Growing myself

Human hair, polyester, wooden hoop, metal

17cm x 5cm x 33cm (Series of 6.)

2019-2020

Trees have a beautiful way in recording the environments they live in. Based on their tree rings, the age and climatic conditions can be studied. The wider the rings grow, the healthier the tree grew with adequate rainfall, while the denser the rings build up, the tree likely went through irregular seasonal changes, drought and forest fires.

Growing myself is a six months daily record of the artists’ mental health in the form of tree rings. The artists’ hair is used as an expression to self care. Hair is an important reflection of identity, it is personal and public. It grows and naturally sheds, giving insight to overall health. By sewing the hair in a repetitive process, it allows the artist to meditate and sew her thoughts or emotions into tree rings.

Photo credit: Hobby Cheung