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Susan Mentrak's work in ceramics is inspired by the idea of legacy; specifically the ways in which our family history and DNA shape our personalities and life trajectories. She references studies that reveal how traumatic events can become embedded in our DNA and passed on to future generations. Mentrak uses color and form to highlight the contrast between the everyday and the traumatic.
"The Quiet Dragon" depicts Mentrak's adopted daughter who straddles two cultures: White and Asian. Her name means "Lucky Quiet Dragon." As an Asian growing up in America, she has always felt like she doesn’t quite fit in either culture, with Asian friends telling her she isn’t Asian enough and White friends having assumptions about her due to being Asian. She is painting herself white and yellow, representing stereotypes. It’s what people see first. She is subjected to these biases which are unconsciously incorporated into her person. The peaches are a traditional Chinese symbol of longevity, immortality and vitality that will forever have a hold on her for good and/or bad.
