As a lifelong artist, my passion for creating and exploring new concept and subject matter has been a constant in my life. I began my artistic journey in China, where I chose to attend Chinese Calligraphy and painting classes after school and learned essential techniques in composition and shading contrast. These skills have become integral to my practice and continue to influence my artwork today.
When I moved to Australia in 2003, I discovered a world of artistic freedom and experimentation that was previously unknown to me. I was able to express myself in ways that I never thought possible and push the boundaries of what I thought was achievable. In high school, I was given a task to paint my interpretation of the word "Sublime". While many of my peers chose to create religious-themed pieces, I was drawn to nature and painted a detailed moon on a large canvas, juxtaposed against a Gothic castle to convey the grandeur and awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. This piece marked a turning point in my artistic journey, and I knew that painting was my true calling.
I pursued this passion by enrolling in a Diploma degree of Fine Art/Visual Art at Tafe, where I learned Sculpture, Digital Media, and Oil Painting. With the support and encouragement of my teachers, I had my first exhibition there, which fueled my passion and drive to continue creating. I then enrolled in the University of Queensland, where I spent three years studying Fine Art with a major in Visual Art. After graduation, I decided to specialize in Oil Painting and began my journey as a professional artist.
In 2016, I launched my online art business, Coco Shi Art, with the support of my loving husband. Through my business, I sell original paintings online through various art galleries and my website, accept commission works, and provide visual art advice to clients seeking commission works. I am constantly seeking new inspiration and exploring new subject matter to create artwork that reflects my passion for beauty, emotion, and the power of art to connect us all.