Graduate Story | RISD Offer Validates HC Artist‘s Dedication

Like many kids, Ilya was looking for her own way to express herself in the colorful world. But while other activities like dance and piano didn't hold her interest, painting did. At just three years old, with her parents' support, she started her art journey with simple cartoons and basic drawings. These early steps planted the seeds of her love for art, much like seeds in rich soil.

As she got older, her love for art grew, especially in middle school when she discovered two-dimensional culture and fan art. This new world not only expanded her view but also sparked a deep desire to explore illustration. The imaginative and creative images showed her that drawing wasn't just for fun; it was a powerful way to share feelings and tell stories.

As Ilya grew into her teens, painting became a way for her to understand who she was and to show what she felt inside. When she was in middle school and dealing with schoolwork and growing up, a move to a new school gave her a fresh start. In ninth grade, she switched from a traditional school in Shanghai to Huayao Collegiate. This change not only offered new chances for her art but also let her dig deeper into who she was and what art meant to her.

Huayao Collegiate has a lively and open atmosphere that encourages students to try new things and be creative. The secondary school visual art classes, taught by Ms. Sierra, cover more than just how to paint. They also teach about design, how to put graphics together, and color theory. The school also takes students to art shows, like ones featuring Chagall and Egyptian artifacts, which help broaden their view of art.

With this support and inspiration, Ilya learned that art isn't just about how things look; it's about showing true feelings. With lots of practice and her teachers' help, she started to find her own way of expressing herself in her art.

When asked about having her own style, Ilya says, "Teen years are full of changes in how we think. I'm always learning new things, so my view of myself, the world, and different subjects is always changing. Because of this, I'm not trying to set a personal style right now. Instead, I'm exploring all kinds of possibilities."

While at Huayao Collegiate, Ilya changed a lot. The school was new and full of potential, but it didn't have an art club for students to show their work. Ilya, who is quiet by nature, didn't suggest starting one when she first arrived. But after a year, her love for art and her wish to meet others who felt the same made her bravely propose an art club to the school leaders, and they agreed.

The new club was more than just a place to paint; it explored different art topics like art history, famous artists, and how to take photos. Ilya became a key part of the club, especially after going to summer school where she learned a lot about art. She started sharing what she learned, making the club more interesting and helping members learn from each other. This helped Ilya become less shy and more confident in speaking.

By starting the club, Ilya grew in her art and as a person. She learned to plan events, work with a team, listen to others, and speak up in public. Huayao Collegiate, with its many resources and opportunities, has helped students like Ilya find their voices and shine.

While applying to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and other top art schools, Ilya faced a lot of soul-searching and sleepless nights. With tough competition and high expectations, she went through times of doubt and stress. But at this crucial time, the college counselors at Huayao Collegiate were a big help, giving her the support she needed to succeed.

Ilya remembers a time at a School of Visual Arts (SVA) event in New York where an instructor gave her a useful contact. When she got interested in an SVA program, Ms. Pei, the college counselor at Huayao Collegiate, called SVA to get more details and passed them on to Ilya. This kind of careful help made Ilya feel the school cared about her and her choices, which boosted her confidence.

The counselors also gave her emotional support, which was key to dealing with the stress of college applications. Ilya says, "I'm someone who worries a lot, even thinking about college apps years ahead. But whenever I felt like I couldn't take it anymore, the teachers were there with positive words to lift my spirits."

The college counseling team also kept track of all the deadlines and what was needed for each application, making sure everything went smoothly. From helping her choose schools to checking her final materials, the teachers were there for her, giving her a sense of calm and security. This full support let Ilya concentrate on her art while dealing with the complicated application process more easily and with confidence.

When Ilya was going through a creative slump, she decided to focus on something close to her heart: her pet cat. She started a series called "The House Cat Collection," which looks at the world from her cat's point of view, like a fairy tale. This not only helped her get past her creative block but also became a standout part of her portfolio.

In these pieces, Ilya paints dreamy night scenes from a kitten's perspective, imagines funny battles between cats and plants, and playfully shows how cats feel about tasty food. The collection, called "Travel The World With You," reflects her inner world and shows how well she notices the small details of life.

In another artwork, Ilya explores how human desires can lead to a chain reaction, including the separation of people from their true selves and the products they use. She uses different painting styles to show these complex ideas, reflecting how people in modern society, while chasing material things, can lose touch with who they really are. Her art shows how desires affect both individuals and society, bringing to light hidden social issues and personal challenges.

Ilya says she's someone who feels deeply and loves to express herself, especially since painting was her main way to communicate when she was in a school where there weren't many chances to talk. She enjoys using images to show feelings that can't be put into words, believing that art can bypass language barriers and touch people's hearts directly. She loves connecting with people through her paintings, seeing each one as a silent conversation that can create a connection and share thoughts.

As Ilya prepares to start her journey at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), she plans to use this time between high school and college to explore activities outside of academics. She's eager to explore the world beyond her studio, whether by traveling for inspiration, learning ceramics in Jingdezhen to appreciate traditional crafts, or getting involved in animal welfare to give back to society. These experiences will enrich her personal development and inspire her future art.

At this new beginning, Ilya wants to share her journey with younger students who are just starting their artistic paths. She hopes her advice can help them navigate the art world more smoothly and find their own voices.

Ilya believes that when building a portfolio, it's important to stay true to oneself and choose topics that are genuinely interesting and meaningful. She stresses that authenticity in art and personal expression are key; only when an artist is emotionally connected to their work can they create something sincere and moving.

She also warns against focusing solely on school rankings when applying to colleges. While many compete for spots at top schools for validation, this can lead to losing sight of one's own goals. "The most important thing in pursuing art is to stay true to your passion. Enjoy the process, be yourself, and let your art show the real you," she says.

撰文 | Joey Peng

英文校对｜Oliver K.

排版 | Neeko Shi

发布｜市场招生部