We are delighted that Shang was a runner-up in our Welcoming Week 2026 arts contest. The theme was ‘Building a stronger Canada for everyone’.
We spoke to Shang and here we share her story.
Living in Canada has been a wonderful experience for me. The beautiful landscapes and the mix of different cultures opened my eyes as a young artist. Moving to a new environment was a big change, and art became my universal language. It helped me connect with people when I couldn’t communicate in English or words were not enough. This journey taught me that art is not just about my own feelings. It is a powerful tool to ground myself, understand others, and find a sense of home.
I first started making art as a child. Then I realized that some ideas and emotions are too big for words, so art became my way to show those feelings. It started as a deep passion and a hobby, then I studied fine art for 5 years at the Institute of Fine Art in back home and I became an art teacher after. I see visual art as my future career path. I know it is not easy but I want to spend my life creating art, sharing stories.
I believe our cultural roots grow with us into the future. They do not stay in the past. We can bring traditional heritage and modern technology together. Our cultural roots hold important wisdom about community and nature. We need these values as we build tomorrow’s world. Blending the past and the future shows that we can move forward while honoring where we came from.
Art has a special power to bring people together, even if they speak different languages. When people look at art, they see shared human feelings and dreams. In my piece I wanted to show that a strong community needs many different voices. Art builds bridges by creating a safe space for everyone’s story. When people see their own identity or culture in a piece of art, they feel welcome. It tells them that they belong here.
When people look at my art, I hope they feel a sense of hope. I want them to feel inspired to help build a kinder and more connected world.
My advice to other young artists is to always be yourself. Your unique background and your personal story are your greatest strengths. Share your story, because the world needs to see things through your eyes and brushes. Do not be afraid to show your work.
Thank you so much Shang!
