ARTIST STATEMENT

There’s no substitute for the skill of the human eye and hands.

 

I'm a first-generation Chinese American who grew up in a family tailoring business. Like many family-run businesses, I started helping out at a young age where I picked up the skills in mending and tailoring. Over the years my tailoring skill has transferred into my art. 

 

In my current work, I have been incorporating plarn (plastic made into yarn) to construct large-scale sculptures that protrude from the wall. Each piece is completed through labor-intensive repetition of sewing, knitting, crocheting, weaving, braiding, and Chinese knotting techniques to sculpt. Mastering techniques, researching, and experimenting are part of my process to fully showcase the essence of generations striving for improvements in technique, execution, and creativity. 

 

My work process is time-consuming and tedious with delicate works for the nimble fingers. However, it's my way of paying homage to the idea of human touch and honoring achievements that are overlooked. Manufactured goods take a lot of hand work and manpower. A lot of commercial products still require hand finishing or someone to operate a machine. Machines don't negate people. Every hand played a role in the production. Through combining modern plastic materials with my handcrafts, I want to reconnect the relationship between automation and handwork. 

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