My journey into the world of art was in childhood. Through the practice of art, I’ve developed a keen eye for wildlife, observing details previously overlooked. With a foundation in scientific illustration and an infusion of Western cultural influences, my artwork represents a harmonious blend of Western and Eastern aesthetics. I seek to create art that honors both my cultural heritage and aspects of the culture in which I am now living in America. I firmly believe art is a bridge to connect the general public with science. Art can effectively convey complex messages while minimizing dialectical barriers. Specializing in traditional Asian ink painting and watercolor, I’m excited to share my latest creations and messages that I want to convey with you.
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
– Edgar Degas
Express my research
Art-Sci Fellowship
As a 2022-2023 Art-Sci fellow recipient, a pioneering program at Oregon State University that uniquely merges art and science. The primary aim of the Art-Sci initiative is to fuse our scientific knowledge with artistic expression. Leveraging my skills in traditional ink painting and watercolor, I crafted artwork to present each chapter of my PhD dissertation.
Transform
Presenting PhD Topics
Collaborating with my art mentor, Tara Kate, I worked on painting my PhD dissertation into art form.
Birds matter to us
In my dissertation chapters, I am interested in understanding how habitat change impacts bird population and their contribution to human well-being. Using this three-panel piece, I hope to reinforce the message that prioritizing the health of the environment can in turn, ensure a healthier future for humans, wildlife species, and the land on which we all coexist. Please allow me to walk you through each art piece and explain what it means.
Produce accurate estimates
Data Integration
The first panel depicts the goal of estimating the number of birds accurately by integrating bird counts obtained by enthusiasts who contribute to online databases with counts gathered by professionally trained observers. The birds in the rear target find it hard to land near the center, alluding to the difficulty of counting birds accurately. By leveraging both datasets, scientists obtain more precise estimates, as the birds fly toward the center of the target. To connect with Chinese traditions, I outlined floating clouds, a rare technique used in traditional Chinese art.
Assess the change
Habitat Change
The second panel illustrates the influence of habitat and climate change on the number and diversity of birds over time. The left panel depicts a vibrant, lush habitat full of birds. In contrast, the right panel shows a dry and dusty landscape devoid of birds, to express the consequent impacts of human land use change. The repeated sun images represent passage of time, implying changes in habitat and climate will have significant impacts for future generations.
Strike the balance
Ecosystem Services
The third panel portrays the benefits of an eco-friendly farming system in supporting the roles of birds within the environment. Compared with farming which often controls pests with noxious chemicals, planting diverse native plants can create healthier habitats that support a wider diversity of birds. Greater bird diversity allows birds to perform essential functions such as controlling insects that may damage crops. The inclusion of birds can reduce the need for harmful chemicals, resulting in a healthier environment for farmers and consumers. Ultimately, as consumers, we are what we eat.
Integration of Western & Eastern Art
Traditional Ink Painting & Framing
Expressing natural environment and wildlife in the Pacific North West through ink + watercolor painting
Self-painted + self-framed – using traditional framing technique to frame traditional rice paper
The Nature Sings
Depicting the start of spring, a common marsh species – Red-winged Blackbird stands on top of a cattail and sings. Springtime is the season when most birds’ mating begins. This artwork was gifted to my friend, Fiona Victoria.
Mist in the Air
This artwork illustrates the mist and fog accumulated in the early morning around the river. The inspiration came from Bainbridge Island and Union Bay Natural Area in Seattle, Washington.