Following the creation of the "Reflection on Awakening" painting series, I began to incorporate elements of my own life and family into my artwork. My latest piece, "I Am the Pond", utilizes a paper collage technique inspired by the themes of Chinese landscape art, particularly the symbolism of water as a representation of life and the feminine principle of the universe (Yin). In this work, old family photos are shaped like lily pads, symbolizing birth and resurrection due to their ability to emerge from the mud and water.
The multiple layers of the collage reveal the complexity of my psyche and the healing power of self-examination. As I cut and applied each element, I found myself reflecting on what it means to be Chinese. Is it defined by the way I look, or is it more about the ways I act, influenced by my surroundings and the cultural heritage passed down through generations?
Through this process, I discovered that my identity is a dynamic interplay of personal experiences and inherited traditions. The creation of “I Am the Pond” became a journey of self-discovery, where the act of assembling these elements helped me explore and understand the intricate relationship between my cultural heritage and my individual self.
"I am the Pond"
Paper, glue and acrylic on canvas
30" x 30" x 3"
Detail
Detail
