Bed as a Journal by Jingyi Han
Installation Art April 28 2024
Intro
Navigating the interplay of personal experiences and artistic methodologies, this piece embodies the convergence of individual narratives and the tactile process of wet and needle felting, capturing and communicating the complexities of human connection and self-discovery.
From the Artist
“My bed serves as an emotional anchor, a space where I spend a significant portion of each day, navigating both joyous and sorrowful moments.
It holds cherished memories of times spent with my grandmother, engaging in nightly “Finger Wrap” games as we sought solace in sleep. On the other side, my mother's fatigue led her to fall back asleep, establishing a comforting rhythm. Then, it was my turn. In that cocoon of comfort, I'd weave dreams, deliberate decisions, and engage in moments of deep contemplation.
My bed witnessed the birth of ideas and perhaps, one day, it might cradle the end of life's journey. This intimate space is more than furniture; it's a constant companion, encapsulating a tapestry of emotions and memories.
Consequently, I crafted a singular, intimate quilt for my bed, each square felt piece serving as a personal entry in the journal of my life—— a visualized exploration of emotions and experiences.”
“Each one is akin to a cell, encapsulating the profound depths of my being. Individually, they merge to forge a tapestry of unity, a collective that mirrors the very essence of humanity—composed of singular cells to form a complete entity. Distinct yet interconnected, they are deeply rooted in emotion and tradition, embodying both individuality and diversity.”
The images were taken on the 2024 CCA MFA Thesis Exhibition.
“Quilting, for me, is a solace that cradles both body and soul.
Engaging in this craft daily has woven these cells into the fabric of my routine, embedding them as fragments of my identity.
As I delve into each creation, stories once overlooked unfurl before me, a process of reflection and meditation. Among these cells, a brown dog represents my foray into a new vocation as a pet sitter during the winter break. A clever and mischievous little Australian Shepherd who brought daily lessons in feeding, walking, and skill learning. In this particular cell, a rainbow emerged during a group critique, discovered in a classmate's studio where art and light converged to reveal breathtaking beauty. Each cell reinforces and validates my connection with the world and those around me.
Daily Reveries
More works in this series, here.
“I utilized wet felting to complete the quilt. While the needle felting process arranges each wool fiber exactly where it is destined to be, the wet felting process is a more spontaneous dance of free transitions.
Here, soapy water becomes a catalyst, awakening the latent potential of the wool's surface. Gentle pressure from both hands, rhythmic unfolding, and constant embracing encourage the scales of wool to unfold, intertwine, and contract in the warmth. The process is like unveiling a precious surprise that transcends mere craftsmanship.
Through constant kneading, hues intertwine in a spontaneous, uncontrollable freedom. This unpredictability, this uninhibited freedom, becomes a beautiful revelation in the art tapestry.”
Outro
“A testament to this magic lies in a single creation ——
a painting made of layers of different colored wools, joined together by the magic of wet felting. Each layer holds an emotion and a daily chronicle, making the artwork not only an aesthetic object, but a soulful record of inner thoughts and life experiences. The hundreds of felt squares that comprise my “Bed Quilt” form a narrative,a chronicle of introspection, a silent witness to the journal of my life.”