My work is a metaphor for ordinary human interaction. Each piece reveals the vulnerable and awkward aspects of daily social life, which normally remain unspoken. I deal with the moments that are mundane: an internal monologue, an uncomfortable silence, a night of petting a cat.
Influenced by my study of traditional Chinese calligraphy from a young age, my recent practice depicts human interaction with ink and water. Growing up I always felt slightly confused during social interaction, and often felt unsure how to read social cues. This curiosity to explore vulnerability and isolation is heightened by my experience as an immigrant to the U.S. and as a woman of color. I visualize these personal and universal vulnerabilities in my ink paintings. The unpredictability of ink and water, and the influence of time, parallel the nuance of social interaction.
I draw further inspiration from natural landscapes, personal memories, and observations of those around me. My architecture background has enriched my work, helping me to interpret solitude and intimacy by manipulating distance and space among the characters. The minimal figurative shapes and narrative titles I choose for each painting build an emotional structure, creating a conversation with the viewers that invites them to make their own stories.
1. There Is A ‘But’ In The End of This Sentence, 8″x10″
2. Introvert or Whatever It Is, 8″x10″
3. Confession of A Spotless Mind, 7″x11”
4. Nobody Said It Was Easy, 8″x10″
5. Is It Harder or Easier To Balance Together?, 8″x10″
6. I Like You Because You Are A Question, 8″x10″
7. I Am Really Bad At Small Talks, 8″x10″
8. I Only Know How To Dance Awkwardly, 8″x8″
9. The World Disappeared When I Meet You, 8″x8″
10. You Never Returned, 7″x11”
