Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Cherie Leung

How are you? (I'm fine, thank you)

cotton fabric, batting, thread, 35"x28.5"

“When someone asks me "How are you?" I often stumble on the answer because I feel like I'm expected to say "I'm fine" but I'm not always fine on the inside. The words are hand-stitched with white embroidery thread on a white quilted background. They are silent but bold, saying "I'M FINE, THANK YOU". When worn, the piece looks like a cocoon but also a straight jacket, which reinforces ideas of isolation and mental health.”