My work throughout 2023 was centered around grief. Trying to process, channel, and create space to sit with it. I noticed how the holes in my heart settled into my body and a familiar feeling emerged of longing for any moments of light and joy in my life again. The exaggerated whimsy and silliness in this collection acts as a counterweight to the heaviness of death and loss. They serve as little reminders to seek the playful and restorative joys in life when all else feels dark. Life may not be a picnic but when we come together, and let the sun warm us, we might find some respite in the light.
In the era of Covid, physical human connection became something more complicated and required a new layer of risk assessment for actions we once took for granted. Next Best Thing is a series of felted wool sculptures that is meant to be visually inviting and approachable utilizing soft textures and playful colors. The forms are inspired by the parts of people and life we missed while adjusting our lives to conform to a new, precautionary, lifestyle. The materials used in this collection represent our new alertness to microbial safety with wool’s natural anti-bacterial traits. Everything about these pieces are meant to invite people to come in close. Living in the taboo of touch and connection for over a year, I want to celebrate the real connections in our life with a deeper sense of preciousness.
A multimedia showcase focusing on the necessity and connectivity of play.
Group show featuring AAPI artists throughout the Bay Area. Mom’s Kimono 26”x11”x6” felted wool over sculpted form (Sold) 2022 was a difficult year for me and my family and ended with my father’s unexpected passing during the holidays. My mom was in the forefront of my thoughts when thinking about what I wanted for this year, the year of the rabbit. My dad fought hard for so long. My mom did too. We all fell apart and got up with our broken pieces, over and over again. Everyday, the three of us fought for each other. This year, I hope for so many good things to come to her. Peace. Healing. Time for herself. Rest. Adventure. So, I draped the patterns of the kimono she wore in her youth over this piece with all the love a daughter could give. May this year bring good things to her and all of those who have leant us their strength over the years.
The Nonsense Makes Sense series is a twist on the art of shodō (Japanese calligraphy). Finding peace in the meditative connection of mind and body with the use of seemingly nonsensical, lighthearted, and playful pieces. On their own, they connect to the essence of a moment or thought, bound to limitations of text and imagery. A story can be told in one, while a larger story unfolds over the 146 piece body of work as I processes grief, heartache, hope, and joy. I’m hoping the abundance of work will serve as building blocks for people to create their own story to connect with. Moments of nonsense, can make sense.
My first fully worked out stop motion concept using paper. I learned how to create blinking and that working on larger scale props is SO much easier than teeny tiny stuff. Inspired by my move to LA which resulted in a u-turn right back to San Francisco (where I had left my heart).
The move that never happened. I love taking components of one project and seeing what else I can make from it.
