Biography
SofiL is a Hong Kong-born Canadian visual artist based in Toronto. She received her Master of Fine Arts from New York Studio School and Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD University. SofiL has exhibited across Canada, the United States, and England. Her work is in several private collections in Canada, the United States, and Hong Kong. She is a recipient of the LCU Housing Grant, and numerous scholarships and awards, such as the Concordia Scholarship and the Association of Christian Schools International Fine Arts Festival Awards.
Artist Statement
"I am only a poor art student who tries to make a name for herself. To be artist, I just have to try everywhere without the fear of rejection." - 2013
I am both a collector and an explorer. I seek out diversity in life and admire the many aspects of different cultures. I aspire to travel the world to experience those cultures directly. All of these impulses drive my paintings, which I create from memory.
I usually start with a small sketch before I begin painting. The image may change according to my spontaneity as the painting progresses. If I get stuck in the process, I may do a watercolor study or another sketch to guide myself. Nonetheless, I never use any direct references from life or photographs. Since there is no specific guideline or structure to follow, the work becomes more impromptu. I allow myself to feel free, impulsive and earnest during the execution. I aim to depict my experience sincerely. I paint loose images with texture and linear marks. I portray formal metaphors of my memories rather than realistic images.
Working from memory sometimes imbues my paintings with oneiric and surreal qualities. They become painterly maps of places I have been, and I provide the viewer with a retraceable route through my act of painting. I portray formal metaphors of my memories rather than realistic images. Memories are my mind’s collection, so I use painting to explore my mind.
I am both a collector and an explorer. I seek out diversity in life and admire the many aspects of different cultures. I aspire to travel the world to experience those cultures directly. All of these impulses drive my paintings, which I create from memory.
I usually start with a small sketch before I begin painting. The image may change according to my spontaneity as the painting progresses. If I get stuck in the process, I may do a watercolor study or another sketch to guide myself. Nonetheless, I never use any direct references from life or photographs. Since there is no specific guideline or structure to follow, the work becomes more impromptu. I allow myself to feel free, impulsive and earnest during the execution. I aim to depict my experience sincerely. I paint loose images with texture and linear marks. I portray formal metaphors of my memories rather than realistic images.
Working from memory sometimes imbues my paintings with oneiric and surreal qualities. They become painterly maps of places I have been, and I provide the viewer with a retraceable route through my act of painting. I portray formal metaphors of my memories rather than realistic images. Memories are my mind’s collection, so I use painting to explore my mind.