We were lucky to catch up with Davina Hsu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Davina, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
“Supernatural” (2022-2023) is a hybrid project examining the concepts of energy, holism, mysticism, and materiality. It incorporates occult artistry in various forms including fiber sculpture, interactive installation, and participatory social engagement to envision a space for connection, reflection, and recharge. Supernatural highlights the interconnectedness of the universe. This project also serves as an acknowledgment that we are energetic beings living in a vibrational universe. This project is manifest through three interwoven series—Energy Sculpture, Portal, and Color Gnosis.
Energy Sculpture is a series of talismanic soft sculptures that serve as blessing offerings. Delving into the interplay between material and spiritual connections, employing felting to sculpt various aspects of spiritual integration. This series of works incorporates a Sigil graph method to draw out the symbolic concept and transform the blessing intent into totemic and tactile expressions. Each wall-hanging Energy Sculpture is made of Merino wool, a natural source of high-frequency material that serves as a conduit for talismanic invocation.
Portal is an interactive installation including a video and a divination altar made with wool fiber. The altar consists of a pair of crescent-shaped drops and a platform to set up a post for divination. This concept is modified from a commonly used divination tool called Moon blocks in Taoist temples. To activate the divination tool, one must ask a question with clear intent while holding the drops between their palms in prayer position. Then, throw the drops to seek divine guidance. The drops can be used to gain self-knowledge or used in conjunction with the oracle cards to provide clarification and nuance.
Color Gnosis including a custom-designed deck of vibrational awareness color oracle cards, video content, and one-on-one interactive engagement. This multi-part endeavor emerged from two years of accumulated study cases, blending intuitive insights and perceived guidance to decode the language of vibrational energy embedded in color, emotion, and the human psyche. The gold foil-finished cards serve as an interactive element that propelled an ongoing series of oracle readings, taking place in private studios and public events, where I act as the interpreter to facilitate participants through the experience of self-discovery while channeling the light to offer empathic guidance.
This project holds significant meaning to me. It goes beyond being just a project; it’s a journey toward personal and creative enlightenment. I see the process of art-making as a means for self-empowerment and a way to contribute value to societal well-being.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a transdisciplinary artist based in New York, originally from Taipei. I work across fiber, painting, interactive art, and socially engaged practices to explore vibrational energy, mysticism, and social wellness. My interest in delving into the realms of metaphysics started as a need to understand paranormal experiences and my debilitating energetic sensitivity. I began contemplating our energetic capacities beyond the flesh and turned to art-making to confront my sensitivity, seeking empowering ways to channel my experiences into my work. Inspired by my spiritual awakening, my practice explores innovative ways to push the boundaries of materials and creative experimentation. Merging social practice with occult artistry, I aim to open a dialogue around color frequency and inner landscapes. Additionally, I use felting to translate my energetic visions into symbolic and tangible expressions. My multidisciplinary approach seeks to cultivate spiritual wellness while fostering social intimacy.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the most transformative experience in my spiritual awakening journey occurred during the summer of 2018. It continued to serve as a profound inspiration for my creative practice. It unfolded on an ordinary night in Brooklyn, I found myself alone in my apartment. overwhelmed with solitude. I broke down and cried. Seeking solace, I closed my eyes and meditated in the darkness. A spontaneous vision unfolded before me. I had a glimpse into another dimension in my meditative state, I saw the world through a unified field. Streams of light radiated in all directions, creating an intricate web connecting me to every living being on Earth. The realization dawned upon me – I was never truly alone. I existed in profound connection with everything and everyone in existence. As I surrendered to the immersive light, a sense of internal peace stopped my tears. Loneliness transformed into a profound understanding of oneness. In that transcendent moment, I felt as though I had revisited a familiar place I once knew. In the subsequent weeks, I asked the universe what I was supposed to do. I was surprised that I received a response, not through words, but as a telepathic message telling me to sculpt energy with my ability. While I couldn’t fully grasp the abstract nature of the message, many mystical experiences continue to open my eyes and show me the multi-dimensional world we live in. These profound experiences fundamentally altered my perspective on life and compelled me to explore the magical and mystical insights I experience in my work.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Life, to me, is a continuous initiation, guiding us through various stages of enlightenment and liberation. My work serves as a bridge, enabling me to emphasize the importance of emotional well-being and spiritual wellness, and fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. I strive to infuse life with continuous ripples of hope, resilience, and magic.
Contact Info:
- Website: davinahsu.com
- Instagram: davina.hsu