Valerie Choo

BFA IN VISUAL ARTS, YORK UNIVERSITY

Onwards

“Onwards” is the exploration of living beyond the complacency of existing day to day. It is a call to take small steps towards the edge of one’s comfort zone because one will never know what one could find. 

I had never been one to venture into the wilderness and or go outside. 

It was better to be inside. I thought to myself.

Better to avoid the bugs, sunburn, and cold and let others take the risk- it would be easier to live life this way. 

Somehow though, slowly, I began to change. 

Soon I began to wonder if moving past this little comfortable bubble I built for myself would make life more interesting. 

“No” was my automatic response, but somehow the comfortable became uncomfortable. 

Eventually, the things I thought to be acceptable became almost unbearable. 

That was when I decided to make a change.

To brave the newness and see where it goes. 

...

And this is where I tell my story. 

Of how I climbed a mountain.

View the exhibition images below

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Born in Malaysia, Valerie Choo is a Canadian Chinese painter who primarily works in acrylic and oil. Having started painting as a teenager, she transitioned from exploring the interplay of her two cultures to presently, delving into reflecting the mastery of God’s craftsmanship through landscape. She currently lives and works in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Upon completing her final year as a Visual Arts undergraduate student at York University, Choo hopes to continue her practice in the years to come with a continued focus on the natural world inspired by her awe of God who is the Creator of all things.

Website: itsvalchoo.ca

Instagram: @itsvalchoo