Diane Kidd Gallery

Weiting Wei (b.1984) is a Chinese-born artist who currently lives and works in Columbus, OH. She received her Bachelor of Education from Fujian Huanan Women’s Vocational College in China and her MFA from Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, OH. Her work is centered on the intersection of her identity as a mother and caregiver, and

 her practice as an artist. Using materials and processes that are similar to domestic life, Weiting’s work explores the subtleties of materials, how they move and respond to her hands, and the muscle memory that allows her to engage with the forms. Her work crosses the domestic with memories of her life in China while her thoughts are often centered on the day-to-day experiences, she has with her family and children. Weiting’s earlier works explored themes of pregnancy and motherhood through material use and Chinese symbolism. Her recent works focus on the paradox of parenting, specifically being the primary caregiver, and provides her with peace and relief from the anxiety and tension of daily life. Despite reflecting on the moments, she is least proud of while making her artwork, it promotes a closer examination of the details contained within its monochrome and stark surfaces, revealing intricacies and beauty that can be easily overlooked. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally, including exhibitions at Yellowstone Art Museum, MT, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, TX, Evansville Museum, IN, Zanesville Museum, OH, McConnell Art Center, Ohio Craft Museum and China.

My identity as a mother and caregiver is intertwined with my role as an artist. Understanding the behavior of materials and using processes akin to domestic tasks fosters a sense of familiarity with forms and muscle memory. This enables me to engage with the nuances of the materials, their responsiveness to my hands, and the fusion of clay shaping and the use of kitchen tools in my creative process. My work traverses the domestic realm through the use of tools and themes centered around pregnancy, children, and motherhood, interwoven with memories and traditions from my childhood. My recent works are inspired by the growth states of various organisms found in nature. Through the use of polymer clay, I aim to capture their abstract structures and dynamic forms. This artistic exploration not only reflects the intricate beauty of the natural world but also symbolizes the desire for personal growth and transformation, particularly from a feminine perspective. Each piece serves as a testament to the resilience and evolution inherent in both nature and the human experience, inviting viewers to connect with their own journeys of development and self-discovery.

The Diane Kidd Art Gallery operates under the direction of the School of Arts and Sciences at Tiffin University. Decisions regarding exhibitions are made by the Art Gallery Committee, and exhibitions are planned at least one year to two years in advance. Daily gallery operations are managed by Joseph Van Kerkhove, Art Gallery Director. Exhibition proposals may be sent to Mr. Van Kerkhove using the contact information below:

Tiffin University
J. Van Kerkhove/Hayes Center for the Arts
155 Miami St
Tiffin, OH 44883

Please include:

• A minimum of twenty high-resolution digital images
• Each image must be identified with First and Last Name, Title, Medium, Size, Date of artwork
• Brief biography
• Exhibition history
• List of publications
• Statement about proposed exhibition
• Contact information: mailing address, telephone, email