Ye Luying's illustration of An Ode to the Goddess of Luo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"It has always been my dream to become a painter. I grew up as the only child in my family and my paintbrush was my pal," Ye said. "Painting serves as an indispensable part of my life. In some way, my work is me."

"My first inspiration to recreate An Ode to the Goddess of Luo derived from my overseas experience. Being detached from my cultural upbringing and familiar surroundings provided me a unique opportunity to reflect on my cultural roots. I think that moment of revelation guided me to return to traditional Chinese literature and appreciate the beauty of it."

Cao Zhi's prose is commonly known as a love story full of pathos. But from Ye's point of view, the emotions it harbors are much stronger and more complex.