In 2026,

I've Been Exploring myths,

神話.

The Chinese characters translate literally as labyrinth, maze.

in partnership with the Lan Su Chinese Garden

Garden Portals introduces four cosmic figures drawn from thousands of years of Chinese mythology, philosophy.

Mirror with symbols of the four cardinal directions, 7th century, China

The Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise of the North.

Each is manifested as a wearable sculptural hat, built by hand from reclaimed fabric, up-cycled martial arts uniforms, and worn belts. Each one is a portal — not a destination but a threshold, a way in.

Each sculpture is placed in its cardinal direction. Stand at the center and the cycle of life rotates around you — east to west, spring to winter, wood to metal to water to fire. The elements move. The seasons turn.

They are installed in the Scholar’s Study at Lan Su Chinese Garden, where Ming dynasty scholars once retreated from the demands of public life to seek harmony with the natural world. I put something different inside: protection stitched by hand, soft where the garden asks for stone.

Canlong 蒼龍

Azure Dragon — East, Wood, Spring

36" x 36" x 12"

Plywood, reclaimed hat, reclaimed jute rug, reclaimed pine needle, reclaimed metal mesh, and beading

Zhuque 朱雀

Vermilion Bird — South, Fire, Summer

36" x 36" x 12"

Plywood, reclaimed hat, reclaimed feathers, reclaimed martial arts uniform and fabric, metal alloy

Baihu 白虎

White Tiger — West, Metal, Autumn

36" x 36" x 12"

Plywood, reclaimed hat, reclaimed football helmet, reclaimed faux fur, reclaimed martial arts uniform, PLA, and beading

Xuanwu 玄武

Black Tortoise — North, Water, Winter

36" x 36" x 12"

Plywood, reclaimed hat, reclaimed metal mesh, reclaimed metal beading, and plastic