About Me
I’m Grace Deng, a multidisciplinary artist and student with a passion for creativity, leadership, and community service.
Born in China and now living in Canada, I draw inspiration from my bicultural experiences. I was homeschooled until age 13 before moving abroad to continue my education, where I’ve since balanced academic excellence with artistic expression and service.
As an artist, I work across mediums—visual art, dance, music, and film. I lead as president of my school’s Film Production Club, editor-in-chief of the school magazine, and first violinist in the school musical orchestra. Beyond school, I mentor young artists, volunteer in community programs, and create personal projects that explore art’s power to inspire and connect.
My Journey
Returning Home: China Diaries 2024
This vlog captures my return to China after three years—reuniting with friends, revisiting familiar places, and reflecting on how my two homes continue to shape who I am. It’s a personal chapter in my journey between cultures, where memory, identity, and creativity meet.
A Journey Between Two Worlds
My journey began in China, where I was homeschooled until age 13. Growing up in a self-directed learning environment, I discovered freedom in curiosity and creativity. I painted my first story at 3, picked up the violin at 5, and stepped into my first ballet class at 8. Art has always been my bridge to understanding the world around me.
At 13, I moved to Canada and began studying in a new culture and academic system. This transition shaped my resilience, adaptability, and broadened my perspective. Today, I draw inspiration from both my Eastern roots and my Western experiences—blending cultures through art, leadership, and service.
Art as a Language of Connection
As a high school student, I have continued to integrate creativity into every aspect of my life. I lead as president of the Film Production Club, editor-in-chief of my school magazine, and a department head in the Student Leadership Council. I also perform as the first violinist in my school’s musical symphony orchestra and choreograph for school productions.
Through these roles, I’ve explored how art, music, dance, and storytelling can foster dialogue, encourage collaboration, and influence positive change within my school and community.
Visual Storytelling Through My AP Art Portfolio
In this video, I share my full AP 2-D Art and Design portfolio, which received a top score of 5. Through each piece, I explore what it means to grow up as a teenager—navigating identity, pressure, faith, and memory through visual storytelling. This portfolio reflects how I use art to express, connect, and make sense of both the inner world and the world around me.
Rooted in Faith, Creativity, and Purpose
A personal reset vlog where I share how I designed my room to reflect my identity—faith, ballet, academics, and creative goals for 2025, including my upcoming mission trip to Guatemala.
Creating for Community and Purpose
Beyond school, I am deeply committed to service. I teach art to critically ill children and underprivileged youth, assist in Sunday school programs, perform violin for seniors, and volunteer at youth sports and community events. These experiences have strengthened my belief that art can heal, empower, and connect people.
I also pursue independent projects, including publishing a children’s poetry picture book, growing my YouTube and Xiaohongshu creative channels, running a small printmaking business, and developing a non-profit solo art exhibition to raise funds for charity.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, I will volunteer abroad to lead art workshops for children, combining storytelling, visual arts, and community engagement. Whether through personal projects, collaborations, or service work, my journey is driven by a desire to use creativity as a universal language to bring people together, spark dialogue, and inspire change.
Living the Balance: Student • Artist • Teacher
This vlog offers a realistic glimpse into my everyday life—juggling school exams, ballet rehearsals, and volunteering as an art teacher at Break Free Outreach Ministries Inc., where I lead creative sessions for underprivileged children. It’s a reflection of how I strive to live with purpose, using structure and creativity to grow, serve, and stay grounded.
Just the Beginning
Every sketch,
every step,
every child I reach—
teaches me to create not just art,
but meaning.
I’m growing,
I’m giving,
and this is just the beginning.