fragmented flowers series
dimensions variable | hand-embroidery on fabric
Watching the slow and painful process of death messes with one’s head. I sat at my grandfather’s bedside, watching him jolt out of restless sleep, surrounded by all these flowers: some whole and blooming while others caught in various stages of decay – wilting with petals falling one-by-one.
I was exploring pain, peace, and chaos while embroidering my view. I noted how flowers themselves are neutral. They can mark a variety of occasions: some happy (anniversary, congratulations, romance) and others, not so (funeral, get well, cheer up). This one motif could be seen from multiple perspectives: while flowers might make one smile, they might make another cry.
My abstracted flowers stood for this in-between state I was in – would my grandfather live or die – and the un-surety of the outcome. In the same way, the flowers are in an in-between state: not quite flowers, but not quite not flowers. They implied possibilities: perhaps the geometric shapes would get clearer and be more readable as flowers or perhaps they were going to further abstract and become something else completely.
I was exploring pain, peace, and chaos while embroidering my view. I noted how flowers themselves are neutral. They can mark a variety of occasions: some happy (anniversary, congratulations, romance) and others, not so (funeral, get well, cheer up). This one motif could be seen from multiple perspectives: while flowers might make one smile, they might make another cry.
My abstracted flowers stood for this in-between state I was in – would my grandfather live or die – and the un-surety of the outcome. In the same way, the flowers are in an in-between state: not quite flowers, but not quite not flowers. They implied possibilities: perhaps the geometric shapes would get clearer and be more readable as flowers or perhaps they were going to further abstract and become something else completely.
fragmented flowers (glimmer) series
dimensions variable | sequins, pins, beads, metallic fabric, polystyrene, wood, and metal
Perhaps it was experiencing deep and lasting grief that allowed me to rapture in the glimmer of light when it appeared. The ray, however tiny, was a welcome sight. This light inspired the Fragmented Flowers (glimmer) series.
I chose metallic fabric and shiny holographic sequins because they voice action: the dancing sequins boldly and playfully reflect light. They also speak of duality: while spirited, the sequins also speak of fragility and façades – the curious way that things are not always as they appear. On the surface, tiny metallic sequins sparkle and shine. Accumulated, they are grandiose and flashy. Reflecting off one another, the sequins direct one’s attention here or there. With a gentle breeze, they make music. Just as the sequins hang delicately, so easy to reconfigure, we, too, have the possibility of transformation while being reminded of our own fragility.
I chose metallic fabric and shiny holographic sequins because they voice action: the dancing sequins boldly and playfully reflect light. They also speak of duality: while spirited, the sequins also speak of fragility and façades – the curious way that things are not always as they appear. On the surface, tiny metallic sequins sparkle and shine. Accumulated, they are grandiose and flashy. Reflecting off one another, the sequins direct one’s attention here or there. With a gentle breeze, they make music. Just as the sequins hang delicately, so easy to reconfigure, we, too, have the possibility of transformation while being reminded of our own fragility.
fragmented flowers (shine bright)
site-specific installation | sequins, pins, beads, acrylic paint, polystyrene, wood, tape, monofilament, and metal
Much of life is measured by points – birth, marriage, insert-your-own-milestone-here, death. However, most of life really occurs betweenthe points. These spaces are ripe with possibility – things are not fixed. Even on an emotional level, we may speak of happiness, sadness, and anger, and miss the nameless emotions in-between. While the English language appears ill-equipped to discuss these spaces, I find I can talk about these emotional in-betweens in my work.
Fragmented Flowers (shine bright) is a metaphor for the in-between. Similar to when one takes a leap of faith, the pattern has been freed from the constraints and safety of wall and frame. The fragments are in their most vulnerable state, suspended in space, viewable from all sides. Likewise, when one challenges themselves to grow and take risks, one can feel exposed and insecure. Taking the risk becomes a defiant act of hope.
Fragmented Flowers (shine bright) is a metaphor for the in-between. Similar to when one takes a leap of faith, the pattern has been freed from the constraints and safety of wall and frame. The fragments are in their most vulnerable state, suspended in space, viewable from all sides. Likewise, when one challenges themselves to grow and take risks, one can feel exposed and insecure. Taking the risk becomes a defiant act of hope.