forge my own identity.

Spotty splotches of red, dark strokes of blue, and rich hues of yellow emerge on endless sheets of paper from a young age. Every morning from the age of five, my mother woke up to a seedling with endless imagination. My tired mother would spread sheets of spare newsprint paper on the dining table and set out a palette of paint for me to doodle all over. Sometimes the paper was not enough and I would resort to using the walls as an extension of my canvas. My mother would let out a big sigh but never reprimanded me because she was an artist and understood my creative drive as a child. My mother studied fine arts in college, and thus there were many magnificent figure drawings and portraits hung around at home. But my mother found art in places outside of the paper. When we would go out on family trips, she would always point out the vibrant colors of the sky or the intricacy of the architecture in our neighborhood. Eventually, her words rubbed on me and I was telling my mother about the weird grooves on the trees or the interesting shadows on the street on a sunny day. My admiration for the beauty of nature and people grew and I found myself trying to replicate it by drawing. The more I immersed myself in the artistic process, the more I realized that art had the power to transcend the limitations of words and connect me to something greater. It became a sanctuary where my imagination could roam free, a sanctuary where I could explore my innermost thoughts and make sense of the world around me. From that point forward, my love for art became an inseparable part of who I am, a lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and endless inspiration. James Jean holds a special place in my heart as my favorite artist, captivating me with his extraordinary talent and unparalleled artistic vision. His ability to seamlessly blend elements of fantasy, surrealism, and fine art creates a mesmerizing world that transcends the boundaries of imagination. With each piece he creates, James Jean takes viewers on a breathtaking visual journey, immersing us in intricate details, vibrant colors, and a profound depth of emotion. His art possesses an ethereal quality, evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity that resonates deeply within me. Beyond his technical mastery, James Jean's storytelling abilities are awe-inspiring. Each artwork tells a tale, inviting us to interpret and delve into the layers of symbolism and metaphor he skillfully weaves into his compositions. His versatility is remarkable, effortlessly transitioning between mediums and styles, pushing the boundaries of what art can be. James Jean's art not only inspires me as an artist but also stirs my soul, igniting a passion for creativity and reminding me of the boundless possibilities that lie within the realm of imagination. His work continues to serve as a constant source of inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of art.