The birth of this project idea came about when I was taking many classes of pupils in school. I thought about the versatility of teachers who had to manage pupils with various personality traits and characteristics. It was tough because the pupils may appear fine in school but may have to grapple with living at home. Sometimes, I wish I could turn into a fly to peek into the children's lives. Perhaps you would agree with me that family routines have strong correlation with children's behaviours and thoughts.
Thus, I am keen to explore my feelings about being the ‘Other’ in people’s family. Obviously I can't travel back in time to see how the younger me would be affected growing up but at least I could construct my understanding in another Asian family by living with them and engaging in their daily activities.
By situating myself in a different context, I would thrive on my heightened sensations. Inevitably, the thoughts of being in another family would manifest. Although the notion of ‘Family’ may appear simplistic, there are numerous assumptions which we carry around that are often taken for granted. Does an intact family constitute ‘A Family’? How is ‘A Family’ not considered one even by remaining together? Is there recipe for being ‘A Family’ ?
The Chinese contemporary novel “The Family” written by Ba Jin advocates for equality and freedom. This novel stirs my thoughts about the omnipresence of “A Family”. It is also a prevalent topic in Primary schools across disciplines (e.g. Art, English Language and Social Studies). The subject “My Family” serves as stepping stone away from children’s egocentric self as it helps them to see subjects beyond themselves. Are we born to live life like our parents? Can a family consist of just a single member? What differentiates between my family and the others’? Is there an ideal family?
Harnessing the benefits of WWOOF (www.wwoofjapan.com), I found myself a family host in Hokkaido, Japan who runs an inn, restaurant and nature school. By offering work in exchange for food and lodging, I can enrich myself in an economical way.
I hope my experience will influence my thoughts and actions in a good way. And allow me to make better art.
Thus, I am keen to explore my feelings about being the ‘Other’ in people’s family. Obviously I can't travel back in time to see how the younger me would be affected growing up but at least I could construct my understanding in another Asian family by living with them and engaging in their daily activities.
By situating myself in a different context, I would thrive on my heightened sensations. Inevitably, the thoughts of being in another family would manifest. Although the notion of ‘Family’ may appear simplistic, there are numerous assumptions which we carry around that are often taken for granted. Does an intact family constitute ‘A Family’? How is ‘A Family’ not considered one even by remaining together? Is there recipe for being ‘A Family’ ?
The Chinese contemporary novel “The Family” written by Ba Jin advocates for equality and freedom. This novel stirs my thoughts about the omnipresence of “A Family”. It is also a prevalent topic in Primary schools across disciplines (e.g. Art, English Language and Social Studies). The subject “My Family” serves as stepping stone away from children’s egocentric self as it helps them to see subjects beyond themselves. Are we born to live life like our parents? Can a family consist of just a single member? What differentiates between my family and the others’? Is there an ideal family?
Harnessing the benefits of WWOOF (www.wwoofjapan.com), I found myself a family host in Hokkaido, Japan who runs an inn, restaurant and nature school. By offering work in exchange for food and lodging, I can enrich myself in an economical way.
I hope my experience will influence my thoughts and actions in a good way. And allow me to make better art.
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