Guo Chen, Sea Monster, mixed media, $1,000
Guo Chen
York School
Senior
Art is my way of connecting people, objects, and the world around us. I create because I believe art has the power to evoke emotions and tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten. My goal is to make work that sparks curiosity—whether through humor, nostalgia, or quiet reflection. I’m especially drawn to the unseen moments, the small details that shape our experiences.
I love experimenting with different materials, mixing traditional and unexpected techniques to bring my ideas to life. Mixed media allows me to layer textures, meanings, and surprises into my work. My art often explores memory, human connection, and how design can bring both comfort and disruption. Lately, I’ve been fascinated by how objects hold sentimental value and the emotions they carry.
For this piece, I imagined a sea monster attacking a town, using mixed materials to create depth and energy. Inspired by mythology, I wanted to explore how fear and imagination intertwine in storytelling. By layering textures and details, I tried to capture both the destruction and the strange beauty in chaos. The biggest challenge was balancing terror with wonder—how something frightening can also be mesmerizing. I hope this piece invites viewers into a world where they can find their own meaning in the scene, whether it’s excitement, fear, or something in between.