Defining cultural identity is complex and seemingly elusive, in that it evolves, shifts, and lacks clarity. Though the language we use when discussing cultural identity emphasizes differentiation and is often confusing, the immediate objects and living spaces from which our individuality derives are wonderfully fixed.
After residing in Tokyo for two years, and now living back in the States, the experience has fueled my interest to consider not only the cultural heritage of my spouse (who is from Japan) but also the shape of my own identity. For me, one of the sites for this inquiry is the objects in our daily lives. The dishes and knickknacks with which we fill our homes are part of how we define ourselves. In my current work, objects from both our childhood homes merge, creating a place where geographically and culturally distant elements interact. In the bringing together of commonplace items, we uncover the many places where our identities intersect. Perhaps in this process, I can begin to grasp that mysterious thing, identity, or at least nibble around the edges.
