About Me

Growing up hearing-impaired led me to immerse myself in art, shaping my understanding of sound, connection, and identity. Navigating the world with hearing in only one ear inspired a unique perspective, which I channel into my artwork. My work often explores themes of resilience and vulnerability, encouraging others facing similar challenges to honor their experiences. I frequently use the motif of waves — both sound waves and ocean waves—to depict the abstract feeling of being lost in a world of sound, influenced by both external noise and internal struggles.

This year, I further challenged myself with a 3D portfolio for AP Art, broadening my work beyond my personal story. I now focus on amplifying unheard voices, symbolized by objects like shells as telephones, which embody the idea of capturing and transmitting marginalized voices. Mirrors and reflective elements in my pieces invite viewers to recognize and respond to these stories, encouraging connection and empathy. My commitment to functional art goes beyond individual expression. I’ve painted murals in pediatric therapy centers to comfort children in speech development and led collaborative art projects as the National Art Honor Society president. These projects have included painting sets with the theater department and illustrating coloring books for children in El Salvador, which we printed on t-shirts and puzzles. These experiences have deepened my belief in art's transformative power to uplift communities, amplify voices, and make a positive impact. As I continue to grow, I aim to use art to create connections, raise awareness, and bring change to the lives of others.
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Email: Helenzhang997@gmail.com