Paper Ginger Jar

Paper Ginger Jar is constructed from a 2-dimensional blue and white design, comprised of individual watercolor paintings that are a play on familiar motifs in Chinoiserie and Chinese porcelain. In my version, these are re-imagined with native birds, like orioles and cardinals, flowers from a local garden, and scenes of the four seasons with references to the Washington-area region. These scenes depict: A group of children playing on a snow day, a lakeside view of the Washington County Art Museum in the springtime, a summer boat outing along the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal, and a Mid-Autumn Festival dragon dance beneath twinkling lanterns and a full moon. A red seal, which traditionally is used as a signature marking the artist’s work, imprints my name in Chinese characters. 

The paper jar is a moment where I examine my sense of belonging and cross-cultural synergies, as well as the artistic potential in functional objects. This piece was first conceived as a decorative wrap for a propane tank. Applying my point of view to urban art, the wrap transforms the tank and celebrates specific memories in an unexpected way. It playfully notes the similarities in the shape of the propane tank and the ginger jar. 

The paper mock-up of the wrap is transformed when it is assembled into a 4.5-inch tall vessel. The physical process of printing, cutting, and attaching the scaled model activates the sculpture. It is a portable and democratic piece. With the digital file of the design and household materials, you can build this ginger jar. To be able to carry it in your hand, display it in your space, and recreate it as many times over as you want reaffirms the sharing of personal identity along with the fluid symbols of multiple communities.