By Kristine Falck
A visual artist born with a natural predilection for creative expression, Lillian Xu of Grade 11 has been a prominent figure within Collingwood’s artistic community. Although known best for her intricate graphite drawings, which often line the halls, Lillian’s artistic journey first began with her pursuit of photography. Inspired by her sister’s birth, Lillian began photography with the hope to capture every quintessential moment of her sibling’s childhood. She was drawn to how the camera lens permitted her to encapsulate the raw naivety and innocence of childhood, in a way that was both nostalgic and captivating. Despite her initial penchant for photography, Lillian later found her true calling in the realm watercolor painting and sketching.
A visual artist born with a natural predilection for creative expression, Lillian Xu of Grade 11 has been a prominent figure within Collingwood’s artistic community. Although known best for her intricate graphite drawings, which often line the halls, Lillian’s artistic journey first began with her pursuit of photography. Inspired by her sister’s birth, Lillian began photography with the hope to capture every quintessential moment of her sibling’s childhood. She was drawn to how the camera lens permitted her to encapsulate the raw naivety and innocence of childhood, in a way that was both nostalgic and captivating. Despite her initial penchant for photography, Lillian later found her true calling in the realm watercolor painting and sketching.
When asked about her preferred form of visual art, she expressed that she prefers realism, but enjoys dabbling across an array of styles for this allows her to push herself in truly crafting her own unique style. Lillian also appreciates the important role tradition and culture have played in shaping her artistic endeavors. Notably, her Chinese heritage has imbued in her a love for Chinese watercolor. She hopes to continue this artistic tradition, whose roots trace back to four thousand years ago, and one-day pass it on to the future generation. Understandably, the quote, "Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse." by Winston Churchill resonated with her, as it encapsulated the essence underlying the importance of tradition in artistic expression.
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Although Lillian enjoys the spontaneity offered by artistic experimentation, she is often drawn to similar subjects and sources of inspiration for her works. For portraiture, she expressed that she often opts for sketching, for it allows her the utmost control in portraying every facial detail. When painting, however, Lillian prefers to paint abstract and landscape pieces, for she feels that the lively colored brushstrokes are able to amplify the beauty of her subject, by adding the enhanced dimension of texture to her artwork.
Additionally a nimble graphic artist, Lillian found herself the recipient of a thousand dollars for an e-book cover, which she had designed. Although she was only in grade four at the time, having merely “stumbled upon Photoshop” for her creation, her cover design was selected from over a hundred submissions. This marked the first of many artistic achievements for Lillian, foreshadowing her future artistic potential.
Additionally a nimble graphic artist, Lillian found herself the recipient of a thousand dollars for an e-book cover, which she had designed. Although she was only in grade four at the time, having merely “stumbled upon Photoshop” for her creation, her cover design was selected from over a hundred submissions. This marked the first of many artistic achievements for Lillian, foreshadowing her future artistic potential.
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To Lillian, art has been an important component of her life, as it has provided her with a way to release her stresses and freely express her feelings. She expressed, “Art has been a silent way to express my opinions without having to worry about being judged.” She also noted that she takes pride in her artistic works for she delights in the joy of creating pieces others appreciate.
Beyond her visual art pursuits, Lillian is passionate about her volleyball, badminton and acting endeavors. She is also a prolific public speaker, having placed first in the Dramatic Interpretation Speech Category during this year’s Speech Day. Outside of school, Lillian also devotes her time to the SPELL Initiative – an initiative she founded, which aims to promote English literacy in developing countries.
After graduating from Collingwood, Lillian wishes to pursue either business or law studies. Although art has mainly manifested itself as a longtime hobby of hers, she certainly hopes to, “continue to practice art throughout [her] life journey, and use it to document the phases of [her] life.”
Beyond her visual art pursuits, Lillian is passionate about her volleyball, badminton and acting endeavors. She is also a prolific public speaker, having placed first in the Dramatic Interpretation Speech Category during this year’s Speech Day. Outside of school, Lillian also devotes her time to the SPELL Initiative – an initiative she founded, which aims to promote English literacy in developing countries.
After graduating from Collingwood, Lillian wishes to pursue either business or law studies. Although art has mainly manifested itself as a longtime hobby of hers, she certainly hopes to, “continue to practice art throughout [her] life journey, and use it to document the phases of [her] life.”
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