Needle Trace mineral pigment, acrylic medium, Japanese paper (Kozo-shi) 91 x 90 cm 2017
This body of work is inspired by pine needles from two large trees outside of my studio, which were gathered in patterns by the wind. It was created in Winter 2017, when there were news about the issues of refugees every day.
The pine needles on the ground reminded me of humans adrift in the world without a chance to influence their fate.
Yet I also felt it might be a metaphor for many people in a globalised world who may find themselves in new settings through jobs, relationship or curiosity without much strategy or planning. These people - myself included - certainly have choices - but end up moving, drifting and following fate and chance.
The pine needle (usually as a pair) shape in fact looks just like 人 - the Kanji character for 'Human'. I use them here to paint instead of a brush. The base is Japanese mulberry paper, with has a fine and smooth surface, to trace the needle's delicate line and shape.
Needle Trace mineral pigments, hide-glue (膠), Japanese paper (Kozo / Ganpi) , wood board 23.5 x 17 cm each 2022