Wanchae Lee

TTC Subway, 2025. oil pastel on paper, 36 x 26 cm. A little witch takes the TTC subway heading into Downtown Toronto. For the first time, she is surrounded by people and creatures from faraway places. She feels a little nervous, wondering if she truly belongs in this big city.

Osgoode Station, 2025. oil pastel on paper, 36 x 26 cm. Soon, the little witch arrives at Osgoode Station and bravely takes her first step into the city. The sky is clear, and everything feels new. The whole city seems to welcome her and her heart beats fast with hopes and dreams.

Dundas Square, 2025. oil pastel on paper, 36 x 26 cm. At Dundas Square, the little witch is amazed by the grand cityscape and all the dazzling lights. Everything glows with magic, and the air buzzes with energy. She makes a promise to herself to study hard and one day become a part of the city lights.

OCAD University and Grange Park, 2025. oil pastel on paper, 36 x 26 cm. The little witch begins her studies at a magic school and devotes herself to learning light magic. But as time passes, she starts to feel small and alone, as everyone else shines so brightly without her. She feels as if she doesn’t quite belong in the city.

Queen Street West, 2025. oil pastel on paper, 36 x 26 cm. The little witch carries her worries alone, exhausted with no friends or family to lean on. Even at home and at school, her heart never feels at ease. One day after class, while wandering Queen Street West, she finds a small eatery with a warm light and a delicious smell.

Kouhenboku, 2025. oil pastel on paper, 36 x 26 cm. The little witch steps into a quiet, cozy eatery named Kouhenboku Ramen. Magical lights gently warm her, and even the food glows with the chef’s special light magic, filling her with comfort. She feels relieved and begins to laugh and talk with other outsiders like her.

McCaul Street, 2025. oil pastel on paper, 36 x 26 cm. As the little witch walks home down McCaul Street, her heart feels lighter than before. Now she has new friends and a place to go whenever she feels lonely. She realizes that everyone feels many emotions, and embracing them leads to true inner growth.

Village by the Grange, 2025. oil pastel on paper, 36 x 26 cm. On the balcony of her apartment, the little witch shoots her light magic into the sky. Her magic bursts into a magnificent firework, filling the night with joy and wonder. Now she knows that her light magic shines brighter with confidence. Finally, the little witch becomes part of the city lights.

TWILIGHT