DREAM 夢

THIS MOST EXQUISITE THING I HAVE EVER CREATED!!!!!! 🦋💙🤩🐬🌀🩵🪁

夢 (DREAM) means ‘dream’ in Chinese, based off of calligraphy by @kaori_shodo.
24 x 36 x 5.5 inches
Argon-filled 12mm glass tubes, acrylic on wood panel

Cool blue neon glass tubes that outline the word "dream" in Chinese in front of a background with iridescent marks — DREAM, neon glass tubes on wood panel, 24×36″

This piece is a reflection on the role of dreams and dreaming as a child of immigrants. It alludes to the dreams our parents left behind in their old country, the dreams they brought with them into this new country, the dreams we’ve developed as their children, the discrepancy and clashing between our dreams, and both the beauty and hardship of chasing our dreams against all odds.

This piece took so much out of me physically, mentally and emotionally. And it was all worth it. Created at @brooklynglass intermediate neon course.

Originally published on Instagram.

[Added February 2026]

The full creation process

I based this piece off of @kaori_shodo‘s calligraphy (with her permission), because I wanted it to be done in semi-cursive (Xingshu 行書) script, and my own xingshu calligraphy was not yet up to my standards.

A pattern based on @kaori_shodo’s calligraphy

Every project will have its trials and tribulations:

This unit has some complex logic and splicing involved.

The heartbreak was more intense than I’d like to admit. After some screaming, sulking, and tears, it’s time to get back to work.

I had burnt through so much of the old pattern that I redrew it.

With all units complete, I could mount it.

Double checking that everything fits and lights up.

Below are photos of “DREAM” in all its glory, including some from the DON’T Film Screening and Art Event in Brooklyn, NY.