LRC Third Floor Exhibit – The Art of Ming G. Fong and Sandy Fong Whetstone, Showcasing Through August 9
After witnessing the works of the talented father-daughter duo first-hand, it becomes apparent how Ming Fong and Sandy Fong Whetstone’s work truly tells a story all on its own. There is significance to each of their work, a story that is attempting to be told through the ages, and a viewpoint of these two that is reaching out to be shared with the rest of the world, one that only they can perceive.
Ming Fong received training in Chinese Classics in China during the 1930’s, and the inspirations from Chinese cultural influences are clearly seen in his work. Calligraphy remains an essential part of his work, written (and translated in English for the exhibit) as a form of poetry, perfectly complementing the natural appeal of the people and elements of nature that helped shape the type of work Ming would eventually paint together. It’s no wonder why someone as talented as Ming would eventually become the primary source of inspiration for his own daughter’s work during her childhood, and even through to her adult years.
Departing from her father’s more classically-inspired works, Sandy Fong Whetstone takes an approach to art and a view on life that strikes you as uplifting and charming, with a childlike lens on the world. Though Sandy and her father both draw inspiration from nature, Sandy takes traditional ideas of animals and fruits and vegetation, and turns them on their heads. You can see the near life-size ceramic works of art of animals dressed in button-ups and personified with human clothing and characteristics, and eyes that are so accurately modeled, they could easily be mistaken for the real thing. And her interpretations of bipedal fruits and vegetables are so full of joy, you can’t help but want to view this exhibit before it has a chance to run away from you.