Arts Thread

“The Kitchen" is part of a personal project inspired by cherished childhood memories while I was growing up in Shanghai. I remember the warm, bright, summer sunlight as it poured through the kitchen window and created pastel colors and graphic shapes in the light and shadows. Living with my parents and grandparents, my grandpa often cooked for me, making the kitchen a special place filled with the delightful aromas of special foods that I still remember to this day. I always imagined what my dream kitchen would look like, and in this piece, I brought that vision to life. Created digitally in Photoshop, I began with concept sketches and chose a composition that offered a simple overview of the entire kitchen. After finalizing the layout, I applied color and lighting, paying close attention to the lighting's realism and appeal. I aimed to create interesting and sharp shapes to contrast the background where I painted primarily with rounded and soft brushes. I also wanted to add a sense of warmth to my illustration to inspire viewers to think of their warmest and most peaceful memories. Detail and rendering are crucial aspects of my work, and I ensured that each element was meticulously crafted. My goal for this painting is to evoke a sense of home and warmth, creating a welcoming space where everyone can feel at ease while enjoying a pleasant break. I want to transport viewers to a place of comfort and nostalgia, where the simple pleasures of life are cherished. My wish for the painting is to serve as a reminder of the joy and warmth that can be found in everyday life, and to invite everyone who sees it to take a moment to appreciate the simple, beautiful moments that make a house a home.

Whisper in the Castle is a personal project born from a story I envisioned, where a group of dwarves find themselves living in a castle ruled by a mysterious vampire. The narrative explores the tense and uneasy relationship between the dwarves and the ominous host, set against the backdrop of a castle steeped in secrets and shadows. In creating this world, I designed each character and meticulously crafted the backgrounds to bring the story to life. My primary focus was on capturing the eerie, foreboding atmosphere of the castle, ensuring that every corner, every shadow, exudes the same tension and unease felt by the characters. The interplay of light and darkness, the intricate details of the castle’s architecture, and the expressions of the characters all work together to immerse the viewer in this haunting tale. The works are rendered digitally using Photoshop, allowing me to fully explore the depths of this gothic world. This project is an invitation to step into a world where fear and curiosity intertwine, leaving you with lingering questions and a desire to uncover the hidden truths within the castle’s walls.

During my study-away semester in the UK, I found myself captivated by the vibrant energy of Piccadilly Circus. The bustling atmosphere of this iconic location sparked my curiosity, leading me to delve into its history and imagine the stories that might have unfolded there during the 20th century. Through extensive research into archival images and videos from that era, I sought to capture not just the physical appearance of Piccadilly Circus, but the essence of a bygone time when the world was on the brink of monumental change. My painting, titled Piccadilly Circus, is a digital creation crafted using Photoshop. It is a fusion of historical research and imaginative reconstruction, blending reality with the echoes of an era marked by both progress and nostalgia. Through this work, I aim to transport my audience back to that golden age, inviting them to experience the pulse of a city in its prime and to reflect on the timelessness of human experiences that transcend decades. I hope that this piece serves as more than just a visual representation; it is an invitation for viewers to explore their own memories and connections to history, to ponder the stories that have shaped our present, and to find inspiration in the ever-changing yet enduring spirit of urban life.