Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Jessica Lui

Convergence

Convergence Diptych Acrylic ink and acrylic on canvas 12"x12"In my creative process, I deliberately embraced constraints to streamline my focus while working with a new medium. By doing so, I freed myself from the burden of excessive decision-making and allowed the essence of my work to take center stage. One crucial choice was adopting a limited palette, primarily working with black and white. This intentional simplicity served as a foundation for my artistic expression, emphasizing the raw emotions and depth of my experiences without unnecessary distractions. As a result, my art gained a purity and authenticity that resonated deeply with my personal journey.

“My artistic practice finds its foundation in process-based work, a heartfelt tribute to navigating life experiences with deliberation, patience, and mindfulness. Through my art, I seek to mirror the profound journey of overcoming cancer and how the act of contemplation and introspection during that process can resonate with others facing diverse challenges in life.Studying at OCAD has been instrumental in empowering me to process my encounter with cancer through artistic expression, creating tangible evidence of my odyssey that solidifies the self-awareness I have gained. The artistic process became a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to transform intangible emotions into a visual narrative, resonating with my personal growth and insights.Along this creative path, I encountered various challenges, such as underestimating the time required for layers to dry, leading to a lack of time to fully realize my vision. This humbling experience reinforced the importance of patience and staying true to the artistic process, reminding me that sometimes, the journey holds more significance than the final destination.My artwork embodies a newfound perspective on life—a harmonious embrace of going with the flow, much like the ever-moving water. Just as I had to surrender to the uncertainty of my cancer journey, I now navigate life with an open mind, accepting the unpredictable twists and turns. This acceptance liberates me from the burden of control and invites a sense of freedom and excitement in facing the unknown without expectations.Water and ink became the mediums of my expression, symbolizing the vital element that sustains all life. Working with water echoes the humility I found during my artistic process, as it is inherently challenging to control its movements. Yet, even amidst the uncertainty, I retain a measure of influence, allowing me to find peace in embracing both autonomy and surrender.This exploration into new mediums brought forth a refreshing sense of liberation, as I eagerly experimented with the fluidity of water and ink, anticipating each unpredictable motion. Even in the absence of total control, I discovered moments of unexpected joy, much like the serendipitous interplay of the elements, reminding me to maintain a positive outlook in the face of the unknown.In conclusion, my artistic statement is an embodiment of resilience, acceptance, and growth—a testament to how art, like life itself, flows with its own rhythm. I hope that my art can serve as a source of inspiration and comfort, reminding others that even amidst uncertainty, there lies a profound beauty in embracing the flow of life. As water sustains all living beings, I aspire for my art to resonate with the human spirit, offering solace and encouragement to navigate the currents of existence with grace and courage.”