Interconnectedness #14

With a playful approach, this work contemplates the ever-changing interactions of material and immaterial elements (e.g. light, emotion, consciousness). Balancing control, chance, and intuition, I compose layers of translucent materials to form rhythmic compositions and highlight the poetic dance of light and shadow. The constructed layers respond to the light to create a sense of spatial wonder as the light is filtered, cast, reflected, and reimaged. They resemble layered human experience and our inseparable relationship with nature and all beings.

The organic rock-like pattern in the work is inspired by both its natural existence in nature and the meditative meaning behind the Chinese character 磊Lei. The character is derived from hieroglyphic writing of three rocks piling up; two on the bottom and one on the top. While the literal translations include “a big pile of rocks and bighearted,” it further suggests a belief in openness and honesty, a mindset of being fully present, mindful, vulnerable, and courageous. It’s a reminder of my family’s blessing as they gave me the nickname 磊磊Lei Lei.