In Jen Ting’s most recent work, The Pastry Bag, she explores the subconscious, using the pastry bag as an unconventional canvas. The project took shape in 2022 when she relocated to London to pursuit her career as an artist.

“I grew up in a small city in Pingtung, Taiwan, where life was straightforward and the environment was serene, surrounded by the beauty of mountains, rivers, and the sea. It was a place abundant with nature and home to Taiwan’s unique Formosan sika deer. After relocating to the bustling metropolis of London, I encountered a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, novelty, chaos, joy, hope, loneliness—all a world away from the peacefulness of my hometown. Painting became my sanctuary. The pieces within The Pastry Bag are born from the dreams and inner dialogues that surfaced when I first arrived in London.” – Jen Ting

In the hustle and bustle of a bigger city, where everything moves at a rapid pace and change is constant, many face overwhelming pressure and grueling schedules. It’s normal to find yourself relentlessly pursuing clear objectives but neglecting the importance of engaging in meaningful self-reflection and timely mental refreshment. Jen candidly shares that she too fell into this pattern, experiencing an anxiety disorder shortly after her move to London.

During the early mornings of 2022-2023, while working behind a bakery counter, she found herself in a semi-dreamlike state, pouring her subconscious into this readily available everyday object – a pastry bag. The project developed since and the result is a visually rich and emotionally charged experience. Her creations are characterized by abstract lines and imaginative shapes, often complemented by titles or verses that awaken a sense of childlike wonder.

Jen Ting emphasizes the significance of both physical and mental well-being, with these artworks serving not only as manifestations of personal reflection but also as spaces for internal dialogue.

The Pastry Bag an invitation to embrace the full range of human emotions and forge a connection with our inner selves. In a world that frequently urges us to stifle chaos, her art serves as a reminder that welcoming chaos can unveil unexpected beauty. As we contemplate her pastry bag, it naturally prompts us to ponder: What do we hold in our own pastry bag—an enclosure for our inner thoughts and subconscious?

In Jen Ting’s earlier works, she also emphasizes the importance of physical and mental well-being, which is exemplified in her inaugural comprehensive interactive installation piece The Tumor Bar from 2019. Through this piece, she actively encourages the audience to engage and delve into their most profound personal truths. Moreover, the themes are further explored in her paintings.

Jen eagerly anticipates the opportunity to reveal both the sweet and bitter moments concealed within people’s hearts, using art as a vehicle to enrich mental and physical well-being in our daily lives.