In the Ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, a sage named Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way). Taoism has no supreme deity; it is a vision of universal order, a cosmic energy composed of forces known as Yin and Yang. In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu uses water as a metaphor to invoke a structure for people to understand the concept of Taoism. Water is adaptable and it can inspire us to work in harmony with our surroundings rather than against them. We can live a more fulfilling life by embodying the characteristics of water and accepting the inevitability of change. In this series, refractions are created by light shining through water in various glass objects representing water’s adaptable and effortless flow. As I moved and tilted the glass objects to capture these images, I felt as though I was painting with water and light. Throughout my process, I noticed the movement of the refractions constantly changing from calm blurred patterns to chaotic or complex rippling caustics, symbolizing the duality of life.
“The supreme goodness is like water.
It benefits all things without contention.
In dwelling, it stays grounded.
In being, it flows to depths.
In expression, it is honest.
In confrontation, it stays gentle.
In governance, it does not control.
In action, it aligns to timing.
It is content with its nature, and therefore cannot be faulted.”
Tao Te Ching - Verse 8
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