Contextual studies: My identity

Jimmy's artworks

For me, life is not just about facing the challenges in daily life and striving for it,but is to find your own nature in this wide world of who you really are. True happiness comes to us only

when we figure out our personal identity as unique individuals.

The artist that I admire is Jimmy Liao. He is a Taiwan illustrator as well as picture book

writer. His picture books Secrets In The Forest(森林裡的秘密) and A Fish With A Smile (微笑的魚) earned him several book awards and were regarded as “The Best Children’s Books” in several Taiwanese newspapers, such as The China Times, Min Sheng Bao, and United Daily News. His picture book A Chance of Sunshine(向左走, 向右走), which was published in 1999, was voted “One of the Ten Most Influential Books” by the Taiwanese bookstore chain, Kingstones.

The main reason that I admire Jimmy is the way he expresses a person's inner voice by using of striking, bold colours and depict central figures that often appear small in the foreground, suggesting the viewpoint of a child in the wide, sometimes sinister, world, or to hint at loneliness.In fact , this is also indirectly suits my voices that always hiding inside my heart. Sometimes, I do feel grateful that I was born in a happy family,having good friends whom are loyalty, getting good education which enable me to indulge my passion in the art field. However, up and down in life is a must for all of us to experince.I know this can strengthen me, but sometimes a sad feeling and loneliness just come to your mind, and you cannot hide from it. Regrets, hatress, jealousy, scars of heart, many lonely nights with tears........I deeply craving for someone who can really understand me, always be there for me no matter what....yes.....my soulmate , I am still waiting for this person appearing in my future.Instead, as I growing up,I realize that I am sick of facing fake people....I just want to escape to a peaceful place, which the beautiful places with love and caring, just as what Jimmy draws. Through his illustrations , I can find out that I still believe in nature, kindness and a simple happy life , encouraging me to have positive thinking, discover the true meaning of happiness.

Moreover, I love his drawing style. He inspires me a lot. I made a goal, to become a good graphic designer like him. I believe I will.