take out (heat/hate), 2021
chopsticks from local Hartford Chinese takeout restaurant Yummy Yummy,
found brass lettering: e, h, t, a
12″ x 8″ x 5″
Artist Statement
I use found and altered objects to create poetic installations and assemblages. My current work is informed by personal experiences with mental health, debt, and identity. Mass-produced consumer products are treated as vessels to represent these struggles, making complex issues a bit more accessible.”
“The pandemic forced me to spend more time with myself and my family. It pushed me to seek out help with my anxiety and depression. I’m working on being more empathetic and mindful. My relationships, roles and responsibilities as a father, stepfather, and husband became more convoluted. I had nowhere to go or hide, my imperfections, flaws and shortcomings couldn’t be ignored any longer. The hard work continues, and along the way, my practice evolved, becoming less dependent on punchlines and humor. There’s intimacy and vulnerability where there once was disconnect and coldness.
“take out (heat/hate)”
The jumble of brass letters can be rearranged as anagrams to produce the two mentioned words that correlate with the heightened anti-AAPI discrimination using the take-out chopsticks as a symbol for AAPI stereotypes.