Drink More Hot Water

Oil on canvas. Framed in sustainably grown maple floater frame. 

12"x12"x1.5"

I have been wanting to offer a piece of Chinese culture in my art. I am going to start with something simple.

I landed in Chicago International Airport for a layover in 2010. It was my first stop in the US. I was hungry after 10hr+ in the air. I walked around as I was doing USD to RMB conversion in my head. After some quick calculation, I stopped at Auntie Anne's and ordered a pretzel and a cup of hot water. The cashier was caught off guard and asked me if I ordered a cup of hot water. I confirmed yes. He handed me my order and asked, "are you sure you don't want a cup of tea or something?"

Thirteen years later, I still order hot water when I go out with friends. In my interpretation, hot water is the symbol of care when a Chinese is surrounded by the loved ones. Parents, partners, and even doctors tell a Chinese to drink more hot water when she/he/they don't feel well.

After many years alone in the US, hot water is the symbol of true self to me. I have never lived so authentically, and I love it.

Drink more hot water :).

The Giclée print is an archival museum quality print of this original work. The original painting is scanned and edited in photoshop. The edited image is printed on 300gsm fine art paper with Epson archival ink.

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The whole image is at a low resolution to avoid piracy. Please refer to the close up images for quality.