Profile
My printmaking is informed by an interdisciplinary background of Biology and Art. After combining the two in a scientific illustration career, I turned to fine art to optimize my avenue of expression. My aesthetic also has dual influences, from the East Asian art environment in which I grew up in Hong Kong, and the Western art approaches I learned during my art graduate studies in the US. My designs incorporate aspects of Japanese wood block printing, Chinese brush painting and paper cutting, linocut printing, Escher-esque illustration and contemporary graphic novel.
I aim to capture beauty in every subject matter that I print. Often my subjects are uncharismatic mini fauna, creatures that are rarely or never highlighted in popular culture. It is important to share the fascination of biodiversity; to have an appreciation for this is a step towards understanding the importance of conserving our natural world.
Process is a significant part of my art making. It involves the capture of an elusive, organic vision through a pencil sketch, then fleshed out and adapted for geometric print design. Geometry plays a large role in my designs, as I am drawn to the repetitive nature of tessellations and perfect interlocking of shapes. Consequently the design and carving of my print blocks is meticulous, so that printed shapes will fit together precisely. To maintain precision consistently over a hundred or more sequential printings within a single artwork has taken years of honing my technique. As a result I have developed a distinctive style of print consisting of the modular “quilting” of small, printed blocks to create large, engaging compositions.
I live in San Francisco, California, within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean, from which I draw both inspiration and solace. I have roots in the maker community here, and aim to broaden my connections with the fine art world. I hope my art draws viewers away from reality for even just a moment, to immerse in the wonder of nature.
Instagram @GinkgoMaker
