I am Xi Shen - 沈汐 - Sofia. 
I was born as a curious kid. 
Throughout my whimsical childhood and not so long adulthood, 
I stayed this way. 
I always seek for meaning in life, 
meaning behind everything,
even meaning behind the word meaning itself. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Born in Hangzhou China, 
raised in Vancouver Canada, 
within a traditional asian family where most of my family members are successful business leaders. 
Growing up in such an environment,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
I felt like an outsider, 
I never felt a sense of belonging. 
Unlike my family who make decisions based on thorough analysis and reasonings, 
I perceive the world with little logic, 
mainly feelings; 
scattered feelings that are too complex to be spoken. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
I write down my weird thoughts, 
I sketch down my perceptions, 
I photograph little things in life. 
It was through these artistic expressions where I found a glimpse of the meaning that I look for. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

I see art not just an expression but a form of dialogue, 
aiming to connect on a personal and communal level. 
This approach reflects my ambition to redefine art as a medium that bridges thoughts, 
emotions, 
and experiences, 
making every creation a point of connection.