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#02  Homey and 2 cheeseburgers & a big mac to go


Thank you to all the artists involved, Adeline, everyone in Betong & Kuching, and of course Dr. Winston Oh.


Homey (2023)
A mini installation made with fabric, clay/bisqueware, and miscellaneous items on painted tree bark.
Dimensions: 30 x 30 cm





    Homey is a word used by me and my mother, to describe a place that feels like home.

    There’s not really any physical descriptions, or criteria that makes a place feel “Homey”. It’s just the vibe and atmosphere, something you feel in the space.

    The longhouses, and the people of Betong, Sarawak felt “Homey”.

    This trip to Sarawak, and the generous hospitality of the people there is beyond my expectations. They were so enthusiastic to have us in their homes, their sacred and private space. Welcomed us with feasts, drinks & snacks. They were so giving, of whatever resource that they have. And that’s how I wanted to approach making these works.

    I’ve always wanted to learn about ceramics. So that’s what I did. I chose hand-building instead of using a wheel because it‘s more free & flexible. That‘s how these 2 works originated.

    One of the longhouses that we visited was Rian Batang. In the back area, I saw beddings and a variety of toys lying around which reminded me of my childhood.

    In our place of stay, the Engkranji longhouse, the kitchen almost seemed exactly the same as the kitchen in my grandma’s house.

    There were a lot of moments in this trip, where I just caught myself thinking of home. Those moments are definitely the heart of this work.

    List of Objects used in this Installation:

    - Cartoon patterned fabric that I bought which I made into small pillows.

    - Dried tree bark given to me by Juliana, the bead shop owner. I painted on it with watercolor.

    - Rocks collected by the river, near the Mujau longhouse.

    - Seashells from the beach of my hometown, Tanjungpinang.

    - Misc items (miniature food items) I bought.

    - Clay pieces/bisqueware that I made.



    2 cheeseburgers & a big mac to go (2023)
    Clay pieces/bisquewares
    Dimensions variable.



    Vessel with fruits painted around.



    Bamboo piece.



    Fire/leaf piece.


    I was inspired by the various vases & vessels I saw at the longhouses that we visited, as well as in the museum.

    A vessel (bowl, vase, etc) is something that we put things in. It can hold food, trinkets, jewelry, and lots more. I think it’s something that we take for granted daily, and don’t appreciate enough.

    I wanted to make vessels that are meant to be appreciated on their own. Even with nothing inside it. Aside from being practical, it can also be appreciated as its own decoration.


    Adeline (the lecturer, curator, and lovely chaperone on the trip) also brought to my attention that this series of works connects to the elements. Which complements the air//air theme. A happy accident as it wasn’t my intention. But it just makes sense doesn’t it?

    The motifs itself are representative of the things I associate with the liveliness of the people there.

    Fire as a catalyst for cooking and creation of nourishment.
    Bamboo as a vessel to hold & cook food, or even carriers to hold equipment.
    Variety of fruits as the bounty and gift of nature.

    I find that the Iban community has an appreciative and strong connection with nature, still. Which left me kind of enchanted.


    Thanks for the meal!