Serena Guan

(HandmadeCraftLab)

Multi-Media, including Clay & Resin

Received a grant in 2020

Serena is an emerging artist at the beginning of her journey as a sculptor and artist. She is interested in many artistic pursuits and spends much of her free time learning about the different methods of creating art. She is interested in experimenting with various medias such as: clay, resin, wood, paper as well as other forms of art such as painting and jewellery making.

With her sculptures she seeks to portray and express her struggles with mental illnesses ( anxiety and depression), which are things that are otherwise difficult to put into words. She believes that art is a way to express oneself as well as a good way to relax.

How has receiving a DTES Small Arts Grant supported your development as an artist?

The DTES Small Art Grant has helped me to continue pursuing my art dream and expressing myself. It has given me the opportunity to try something that would have been be outside of my means. The experience working with these new materials and tools have helped me not only improve my sculpting skills but also helped grow my confidence as an artist.

How has DTES Small Arts Grants helped DTES artists?

The DTES Small Art Grant helps emerging artists start up their art career. It helps artists create pieces they’ve always dreamed of, or they might not have had the opportunity without it. The DTES Grant allows them to be less worried about being able to afford materials for their projects. The workshops that the DTES grant offers are also very valuable, providing a lot of information to assist in starting their art careers.

How has DTES Small Arts Grants impacted the community?

I believe that the DTES Art grant has given artists the opportunity to create and share their works. It gives exposure to artists in the art community from all ages and backgrounds when it is difficult for some people to get the same level of exposure. As a whole the Art grant allows the art community to further develop, all the while entertaining the DTES community.