MARK OF LOO
A scar is a survivor's mark that symbolizes our courage. It evokes images of suffering and pain and the desire to live.
Mark of Loo is a large-scale photo sculpture, 10-foot-long, 6.8-foot-tall, that I expanded from my photographic project. It is inspired by the Scars project which explores the idea of embracing oneself by examining imperfections and vulnerabilities in order to perceive them as life lessons and evidence of survival. A closer look at the skin texture and scars’ detail with alternative perspectives is an experiment to communicate the message of self-love and worthiness. It is one scar among the others in the Scars series. This art piece is particularly intended to be engaging and fun. I add a sense of humor by using the cause of this scar in the piece, which is the toilet. During spring break in 2022, I went to visit my friend, Alex Vega, in Los Angeles and accidentally cut my finger with the toilet’s water tank cover. It was shocking, and a lot of blood. I did not know how it happened, it seemed like the cover was mysteriously breaking in my hands while I was opening the cover to check the water level.
This large-scale sculpture is built with steel rebar armature, modeled with Styrofoam Board, and the fiberglass mat/blanket was applied with resin. The sculpture surface is finished with primer and white acrylic latex paint, followed by the waterproof vinyl of the scar image adhered across the toilet. Visitors are invited to interact with the sculpture by walking around it and inspecting the delicacy of the skin and scar, the negative space from all angles, and altering their viewing perspective at various distances.
“My scars remind me that I did indeed survive my deepest wounds. That in itself is an accomplishment. And they bring to mind something else, too. They remind me that the damage life has inflicted on me has, in many places, left me stronger and more resilient. What hurt me in the past has actually made me better equipped to face the present.” ― Steve Goodier
A scar might be flat, colored, sunken, or lumpy. It might be itchy or uncomfortable. Scars do not determine our values; rather, they reflect our life experiences. A scar is a survivor's mark that symbolizes our fortitude. It evokes images of suffering and pain and the desire to live.
Many people conceive of the toilet as a dirty place that takes human urine and feces and belongs solely in a bathroom. Mark of Loo is challenging its role as a stunning sculpture piece on a beautiful green lawn.
Thank You Note
The success and ultimate finish of this public artwork needed a great deal of direction and cooperation from many individuals, and I consider myself quite fortunate to have received this all along with the completion of the Mark of Loo. None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, particularly Rebecca and Roger Tuuk, and Lukkana Wongchanglaw. They have always been helpful. They allowed me to pursue my dream and always believed in me.
I am eternally grateful to Pooria Naderian who had been working with me to build the structure of this huge art piece as well as Debi Zoe Worley who have been always pushed up with me and driven me around to get all equipment and supplies. Without the kindness and help of my friends, this art piece may not have been completed. I also like to acknowledge Amir Toosi, Jocelyn Hall, Gale Schlegl, Ashley Retrum, Evan Smith, Brakston Brummet, Maddox Beverly, Negar Rafiee dolatabadi, and Matt & Blake for helping with installation and other tasks. Sincere thanks to Zack, a mechanical engineering student, and department chair Brigham Dimick for stopping over to help with landscaping.
To Thad Duhigg, who led me the way and gave a lot of encouragement and suggestions throughout this project. Thank you so much, Thad, for believing in my potential. I would never have imagined I could create gigantic public art if it is not because of you.
I owe my deep gratitude to Abbey Hepner, my advisor, who brought me into the MFA program and encourage me to explore other art forms than photography. This photosculpture piece exists a part of it because of you.
Another individual I want to acknowledge is Arif Pyarali, the owner of Signarama Metro East, who is willing to collaborate with me and support with the photo installation of this artwork.
Finally, I had to thank Alex Vega, the owner of the toilet I shattered and who looked after me while I was injured. Thank you very much. We got to witness the Mark of Loo thanks to his toilet!
