Write your own fortune
Oil on wooden panel, Oil on copper plate,
ceramics: white clay, porcelain
various sizes
2025
Installation views: Wilson Road, London
Installation views: Wilson Road, London
Photographs
Initially, I rely on online photographs as references, but I found it challenging to source images with the precise angles and the exact number of cookies I required. Therefore, I began photographing the cookies myself, enabling me to create more consistent and tailored reference materials.
Sketches
Gold Gilding
Inspired by Mark Fairington, I started employing gold leaf on the wooden panel. I found it challenging to lay the metal leaf completely flat on the surface, likely because I I was not using the appropreate tools for gilding. In Unit 3, I plan to do more experiments using propper gilding tools and techniques to achieve a smoother and more redined finish.
Please also see A Visit to Mark Fairington's Studio.
Ceramics
My initial idea was to create sculptural or installation work using real, edible fortune cookies, as it offer a direct connection to the theme. However, I quickly realised this approach might pose health risks. I believe it can cause some series reaction to someone who has severe allergy to the ingredient. To avoid such hazards, I began exploring alternative forms of depiction.
I turned to online tutorials to learn how fortune cookies are made, and then started recreating them by replacing dough with white clay. The process of making these ceramic cookies carries layers of irony. As I roll, fold and “bake” the clay (or in this case kiln firing), mirrors the preparation of edible cookies. Yet the final outcome is non-perishable, opens up a new conceptual reading of the object.