Embroidery is versatile in mimicking the original object in shape and design but still distinct enough to be recognized as something else. The stitches are soft but substantial, more tangible.

With embroidery, I explore my Asian-American born identity-the dualism of being too Asian to be American, and too American to be Asian.

In my object series, I recreate familiar Asian American objects that take on the visual identity of the original object but reject said identity due to its material.

In my girl series, I replace the facial identity of suggestively posed Asian women with Asian textile patterns. The patterned skin creates a broader spectrum of Asian identity; it becomes more ambiguous and fluid as identity moves between the two.

Chinese Bowl 

2014

Fabric, thread, wire

4″x4″x2.5″