A Bit More About Me
Multidisciplinary Artist and Visual Storyteller.
As a teenager, I moved to London, U.K. and miraculously discovered the power of self-expression in the form of fashion and photography.
With a passion for wildlife and travel, I hoped to convey personal experiences through photos that can be understood by audiences without words. Outside this field, my artworks are conceptualized around the complexity of human emotions, relationships and societal pressures, all of which are heavily influenced by my neurodivergent and queer experiences, as well as my cultural background of being South-East Asian and Chinese.
Beyond my artistic practice, I have evolved to visual storytelling, learning to harness the fullest potential of visuals and words by putting them together, increasing accessibility and outreach in the process.
How Does Communication Come Into Play?
One could consider me a late bloomer. With a childhood diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder (previously known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction) I only learnt how to talk when I was 4. Additionally, I’ve always struggled with communication due to a range of neurodivergent and autistic traits. Whether it’s being bad with words or having a hard time expressing my needs, I developed countless misunderstandings with people. This caused a lack of connection with people and becoming unconfident with my speaking. Not only did I isolate myself in nature as a form of escapism, and felt more reassured by talking to my pets and stuffed animals, but I’ve also relied on visuals or physical entities to help people understand me better without any awkwardness.
The CORH program has helped me expand on how communication can be more than words, it is multimodal. I was able to include my artistic skills to develop my own communication style, and now I use it to help others.
Immortalize Your Moments.
— Mum
Experience
Important Note: As a queer person, I am someone of many names. While I go by Claude, I also go by the artist name “Cloud Angel” and had previously gone by “Angel G.”. I seek your understanding.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus
| September 2019 to April 2024
- Major in Visual Arts, Minor in Cultural Studies, Certificate in Communications and Rhetoric
- Graduated with a GPA of 4.0/4.33
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor Scholarship for International Students: 2021, 2022
- Dean’s Honour List: 2021, 2022, and 2024
Experience
Undergraduate Research Assistant at the FEELed Lab
| March to May 2024
My main job is to digitalize artworks created in a workshop and design distributable materials such as zines, posters, postcards and social media content.
Okanagan Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society
| 2021-2022 — Webmaster and Content Creator
| 2020-2021 — Media Comms Coordinator and Part Webmaster
Both volunteer positions required an artist eye amongst a sea of science majors. When I was elected as an executive for the first time, it was during the start of Covid, so online engagement was crucial in keeping the members entertained and informed. Posting consistently even during breaks were a must. When I was elected the second time, it was a different role. Therefore, I dedicated my summer to revamping the website as it was lacking. It received praise and I continued updating it as required so members without social media do not feel excluded. I also ensured the person who succeeded me was able to maintain and commit.
National Geographic
Feature on Official National Geographic Photo Camp Instagram
| March 2023
My story on urban wildlife in Kelowna was featured on their Instagram to celebrate World Wildlife Day.
Excerpt from caption: “Photo Camp alumni Claude (@claudeangelope) continues his passion with photography after joining us in 2021 during Virtual Photo Camp: Ocean Connections. Claude created this series of images for a visual storytelling project documenting urban wildlife.”
National Geographic Virtual Photo Camp: Ocean Connections
| October 2021
Personal Instagram Dedication
This week-long photo camp brought members of #GenGeo: a growing community of young people who are committed to taking action for our planet, from around the world together as we discover the ways that water connects us and share our unique story. NGVPC gave me the opportunity to learn about the waterways of Kelowna, such as Okanagan Lake, and share how the water bodies around me are more than just a tourist attraction. My story lets people come to appreciate what Kelowna has, can provide, and what we can do to help save it.
National Geographic Student Expedition to Victoria Falls and Bostwana 2018
| July to August 2018
I was selected to join other like-minded students to learn more about Wildlife Conservation and Photography in Southern Africa, giving insight to a potential future career as a National Geographic photographer focusing on wildlife. I had the chance to meet new people and make life-long connections.
Shows and Exhibitions
Shows in the UBC Okanagan FINA Gallery, Okanagan Campus
| April 2024 — Context Not Included (picture 2, 19, 33, 34, 35 of 62)
| November 2023 — ephemeroptera (picture 7 of 20)
| March to April 2023 — Misanthropocene: The New Epoch (picture 19 of 23)
| February to March 2023 — PRINTMAKING (picture 17 of 31)
| March 2022 — Collective Relevance (picture 9 of 15)
Features in Local Galleries
| July to August 2022 — Postcard Project by the Alternator
| April to May 2022 — Spring Mix – UBCO BFA Showcase
|| Personal Instagram Dedication
| February 2022 — The Assembly – Sustainability