2.How would you describe the mood of this scene: calm, lonely, cozy, frigid or something else? I’d describe the mood of this scene as calm, lonely, and cozy at the same time. If I were to paint such a scene, I’d include a waning crescent moon, a lake with crystal-clear water, an endless prairie, and a small log cabin in the distance. The moon would be only partially visible, casting a soft, restrained light over the grassland. There would be no wind and no clouds in the sky, and everything would be completely still. The only sound would be insects singing quietly among the grasses. I imagine myself lying on the prairie, bathed in the gentle moonlight, with no one around to interrupt me. Being in a place like that feels deeply comforting. It’s the kind of scene where both my body and my mind feel fully recharged. For me, that sense of peaceful isolation is something truly precious.*

1. What part of the painting caught your attention first, and why? The woods of the painting caught my attention first. Woods remind me of trees, and I’ve loved trees since childhood. I considered tree a symbol of power and hope, it could stand still in the wind and rain, even if it was broken off in the bad weather, it could recover in a period of time. When the spring comes, it sprouts and grows new branches where birds make their home and raise their young. Moreover, when a tree dies, it can be a perfect habitat for many small insects like ants, beetles and butterflies. As time goes by, it gradually deteriorates and becomes nutrients and return to the earth just like a life cycle. So I always focus on woods or trees in a painting.

How do you usually feel about New Year’s celebrations—excited or stressed? I usually feel excited. New Year’s celebrations often come with a year-end bonus, which is a big deal for me, even though it may not be a huge amount. It allows me to buy some bigger things that I couldn’t afford before. Also, the New Year represents a fresh start. It means the previous year is over, and a brand-new one is ahead of me, so I feel motivated to make clear plans and work on improving myself.

Do you have a New Year’s tradition? What is it? Yes, I do. My New Year’s tradition is having a meal by myself on New Year’s Eve. I don’t really enjoy celebrating holidays with my family, because instead of relaxing, I often get asked very personal questions, such as when I’m going to get married or have children. So I prefer spending that time alone, enjoying the quiet atmosphere. It helps me relax, reflect, and recharge for the year ahead.

Would you rather spend New Year’s with friends, family, or alone? As a midwife, I usually still have to work during the New Year holiday. If I were lucky enough to have it off, I’d prefer to stay alone in my two-bedroom apartment. I genuinely derive a sense of freedom from living independently, and spending time alone brings me a real feeling of peace. That’s why I enjoy staying somewhere quiet to properly wind down.