Drawing of a Drawing My Mom Made (Cranesbill)

Reception: Saturday, November 4th, 2-6pm

At Corner, 2912 N Milwaukee Ave

“Drawing of a Drawing My Mom Made (Cranesbill)” is a continuation of my years-long engagement with the botanical illustrations my mother created during her 30-year career as a horticulturalist. In this installation, my mother’s drawing of cranesbill clusters, a flowering plant also known as pelargonium and geranium, has been hand cut in adhesive vinyl --the medium I use most in my day job as a union graphics installer. The all-over pattern of my mother’s cranesbill recalls Warhol’s silkscreened hibiscus blooms, and at the same time imparts a powerful metaphor of its own. A variety of ground cover, cranesbill grows with an interconnected root system, capable of regrowing even after being pulled, via the bits and pieces remaining underground. Through both the cranesbill’s floriography and its personal significance, this installation is an homage to that which binds us, connects us, and keeps us flourishing from below the surface.

"Drawing of a Drawing My Mom Made (Cranesbill)" is curated by EXTRA Projects as a part of the 2023 Terrain Biennial. Thank you to artist Lynn Basa for hosting my installation at her studio space, Corner, at 2912 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60618.