Artist Statement for “Where Joy Blooms”

Joy has been a deliberate pursuit in my life, requiring consistent cultivation. As such, I have consciously embraced the practice of cataloging joy as a means of navigating the ebb and flow of life. This habit traces back to my childhood, where I meticulously compiled a list of activities that brought me happiness. On challenging days, I would turn to this list to uplift my spirits, whether it involved taking a walk, climbing a tree, immersing myself in music, or indulging in the art of drawing. These simple acts of joy provided solace during times of difficulty, shaping my perception of the world.

In recent years, my artistic practice has seamlessly intertwined with this childhood tradition, becoming an embodiment of my journey to document joy, channel my energy towards positivity, and fostering introspection and reflection.

My installation, "Where Joy Blooms," serves as a metaphor for this transformative process. Within the space, oversized and abstracted flowers take center stage, highlighting the profound impact of tending to our personal wells of joy. The flowers, simultaneously transparent and opaque, moving and still, floating and rooted, symbolize the intricate duality of life. In this journey, joy and sorrow become constant companions, their coexistence a testament to the intricate nature of our human experience.

Through my work, I delve into the fragility of joy, the significance of gratitude, the importance of memorializing moments, and the ever-changing nature of happiness. The colorful and kinetic work plays with the reflective and refractive properties of light while casting colorful shadows beyond the physical boundaries of the installation. Using simple shapes, contours, and familiar imagery, I create artwork that amplifies joy in a hyperbolic format. I hope that my work will inspire a sense of wonder and delight in the viewer and serve as a reminder to cherish and savor the happy moments in life.

During the second half of the exhibit, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a collaborative installation created by the talented participants of the DREAMS Center For Arts Education summer camp in Wilmington. I will lead a workshop with these aspiring young artists, guiding them to express their own interpretations of joy through their artwork. Their creations will be displayed in the rear gallery space, engaging in a meaningful conversation with my installation. This collaboration aims to foster a sense of community, celebrate the creative spirit of young minds, and offer a fresh perspective on joy through their unique artistic expressions.