Grace Yao began her journey at Collingwood in Grade 3, but her story starts much earlier. Born in China, she moved to Canada at the age of five. This early transition from one culture to another has undoubtedly enriched her perspective, infusing her writing with a unique blend of experiences and insights. Primarily a literary artist, Grace has a profound love for writing. However, her artistic journey did not start with the pen but with the piano. She was once a performing artist, showcasing her talent in music before discovering a deeper connection with literary arts. When she’s not crafting stories, you can find Grace on the golf course. A passionate golfer for the past six years, she enjoys the sport as a means of relaxation and challenge. Additionally, she used to swim competitively, highlighting her athletic versatility. Reading remains a cherished hobby, further nurturing her love for words and stories.
Unlike many artists who cite specific mentors, Grace draws inspiration from a collective—every author whose book she’s read. Each story, each character, and each plot twist has contributed to her growth as a writer. If given a chance, she would ask these authors about their writing process, specifically how many drafts they go through before publishing, emphasizing her commitment to the craft of revision. Grace’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She received an Honorable Mention in the 2022 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and clinched a Gold Key in the 2023 Scholastic Awards. These accolades are a testament to her evolving talent and hard work. For Grace, art is an expressive outlet, a way to convey feelings and personality. Whether intentional or not, emotions permeate her writing, influencing word choice and style. She finds solace in the boundless nature of art, where there is no right or wrong, only personal expression. Her favorite piece, “June in Vancouver,” reflects this philosophy. The short story explores the complex emotions of a couple grappling with the decision to stay in Canada or return to their homeland, mirroring Grace’s own experiences of cultural transition. To those developing their art, especially in writing, Grace emphasizes the importance of editing and revising. She believes that multiple drafts are essential to polish and refine a piece. Additionally, having a plot outline can provide direction and structure, helping writers stay focused on their story arcs. As she looks ahead, Grace is at a crossroads, contemplating a future in math or computer science while keeping the door open to continued artistic pursuits. She recognizes that her writing skills, honed through years of dedication, will be invaluable regardless of her chosen path. Grace acknowledges that writing has profoundly changed her, offering new perspectives on the world. She stresses that the most important aspect of art is its open-ended nature—there are no boundaries to how one can express themselves. This belief in the limitless possibilities of art is a cornerstone of her creative philosophy.
By Abereena Xu
Unlike many artists who cite specific mentors, Grace draws inspiration from a collective—every author whose book she’s read. Each story, each character, and each plot twist has contributed to her growth as a writer. If given a chance, she would ask these authors about their writing process, specifically how many drafts they go through before publishing, emphasizing her commitment to the craft of revision. Grace’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She received an Honorable Mention in the 2022 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and clinched a Gold Key in the 2023 Scholastic Awards. These accolades are a testament to her evolving talent and hard work. For Grace, art is an expressive outlet, a way to convey feelings and personality. Whether intentional or not, emotions permeate her writing, influencing word choice and style. She finds solace in the boundless nature of art, where there is no right or wrong, only personal expression. Her favorite piece, “June in Vancouver,” reflects this philosophy. The short story explores the complex emotions of a couple grappling with the decision to stay in Canada or return to their homeland, mirroring Grace’s own experiences of cultural transition. To those developing their art, especially in writing, Grace emphasizes the importance of editing and revising. She believes that multiple drafts are essential to polish and refine a piece. Additionally, having a plot outline can provide direction and structure, helping writers stay focused on their story arcs. As she looks ahead, Grace is at a crossroads, contemplating a future in math or computer science while keeping the door open to continued artistic pursuits. She recognizes that her writing skills, honed through years of dedication, will be invaluable regardless of her chosen path. Grace acknowledges that writing has profoundly changed her, offering new perspectives on the world. She stresses that the most important aspect of art is its open-ended nature—there are no boundaries to how one can express themselves. This belief in the limitless possibilities of art is a cornerstone of her creative philosophy.
By Abereena Xu
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