Sculpture
Fortune
1” square steel tubing, 1/4” plywood, twine, ink, bamboo.
【 2019 】〔 7’ x 6’ 〕
Shinto means the “way of the gods,” and is the indigenous religion of Japan. A common shrine practice is for visitors to purchase ema (絵馬) boards and write prayers or wishes on them and hang them at the shrine. This piece consists of 130 boards that feature common fortune cookie sayings, lucky numbers, and fake Asian writing.
I aimed to combine my study of Japanese language with my own Chinese heritage, blurring the line between what is authentic and what is facsimile. The use of fake script is a metaphor for my identity. Being a transracial adoptee, I ‘look the part’ yet do not read or speak Chinese. Fortune cookies are actually Japanese in origin, although they serve as a stereotypically Chinese American symbol.
Depending on your cultural perspective, the ema boards may present themselves as familiar or foreign. Upon closer inspection, however, that first impression may change.
Time is Out of Joint
1” square steel tubing, 3/4” plywood, precious objects.
【 2019 】〔 6’ x 1’ x 5’ 〕
An exercise in displaying, dissecting, and elevating shrines and rituals became a meditative still life representing my perception of self. The vermillion red and black colors of the piece recall Japanese torii gates — believed to be portals from the physical into the spiritual. Although it’s structure is sized to a standard U.S. fireplace, I imagine no two family mantles are adorned with the same pictures or decorations.
The top shelf holds items from family, friends, travels, and research. The second shelf holds items specifically related to my Asian heritage. In the center, my mother’s urn is housed inside a handmade shrine.
Om
3/4” birchwood ply, 1/4” steel pencil rod, incense.
【 2017 】〔 2’ x 2’ x 7’ 〕
The obelisk presents 28 sticks of incense, 7 on each side, representing the 7 chakras of the body. Intentionally meditative, the sculpture becomes imbued with energy as people burn the incense. The obelisk is one of the oldest monumental shapes of human history. Here, it represents the tenacity of the human spirit and the power in communal healing.
Viewfinder
A functional tower viewer made from wood, mirrors, and plexiglass.
【 2017 】〔 2’ x 1’ x 5’ 〕
The goal of this project was to create a large scale, interactive kaleidoscope. Ideally located on a walking trail, people would be able stop and spend time looking around. This involved building a triangular kaleidoscope housed inside a dodecagon scope. Looking through my ‘Viewfinder’ provides an ever changing view of the ways constructed places intersect with nature. Kaleidoscopes are often children’s toys, and so I wanted to create fun for all!
