Box Hill: A Love Letter - Artist's Statement
Within the pages of my Artist's Book, I share a heartfelt letter dedicated to Box Hill, a place intricately woven into the tapestry of my dearest memories and experiences. Here, I tenderly reminisce about my formative years, the loving embrace of my family, and the enchanting moments that have graced the landscape of Box Hill. My reflections traverse the sands of time, discerning the subtle yet profound transformations this place has undergone. My journey began at Box Hill Hospital, igniting a deep connection with this suburb over the years. "Box Hill: A Love Letter" serves as a vessel for profound intimacy, embracing romanticism through the lens of nostalgia.
At its core lies the cherished theme of 'Being Here,' supported by meticulously printed illustrations and photographs on Instax Film, scanned and made into stickers, seen at the end of the artist’s book. This medium serves as a repository for the personal and historical significance that Box Hill holds for me, symbolised by the unique shaping of the second page of the initial cover. Using red ribbons and translucent vellum, my work embodies the transparency of my emotions towards Box Hill, my birthplace and realm of nostalgia. My artist’s book utilises glue binding, specifically hot glue which was chosen for its tactile strength and versatility. I strive to give voice and sentiment to this place. It's a testament to my deep affection for beloved Box Hill. The thematic resonance of "being here" symbolises the confluence of presence in both temporal and physical dimensions, tracing my growth from birth to the present.
"Box Hill: A Love Letter" celebrates my profound connection with my hometown. It offers a romanticised portrayal of Box Hill, once an 1850s township, now a vibrant suburb known for its thriving East Asian immigrant community and diverse Asian culinary heritage.
However, aspects of Box Hill continue to elude my understanding, including evolving developments, vanishing landmarks, and a large dearth of historical records from the 2000s, the decade of my birth.