The Story Behind the Light

The inspiration for my art comes from personal resilience. When I first moved to New York, I felt deeply lost about my future. After transitioning from high school to early college, I finally found my calling and declared my major in BA Studio Art (later upgrading to a BFA in Studio Art). I threw myself into my studies, working incredibly hard.

But soon, my world twisted. I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. In an instant, it felt as though my entire world had collapsed.

I won’t dwell on how dark those times were, or how difficult it has been to rebuild my life over the past decade. Because the most important truth is this: I was never fighting alone.

From the medical side—my doctors and therapists—to my incredible parents, I was constantly lifted up. In my art career, the fellow street vendors outside The MET embraced me, my parents stood by my side (again and again), and my customers and friends kept me going. Even strangers on train platforms stepped in to help when I was struggling to haul my heavy works up and down the subway stairs with a pushcart.

I remember every single one of you. Thank you.

About Watershadow_

Watershadow_ creates beautiful New York Cityscape illustrations and unique souvenirs. But we capture more than just landmarks—we capture the emotion and mood of this great city. Our hope is that you can bring home a piece of artwork that perfectly matches your own memory of New York.

The "Sky Beyond Blue" Philosophy

In our signature Sky Beyond Blue collection, we purposely fill the sky with every vibrant color imaginable—just not blue. Why? Because we want viewers to define their own sky. Just like when life gives us "the blues," we still have the agency to choose the base color of our own world.

Three people standing behind a table of postcards and artwork at an outdoor street market. The person on the left is wearing a gray jacket, black hat, and sunglasses on hat. The person in the middle is wearing glasses, a beige knit hat with a pom-pom, and a maroon jacket. The person on the right is wearing a purple jacket with a black neck gaiter and holding a framed postcard of a city scene. Trees and a building with scaffolding are visible in the background.

You were the light that guided me to the life I live today. Through my business and my art, I want to pass that light forward. I want to show people the other side of life—that right behind the difficulties, we still have a Sky Beyond Blue.

Whether it’s a beautifully crafted piece of art or a cute little kitty print to cure your heart, I hope my work brings a little extra beauty into your world.