Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Jessica Lui

Untitled 1

“Untitled 1”, 36”x36” Acrylic Ink on CanvasMy 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 thatsometimes, 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.

“As my artistic journey unfolded, a pivotal moment occurred when I revisited my journal entries written during my quarantine in my room. Cut off from the outside world, my sole connection remained a window through which I gazed at the ever-changing clouds. Those clouds, relentless in their movement, shifting and transforming without pause, became a powerful symbol of resilience and continuity in a world filled with uncertainty.Inspired by the clouds' profound impact on my perception, I made a conscious choice to introduce color into my work. Complementary hues of violet and yellow emerged as my palette of choice, not only to reference the clouds but also to encapsulate the emotions that defined my journey – happiness and loneliness. These two contrasting feelings, entwined and converging, painted a vivid portrait of my experience during that challenging period and the emotions that continue to resonate within me.Violet, with its poignant representation of happiness and loneliness, serves as a testament to the complex emotions I navigated during my battle. It mirrors the moments of joy and hope that emerged amidst the solitude, while also acknowledging the profound sense of isolation that accompanied my journey. These emotions now intertwine, leaving a profound mark on my work and reflecting the depth of my experience.The use of complementary colors in reference to the clouds not only evokes the external world that remained beyond my reach but also encapsulates the internal turbulence and transformation I underwent. As the clouds shifted, so did my perspectives and understanding of life, healing, and self-discovery.Through the interplay of colors and symbolic references, my art mirrors the profound journey of resilience, self-discovery, and acceptance. The clouds, a metaphor for the ever-changing nature of existence, remind me that even in the face of uncertainty, there is a beauty in embracing the continuous flow of life. My artistic expression now becomes a vessel for my experiences, emotions, and growth, inviting viewers to join me on a contemplative voyage through the interplay of color, symbolism, and the ethereal clouds that have forever marked my artistic evolution.”