Ringing the bell is the key to open this world of wonder.
Have a Good Day is an installation that explores the familiar subject matter of ‘nature and ritual’ to form a new sense of intimacy with our surroundings. It leads from a generic idea of celebration into a space of improvisations and wonders.
For centuries, the bells have been suspended in homes and temples to ward off evil and attract good luck and prosperity. It is used in prayers and ceremonies. The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. Ringing, bowing and praying are preformed to greet the deity.
My mother and I accidentally attended this ritual ceremony in Kyoto that inspired me to make this piece. There was pail of fresh pampas grass in front of the main entrance to the temple,. The people gathered around were making something out of it. My mother naturally joined them, and somehow she knew what to do. I didn’t know what was going on, but people were weaving the grass into a wreath. Inside the temple, there was a giant wreath, human size, and people would go through the wreath with mumbling in the mouth.
The wreath-like soft sculpture, is suspended at chest level. The long mesh fabric is draped from above with stitched jingle bells. The interstices of these ritual objects test the audience’s imagination therefore provoking abstract narratives in their minds.
Have a Good Day, 2018
Sumi ink dyed silk with embroidery, and handmade cooper jungle bells on fabric
70” x 70” x 110”