Helen Li
By Hailey Xi
Helen Li started attending Collingwood in grade 3 after moving to Canada from Beijing, China. She is fluent in both Mandarin and English and has an older sister who has influenced her interest in art. Helen has a deep passion for visual arts, enjoying pencil sketches, acrylic painting, and various crafts. Her favorite subject in school is art because it allows her to relax and focus on something she loves without distractions. Outside of school, she enjoys reading mystery and crime novels, watching Netflix, listening to music, and engaging in DIY projects like origami. Helen was inspired by her sister’s art teacher, who nurtured her interest in art from a young age by allowing her to participate in classes. Her sister has also been a guiding force, introducing her to digital art and influencing her career aspirations in UI/UX design.
By Hailey Xi
Helen Li started attending Collingwood in grade 3 after moving to Canada from Beijing, China. She is fluent in both Mandarin and English and has an older sister who has influenced her interest in art. Helen has a deep passion for visual arts, enjoying pencil sketches, acrylic painting, and various crafts. Her favorite subject in school is art because it allows her to relax and focus on something she loves without distractions. Outside of school, she enjoys reading mystery and crime novels, watching Netflix, listening to music, and engaging in DIY projects like origami. Helen was inspired by her sister’s art teacher, who nurtured her interest in art from a young age by allowing her to participate in classes. Her sister has also been a guiding force, introducing her to digital art and influencing her career aspirations in UI/UX design.
Over the years, Helen has become more willing to experiment with new mediums and techniques, overcoming her fear of failure. This year, she has embraced new styles and expanded her artistic repertoire. Art has changed her perspective, allowing her to view the world through an artistic lens and shaping her career aspiration in product design. She envisions integrating her technical skills with her creative side to create both functional and visually appealing products. Helen believes the most important aspect of art is its openness to interpretation—there is no wrong answer. Art allows multiple ways to express a meaning, unlike the fixed nature of math or science. This freedom is what she loves most about art. Helen plans to continue with visual arts in university, though not as a major. She aims to pursue something interdisciplinary, such as UI/UX design, where she can blend tech and art. She sees creativity as a valuable skill applicable in all aspects of life, including presentations and other professional endeavors.
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This year has been Helen's favorite year in visual arts, thanks to Ms. Underwood's teaching style. The freedom to explore different themes and the ample work blocks provided a conducive environment for artistic growth. She has experimented with various mediums, with charcoal becoming her favorite due to its messy, buildable nature that allows for more creativity. Helen views art as an expression of feelings and personality, influenced by her current mood and experiences. Art, to her, is a means of self-expression and stress relief, making it easier to connect with others. She advises budding artists to explore Pinterest and curate boards for inspiration, as seeing other people's work can spark creativity.
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