Jat Gai Sihk Faahn (Let’s eat together)
Print of original watercolour painting 2018 - (Original painting sold already to private owner)
Jat Gai Sihk Faahn (Let’s eat together) depicts my identity as a Chinese Australian-Kiwi and how my Chinese influences can be traced back to Chinese food. The steam from the bowl of rice transitions into my Chinese heritage. My grandma in her traditional Chinese Opera dress is the focal point of the illustration. To the left of her, my Grandfather’s farm and shop where I spent most of my childhood, sitting in front of a Chinese lion and lady prominent around Chinese New Year celebrations. To the right, red envelopes that are given to the younger generations during festivities are sitting behind a dragon boat representing my father who has 30 years’ experience in dragon boating.
While languages can cause barriers between people, food is something we all relate to. One of the largest ties to my heritage has been around food such as Yum Cha. While living on the border of three worlds where I don’t fit perfectly into one, I can always rely on food to make me feel at home. Even when studying in New Zealand, I could cure my homesickness through a local Chinese bakery where I would purchase fresh baos.
As each family recipe can differ, there are identifiable flavours unique to my family. As a child, I would watch those close to me cook with passion and enthusiasm. This knowledge has been passed down through the generations, from my grandparents to my parents and from my parents to me.
Laura Young
Massey University
Bachelor of Design (Hons) - Major in Visual Communication Design
Hi, I'm Laura. I'm a fourth-year visual communication design student at Massey University,
Wellington. I was is born and raised in Australia and is now based in Wellington, New
Zealand. In my spare time, I teach myself watercolours by illustrating my passion
for nature and culture. Being a second-generation Cantonese living in New Zealand has given
me a unique outlook and experience in life. Being part of a minority population has shown
challenges and obstacles but has also given me incredible opportunities which I
communicate through my work.
