Under the Black and Blue

Joomchi. hanji (Korean mulberry paper), gold pigment ink
29 x 22 inches
2020

Inspired by my recovery process after an accident I experienced in 2019. I recognized that underneath the black and blue bruising and brokenness of my physical body, my aliveness, the golden energy of spirit, was wholly intact. Being grounded in this spirit was the source of my healing from the physical and mental trauma of the incident.

The time and labor-intensive process of manual manipulation of dampened paper creates breaks in the fibers. After drying, the paper takes on a more tactile, soft and sculptural form. Perforations or lace-like structures often result from the process. I believe these holes are spaces for ventilation, openings through which energy and aliveness can flow freely and transformation can occur. I painted the dried joomchi paper with gold pigmented calligraphic ink, which represents my aliveness, spirit, and  resilience.