How did you get started as an artist?
Growing up as an only child, I had plenty of freedom and time to create my own toys out of paper - puzzles, dress-up play sets, and even a 3D dollhouse complete with a channel-changing paper TV and pop-up books. I also enjoyed journaling with drawings, using colors and illustrations to express my feelings and imagination. My father, who had a great passion for art, would often help me improve my drawings by teaching me techniques to create smoother lines and enhance the impact of my work with different colors.
Although art was always my favorite subject in school, I ultimately chose to major in Journalism in college because I was told that pursuing a career as an artist was not considered practical where I grew up. Journalism provided me with another creative outlet to tell stories in a way that resonated with me, and I found that it shared many similarities with art.
My art is a reflection of the deep connection between mankind and nature, emphasizing the fundamental truth that we all belong with the natural world and the universe.
After immigrating to America, I discovered that artists here not only create visually stunning work, but also use their art as a platform to address important societal issues as activists or investigative journalists. Inspired by this, I made the decision to shift my career from multimedia journalism to become a mixed media artist.
What themes does your work involve?
My recent work theme has evolved to focus on connectivity between humans and nature, mental health and spirituality, from my earlier themes which included immigration, cultural invasion, globalization, minority cultural heritage, technology, modernization.
My artistic vision is a blend of different mediums, drawing from my background as a journalist and video producer.
My multi-media installation at Sotheby’s NY Staff Exhibit, titled "An Old Story Retold," delves into the impact of modernization and urbanization on minority ethnic cultures in China. This installation features a mannequin adorned in a handcrafted paper-cutting gown and hat, a video collage, and a 20-feet-long fabric with indigo dye patterns incorporating social media logos. It highlights the loss of cultural identity and heritage as younger generations shift away from traditional crafts and customs due to modernization and urbanization. The intention behind this installation is to emphasize the importance of preserving these ethnic cultures and traditions, a struggle shared by all indigenous cultures worldwide.
My trip to remote ethnic villages in China, and working at the US State Department to connect political influencers with community leaders of indigenous groups in the US and China, have shaped my understanding of the challenges faced by ethnic minorities and indigenous people in preserving their cultural heritage.
Exploring energy balancing practices last year has been transformative, allowing me to perceive my place in the universe clearly and recognize our interconnectedness with it. This realization has shifted my worldview and inspired me to see the link between art, spreading positivity, and healing. My art is a reflection of the deep connection between mankind and nature, emphasizing the fundamental truth that we all belong with the natural world and the universe. Through my work, I strive to convey the message that we are inherently interconnected with nature and the universe, and that our existence is intertwined with the rhythms and cycles of the natural world.
What is your source of inspiration?
Inspiration can strike from various sources for me, whether it's a peaceful trip to nature, a morning meditation session, a visit to an art gallery or museum, scrolling through Instagram, or even engaging in creative activities with my children. These moments often ignite ideas for my next artistic creations.
My artistic vision is a blend of different mediums, drawing from my background as a journalist and video producer. I incorporate elements of photography, video, and past experiences into my work. Over time, my focus has shifted towards crafting large-scale installations and public art pieces, driven by a desire to spread positivity and healing through interactive and immersive art experiences.
One of my creations, "A Journey to the Heavenly Palace," was inspired by a guided meditation I took part in. During the meditation, I envisioned a magnificent palace and felt compelled to share that experience through a series of paper mask works.
Can you describe your creative process?
Prior to commencing each project, I engage in extensive research and meditation. Research equips me with knowledge that informs the design and motif of the installation, serving as a wellspring of inspiration. Meditation allows me to clarify my vision, fostering a positive workflow that culminates in a finalized design. I hand-sketch my concepts before meticulously hand-cutting or crafting them into intricate paper sculptures, utilizing materials like metal wires, fishing lines, or wood for structural support.
In my recent series of paper masks, I collaborate with models who wear these intricate creations for photography in the studio. These masks, though visually striking, do not have openings for breathing, making them challenging to wear for extended periods during poses.
My first model was a professional from the Dominican Republic, and she proved to be a true gem. Despite the discomfort, she gracefully held challenging yoga and qigong poses while I meticulously adjusted the angles of her fingers and lighting to capture every detail of the paper mask sculpture.
In another series, I had the pleasure of working with a dance professor specializing in modern dance and ballet. She effortlessly embodied the essence of each mask, responding to keywords like "danger, mystery, aggression" with movements that brought the vision to life — one of such example works is the “Ready for the Leap of Faith”. Most of my models are volunteers, including talented parent friends who share a passion for art. Collaborating with these friends, particularly fellow moms, has been a joyful and bonding experience, uniting us through the creative process.
Do you have any artistic goals for the future that you would like to share?
Over the next decade, I envision delving into the intersection of neuroscience, art, and energy healing. Collective trauma underpins many social issues, evident in conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Syrian Refugee crisis, and has spurred movements like "Black Lives Matter" and "Stop Asian Hate." Personal experiences, including life-and-death challenges my family faced during the Covid pandemic, as well as my recent research and training as an energy balancing coach, have fueled my exploration of trauma and healing.
My recent installation, backed by “Infinity Tunnel,” invites viewers to enter an 8-feet-tall layered paper tunnel with mirrors at each end, creating an illusion of infinity. Some find solace in the calming space, while others seek reflections to connect with themselves and the Universe. Also featuring a paper wisteria tree and a 3D phoenix, the installation offers a serene setting for meditative contemplation, illuminated by purple light representing highest energy in Physics. My new energy infused art series featuring people wearing handmade paper-masks in floral and nature motifs are based on extensive research in psychology, energy and neuroscience studies.
Through this installation and future works, I aim to contribute to visual arts as a transformative and healing medium, bridging art, science, and holistic wellness. My goal is to create art that fosters positive change, ignites hope to the hopeless, encourages dialogue about technology and our future, and provides a sanctuary for reflection and connection with the self and the world around us.
