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.