07 / 09
A Sweet Burden
I explore the tension between being cared for and deciding how much, and what kind of care, to receive.
For older adults in my family, ensuring that their children eat well and eat enough is a direct way to express love. Yet this care can become pressure when it leaves little room for the recipient’s needs and preferences.
Making
I sculpted a slender, body-shaped vase from modeling clay, giving it the figure I imagine as ideal. I made peonies from steamed buns and poured honey over their petals, letting it drip onto the vase and table. During the performance, I repeatedly forced the flowers through the narrow opening until no more would fit.
Documentation
The question
The steamed buns carry the promise of nourishment, while the peonies suggest beauty and prosperity. Honey makes this offering both sweet and sticky. As the flowers accumulate, the body becomes a container expected to accept more.
Through this action, I explore the tension between being cared for and deciding how much, and what kind of care, to receive.