Coda

"Coda" is a surreal and thought-provoking exploration into the theme of communication and the passage of time. My inspiration for this piece came from 'message in a bottle'— the timeless concept of sending a message out into the vast and unknown ocean, hoping it will reach an intended recipient. However, I wanted to add a twist to this concept and explore the idea of a message trapped in a bubble, suspended in time and space. The paper airplane represents the message, and the underwater bubble adds a sense of isolation and timelessness. The most unexpected person may be the one to discover and understand the most unexpected message.

Trust Me

Inspired by a 30-second snippet shared by Owl City called “Floppy Fish/Trust Me”

A New Endeavour

Following the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986, NASA was tasked with procuring a replacement orbiter to continue its space exploration efforts. In response, the agency began building Space Shuttle Endeavour using a cache of structural spares produced during the construction of Space Shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Assembly of the new orbiter was completed in 1990, marking a new chapter in NASA's space program. In that spirit, I reworked an artwork I created in 2019. The original piece, "The Brave Challenger Seven," honored the memory of the seven crew members who lost their lives in the Challenger disaster. Thus, I reworked the piece and renamed it "A New Endeavour." This updated artwork is a tribute to the Challenger crew and a celebration of new opportunities and discoveries.

The Cry

"The Cry" was inspired by the powerful imagery invoked in Michael Jackson's Earth Song. From a young age, I have been deeply moved by the song's message about climate change, environmental preservation, and animal welfare. The song's emotive lyrics have always resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to create something that would convey the same sense of urgency and importance.

Nobody in the Middle of Nowhere

I have always been fascinated by the vast expanse of the ocean and the small boats that navigate its waters. As a child, I remember flying above the Atlantic Ocean and looking down at the tiny boats below. Though they were faint and distant, they left an indelible impression on my mind. In middle school, I read "The Albatross" by Charles Baudelaire, which paints a vivid picture of a boat stranded in the middle of the sea. The thought of being stuck in the middle of nowhere, with nothing, would keep me up some nights. It is a reminder of the power and beauty of the ocean and the small boats that navigate its waters. “Nobody in the Middle of Nowhere” is a tribute to the feeling and imagery that has always stayed with me.

At the Edge

My inspiration behind the artwork "At the Edge" comes from my fascination with the vastness and mystery of the universe. The image of a person standing alone in the mist, gazing at a planetary ring under an aurora, represents the human desire to understand the unknown. The fog symbolizes the uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding the universe, while the planetary ring represents the beauty and complexity of the cosmos. The aurora, on the other hand, suggests energy and wonder. This artwork is a reminder of the beauty and mystery that lies in the unknown.

Home

The inspiration behind "Home" is the Earth itself. As I was creating this piece, I was struck by the beauty and fragility of our planet. The Earth is our only home, and we must take care of it. The night areas of the Earth are lit with lights, representing the human presence on the planet. The bright parts of the planet are bathed in sunlight, representing the Earth's natural beauty. I hope that the combination of these elements evokes a sense of warmth.

The Sunken Majesty

"The Sunken Majesty" is a surreal depiction of an underwater statue with a glowing crystal— a reminder that hope & beauty can be found in even the most broken and ruined things. The first inspiration for this artwork came from "Kintsugi," the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. In Kintsugi, the broken pieces are not hidden or discarded but celebrated and highlighted. The cracks and breaks are filled with gold, making the repaired object even more beautiful and unique. Another inspiration for this artwork came from Ozymandias, a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The poem tells the story of a once-great king, whose statue has been reduced to a shattered ruin. I wanted to create an artwork that celebrates and highlights imperfections while also serving as a reminder of the fleeting nature of power and glory.

Stillness in Liminality

"Stillness in Liminality" is an artwork that explores the theme of finding peace in moments of transition and change. I wanted to represent the idea that even amid chaos and uncertainty, there is potential for stillness and tranquility. The phone in the artwork represents the constant connectivity and noise of the world, but the ocean within it symbolizes the vastness and depth of the inner self. The glass-like figure rising from the screen represents the potential for self-discovery and growth in times of change. The water droplets represent the purification that comes with facing and accepting change. It is a reminder to look within ourselves and to trust the journey of change and transition.

The Infinite

In March 2019, I had a dream that transported me to the vast expanse of intergalactic outer space, where I saw different galaxies. Some were in pieces, broken and fragmented, while others were incredibly bright and vibrant. Towards the end of the dream, I was staring at a galaxy of perfect shape and size, with neon yellow and pink hues; and I was flying towards it. The light, at its core, completely consumed me. It was as bright as it could get. Everything ended in silence. When I woke up from this dream, I tried to remember as much as possible and wrote down a detailed account. Later, the images in my mind became even more vivid when I remembered the dream in detail. I was inspired to create something that would capture the essence of this dream— "The Infinite" was my attempt at recreating it.

April Air

The artwork "April Air" depicts a butterfly in flight, inspired by the beauty and renewal of the spring season. I often remember my middle school days, when I would watch butterflies fluttering in the month of April, after my final exams. The butterfly represents the coming of spring, which symbolizes new beginnings and the return of life after a cold winter. The title, "April Air", further emphasizes this theme by evoking the freshness and vitality of the air in April.

Voilà

The art of magic has always fascinated me, particularly the use of illusions and deception to create a sense of wonder and amazement. The phrase' smoke and mirrors' perfectly encapsulates the essence of this craft, and I find myself constantly in awe of the skill and precision required to execute these tricks. The inspiration for "Voilà" comes from a classic magician's trick involving a rabbit and a top hat, and also vivid lyrics from Owl City’s track “Cinematic”: “get a top hat and a rabbit, work the crowd and make your magic”

The Audible Spectrum

"The Audible Spectrum" explores the idea that the voices inside our heads, often our thoughts, are actually projections from others. Recognizing these voices and surrounding ourselves with uplifting voices, such as those of loving parents or a wise mentor, can positively impact our personal growth and development; and help us to become the best version of ourselves. On the other hand, letting go of unhelpful voices is essential for maintaining a healthy mindset. This realization is a crucial part of growing up and maturing as an individual.

Sanity in Menace

When the lockdown measures were implemented in March 2020, I was already struggling with burnout from work and creative pursuits. The sudden pause in my busy lifestyle allowed me to slow down and take things one day at a time. Despite the newfound stillness, fear of contracting COVID-19 kept me self-quarantined for nearly four months. During this period, I was enclosed by an all-window wall on the fourth floor of an apartment in downtown San Diego, a view dominated by tall city buildings that blocked any direct sunlight during daytime. At night, the bright street lights made sleep difficult without darkness. Reflecting on this slow passage of time, spent in isolation, I created the artwork "Sanity in Menace”.

Of Life

In January 2019, I began working on “Of Life.” The inspiration for the artwork came from the beauty & fragility of a Betta fish. “Of Life” was one of the artworks I felt proud of creating before falling into a prolonged creative slump in the summer of 2019. On the fifth anniversary of my Instagram account in January 2020, I felt compelled to share “Of Life,” the perfect choice to commemorate the beauty & fragility of creativity.