top of page

SOPHIA HU

Handcrafted Visual Arts
Drawing and Painting

In a world of uncertainty, art has always been my constant. In a world of heartbreak, fear and affliction, art is my source of healing. In a world of unfathomable beauty, my artwork is my tribute to the cosmos. 
I hesitate to use the cliché “a picture is worth a thousand words”, but to me, a piece of art is worth that and so much more. Growing up as an introvert, I have always had difficulty connecting with others. In the countless moments where finding the right words was impossible, art has been my platform for self expression. In my opinion, to be an artist is to have the capability to connect with people through visual storytelling. 
The modern world has become increasingly disconnected with the reliance on technology, popularity of social media, and most recently and unexpectedly, a global pandemic which led to unprecedented isolation. In the face of this, I paint with emotion. For strangers to bond over a work of art, is to me, an artist’s ultimate aim because art is among the most optimal catalysts for conversation. As an artist, I hope that my artwork helps form genuine emotional connections between people from all walks of life, or simply makes someone smile on a darker day. 
Additionally, in my opinion, to be an artist is to be a historian of the inconspicuous details of daily life. In this fast paced society, common occurrences such as a sunrise or a reflection in a river no longer captures people's attention. The artist pauses to truly observe, while others move forward without a second thought. The artist’s job is to capture the essence of something that may disappear in a fleeting moment, cementing it into an everlasting piece of artwork that can survive the test of time and serve to remind everyone of the commonly overlooked beauty of nature. The uniqueness of art is its ability to freeze a singular moment of human experience, and turn it into a tangible image, a reminder to hold onto every second of joy and let it be your safe haven in times of sorrow. And art changes narratives -  taking a tragedy, and turning it into a story of redemption.
I feel lucky to be an artist, because it makes me feel unstoppable. Within the confines of daily life, I’m frequently frustrated by the feeling of helplessness, as if my fate is not in my own hands. Over the past two years, more than ever before, I felt trapped in my own life, quarantined in my house, reliving the monotony of the same daily routine over and over again. Art became my escape to anywhere I wanted to go. When I stare at a blank canvas or paper, with a paintbrush in my hand, there are infinite possibilities, and the outcome is in my control. This provides me with not only the comfort of stability, but also an overwhelming sense of freedom, exploration and adventure. Suddenly, I have the power to create something that no other person up to this moment has ever seen. My art has given me the precious ability to leave my own small mark in this world. My art is the legacy I will leave behind.

Home: Welcome
IMG_2629 2_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited.png

THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES

Medium: Acrylic on Paper
Dimensions: 12 in x 18 in

The reference for this painting itself was a photo I took of my mother's rose garden. This piece was a personal exploration of light, both literally and metaphorically. From a technical standpoint, I took my time in composing this piece, for my first time, facing the challenges of illustrating highlights and shadows with an unorthodox color palette. Philosophically, I reflected upon this idea of “seeing the world through rose colored glasses” - viewing the world in an overly idealistic light. We all view the world through our own lenses (which is our own subconscious mind), whether we realize it or not. This proposes the question: How do our personal "glasses" alter the way we perceive and experience the world?

To this day, I do not fully know the answer to that question, but I hope that this piece sparks a search for clarity, whatever that may be. 

Home: Image

CIAO

MEDIUM: ACRYLIC ON PAPER
DIMENSIONS: 6 in x 9.5 in

We experience the purest form of joy during a reunion, and the most heart wrenching grief with a farewell. The open ended symbolism in this piece is dedicated to opening the story up for audience interpretation. "Ciao" is the Italian word meaning both hello and goodbye, just as this piece is a portrayal of the constant cycle of elation, loss, and longing. The expression on the woman’s face is concealed, and the direction the ship is traveling in is ambiguous. The clear divide between water and land symbolizes the barrier between hope and reality. The boat being within sight but out of reach, adds a sense of yearning.

IMG_2630_edited.jpg
Home: Image
IMG_1465_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited.png

SEQUOIA

Medium: Acrylic on Paper
Dimensions: 7.25 in x 8.25 in

The 2020-21 school year, which I completed fully online, was the hardest year I have ever experienced, as my physical and mental health deteriorated from suffocating in persistent isolation. This painting is inspired by a photo I took during my trip to Sequoia National Park in the summer of 2021, where I stayed in a secluded farmhouse. It was on that trip that I discovered a pleasant side of being in solitude. Despite being alone, I felt I was finally able to truly breathe. I felt centered being out in the open, surrounded by greenery and animals, enveloped by quietness with only the exception of the sounds of nature. The isolation radiated tranquility. With this piece, I wanted to capture a different perspective of the idea of seclusion - a quiet forest, a lone deer, yet untroubled and beautiful.

Home: Image

ADDITIONAL ARTWORKS:

Home: Quote

Medium: Gouache on Paper

IMG_2610.jpg
Home: Quote
IMG_2608.jpg

Medium: Ink on paper

Home: Quote

Medium: Gouache on Paper

IMG_2609_edited.jpg
Home: Quote
IMG_2605_edited.jpg

Medium: Gouache on Paper

Home: Quote
bottom of page