I Love You So (1h45mins)
2023
Pumice stone, sand sponge, sand paper

This performance aims to explore the concept of care and its relationship with the natural world. In my performance, I have chosen a tree as my subject and used several sanding tools to smooth out a small area of its bark (skin). I observe and interact with the tree, closely paying attention to its textures, patterns, and aroma. As the performance progresses, I begin to experience a series of bodily and emotional sensations. Initially, I feel calm and connected to the surrounding natural environment. As I continue to polish the tree, I start to feel the physical fatigue brought about by repetitive motion. After over an hour of polishing, a small red mark appears in the polished area, and I begin to question the purpose and meaning of my actions. It is like a newly opened wound, a warning to me. I am unsure if continuing this behaviour can maintain the purpose and meaning of my performance. I caress, embrace, and smell its scent, our relationship becomes increasingly intimate with continued contact. I attempt to invite the audience to reflect on their own relationship with the natural world and consider how we care for and interact with our environment. Also, by using polishing tools to alter the surface of the tree, I aim to challenge the concept of "care" and inspire people to contemplate the impact of human behaviour on the natural world.