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ARTIST'S STATEMENTS

 

----------I. MANUSCRIPT OF NATURE series

----------II. TRACING THE ORIGIN series

----------III. TIME BASED series

----------IV. REMAKING TAO TE CHING series

----------V. VERMICULAR CALLIGRAPHY series

 

V. VERMICULAR CALLIGRAPHY series

This series is a further exploration of the asemic writing found in nature. While out collecting plant materials, I was intrigued by the markings carved by beetles on tree trunks and how much some of these patterns resemble Chinese calligraphy.

Through my research, I discovered that bark beetles have long been part of the ecosystem. They attack weak or sick trees to make room for new growth. Unfortunately, climate change has turned this natural process into a man-made disaster.

Using lead and metalworking techniques, I create "shells" of insect-scarred tree trunks. The metal sheet is hammered to reflect the contours and texture of the tree trunks. The patterns, first collected through ink rubbing and then transferred onto the lead, are chased to give more definition to the overall calligraphic design. Alchemically, lead is viewed as a metal of death and transformation.

My project conveys how our actions have far-reaching consequences in nature and that transformations are needed for a sustainable future.

By juxtaposing the ink rubbings and the metal sculpture, I trace "writing" back to its origin—nature, emphasizing its importance to our civilization; and the lead shells of the dead tree trunks represent the devastating loss. Our overexploitation of nature has far-reaching consequences, and a transormation is urgently needed for a sustainable future.

 

WORKS

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