Blossom

The lotus leaf is a symbol of cleansing and purity. In Asia, it thrives in silty ponds. In the Song Dynasty, a writer from China used this plant to describe the relationship between people and the environment: “Live in the silt but be not imbued”. It means people should maintain their own good will and morality no matter what circumstances they encounter.

For the site near Harding Street, the spectators will experience a wave of lotus leaves. There will be various arrangements. Some leaves will be grouped. Some leaves will stand alone. Some will be scattered around. The washed color lotus leaves will sooth each viewer and release tension on the busy highway. When people drive by the lotus leaves, the effect will make drivers calm. Some thoughts may come to their minds such as “it will not be the end of the world if I am late by 5 minutes.”

When drivers encounter the landscape of lotus leaves, they won’t see the actual lotus blooms because I wish the lotus blooms to imaginatively appear in their minds. My art invites the audience to collaborate with me. Together we will create a tie between Mother Earth and her people. The lotus leaves will trigger memories of peaceful gardens and a return to the comforting embrace of loved ones.

There are 14 lotus leaves. Three different sizes of lotus leaves are mixed and scattered in the area. The sizes are approximately 12’W´3.5’D´5.5’H, 10’W´2.5’D´ 5H’ and 6’W´1.5’D´4.5’H.

Quoted from shifenliu.wordpress.com/public-art/