Reference Reflection No 1, made of kiln-formed glass and mixed media, by Du Meng.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Chinese artist Du Meng has overcome personal adversity to achieve her goals and push the boundaries of the medium she uses, Chen Nan reports.

In 2008, after Du Meng finished her undergraduate studies and obtained her bachelor's degree in visual communication from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, she made her first trip to the United States and saw an exhibition of works by US glass sculptor, Dale Chihuly.

The exhibition changed the way Du looked at glass and opened her eyes to the possibilities offered by the material for artistic expression.