My work evolves on a parallel path with the healing and acceptance of personal life experiences. My latest collection of mixed media is a departure from my paintings offering more dimension, texture and emotion. Each series metaphorically symbolizes and honors the release of things past. The first of the Nest Installation Series is a collection honoring solitude and reconciliation after the storm of domestic violence. The Caged Series explores my mother's depression as seen through the longing eyes of a little girl. Finally the Altar Series releases painful experiences, which are honored with the use of Joss Paper, a rice paper traditionally burned during Chinese funeral ceremonies.

 

Mixed Media Installations:
Nest of Departure - Installation

The symbol of nests visually articulates the solitude I seek from being a victim of domestic violence. Being in a place where it feels safe is paramount for me. Nest of Departure is an ephemeral exit, a fertile and feminine retreat to escape uncertainties, which lie ahead. Netting, yarns and the shimmer of satin create a spontaneous and abstract habitat. Additionally my favorite objects are interspersed and mini nests are born. It is my life-cycle of birth, evolution, and death; evolving, winding and spinning its way through the chi. The Nest metaphors my own place of security to rest, to cry, to vent, to eat, to meditate, to write, to be at peace, to be happy and to make art away from the outside world.
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Mixed Media Sculptures:

The Caged series, represents the beginning of my healing as I attempt to free myself from the confines of my mind and cope with the death of my mother, Yumiko. I was born in the Year of the Rooster and my mother often told me I reminded her of a bird; that I ate like a bird and was small like a bird. Hence, birdcages materialize in my art with memories of my mother. Yumiko passed away when I was twenty-three. I still grieve for her at times and think of her often as my healing is a work in progress.

The Caged sculptures are wire nests. They are assemblages of my mother's being, her womb and motherhood. They hold obsessions with memories of her battle against depression and her death. The Cages are constructed with wire mesh and metal scraps representing the divide and coolness Yumiko exuded when she slipped away into her depression. The downy white feathers speak of the softness and beauty of her spirit while the harsh wires create the tension of her external body. While some of the elements extend beyond the wires exposed, others are hidden and sheltered in the way she lived her life.

These sculptures are filled with the beauty and helplessness I observed in my mother while growing up. She seemed vulnerable in managing her depression and my family was immobilized in helping her. I lovingly fill my nests with objects; feathers, twigs, kokeshi dolls, yarn, fabric, origami balloons, and trinkets I played with as a child. These objects infuse lessons from my mother and the Japanese culture.
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Altar Series

I was first introduced to Chinese Joss Paper through artist, Flo Oy Wong, who taught a Joss Paper Workshop through APICC. This intimate and colorful paper is also called ghost or spirit money, made of bamboo or rice paper and is traditionally burned at ceremonies or Chinese funerals.

I fell in love with the ornate intricacies of the papers, particularly the metallics of silver, copper and gold. As I intuitively work and develop the series of altars, the Joss Paper finds its way into each piece. The Altar Series is a way of saying "goodbye" to old memories and experiences. They help me to process closure on things I have had difficulty in releasing. Working with these pieces help me in healing and transitioning into a place of acceptance. view gallery