You are my rock

Catherine Lucky Chang’s Playful Wonder is a series of pulp paintings on handmade paper, created during her residency at the Penland School of Craft in North Carolina. These works are a testament to the harmony between medium and message, seamlessly blending image and surface in a way that is both innovative and deeply tactile.

Each piece begins with pigmented pulp, which Chang pours, spoons, and shapes onto freshly formed sheets of paper. Unlike traditional methods that layer imagery after the paper is made, Playful Wonder integrates color, line, and texture directly into the paper itself. The result is a unified composition where form and material become inseparable, reflecting the Taoist philosophy of balance and interconnection.

Drawing inspiration from the interplay of light and dark, positive and negative space, Chang’s work captures the essence of yin and yang. Her vibrant palette radiates joy and curiosity, offering a moment of lightness in response to the challenges of winter. The pieces are imbued with spontaneity, inviting viewers to embrace play and presence.

The handmade quality of these works highlights their delicate craftsmanship. Each step in the papermaking process is integral to the final creation, celebrating the beauty of the medium’s tactile nature. The fluid forms and luminous colors come together in harmonious compositions that evoke a sense of wonder, simplicity, and freedom.