Backyard
The theme of this series is mental healing. It is inspired by my observation that because of the pandemic, people are less socially engaged and are more exposed to the internet. However, social media has the nature of spreading anxiety with disturbing content or misinformation, and people pay more attention to external issues rather than themselves. Thus, one must learn to reconcile – with the past, parents, or illness, and I want to remind people of their mental well-being.
I believe that mental health to one's body is like a backyard to a house. Therefore, I create a "mental" backyard in this illustration where each character sits in the center of the image and tries to reconcile with their mental problems. The flowers on the bottom create a calming impression, and different kinds of flowers have different meanings, which connect with the whole theme of the picture.
Reconciliation with Past Self
Size: 13x19.5
Medium: Digital
In this image, the character tries to reconcile with him/herself. This is a painful process of accepting one's vulnerabilities and truly loving oneself. I created a harmonious relationship between the character and his/her shadow to show reconciliation. The scar the shadow left during the sewing symbolizes this aching process. Again, the abstract patterns embody different emotions experienced as the character progresses.
Size: 13x19.5
Medium: Digital
In this image, the character tries to reconcile with him/herself. This is a painful process of accepting one's vulnerabilities and truly loving oneself. I created a harmonious relationship between the character and his/her shadow to show reconciliation. The scar the shadow left during the sewing symbolizes this aching process. Again, the abstract patterns embody different emotions experienced as the character progresses.
Reconciliation with Parents
Size: 13x19.5
Medium: Digital
From time to time we may have quarrels with parents on matters big or small. To restore harmony back to the family, every family member must open their heart and initiate the conversation to resolve the conflict. In this image, although the scars are already on the parents' and the child's bodies, they still give each other their "key to the heart", so they can stop the argument and reach mutual understanding. Surrounded with them are the compromises they made for each other. The blue Hydrangea symbolizes their mutual respect and this harmonious moment.
Size: 13x19.5
Medium: Digital
From time to time we may have quarrels with parents on matters big or small. To restore harmony back to the family, every family member must open their heart and initiate the conversation to resolve the conflict. In this image, although the scars are already on the parents' and the child's bodies, they still give each other their "key to the heart", so they can stop the argument and reach mutual understanding. Surrounded with them are the compromises they made for each other. The blue Hydrangea symbolizes their mutual respect and this harmonious moment.
Reconciliation with Illness
Size: 13x19.5
Medium: Digital
For patients, accepting their illness and facing treatment is often more painful than the illness itself. To show the theme, I use Yarrow on the bottom meaning healing and love. In this piece, the main character has finally accepted to reconcile with the illness. Surrounding the character, I use abstract patterns to show the process of this reconciliation, such as the pain, rebirth, and support from others.
Size: 13x19.5
Medium: Digital
For patients, accepting their illness and facing treatment is often more painful than the illness itself. To show the theme, I use Yarrow on the bottom meaning healing and love. In this piece, the main character has finally accepted to reconcile with the illness. Surrounding the character, I use abstract patterns to show the process of this reconciliation, such as the pain, rebirth, and support from others.
