The Diane Kidd Gallery at Tiffin University is pleased to present “Whispers of White: A Journey of Growth & Love”, an exhibition of recent work by artist Weiting Wei. The exhibition opens August 24, 2026, and will remain on view through October 9. An artist reception will be held Friday, August 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Diane Kidd Gallery located in the Hayes Center for the Arts. The reception is free and open to the public.
Wei, who lives and works in Columbus, Ohio, explores the intersection of motherhood, caregiving, memory, nature and artistic practice. Her work draws heavily from the domestic realm, incorporating familiar tools, gestures and processes associated with everyday life. Through these connections, Wei considers how muscle memory, material behavior, family traditions and personal experience shape both identity and creative expression.
Wei’s work takes inspiration from the growth states and organic structures of organisms found in nature. Working primarily with polymer clay, she transforms these observations into abstract forms that suggest growth, movement, transformation and emergence. The resulting monochromatic works invite viewers to look closely at surfaces and forms that can initially appear stark and restrained, revealing intricate details and subtle variations upon closer examination.
The exhibition reflects Wei’s ongoing exploration of the complexities of motherhood and caregiving. Her practice acknowledges both the beauty and difficulty of these experiences, while also considering the resilience required to continually grow and adapt. The organic forms within her recent work become metaphors for personal transformation, particularly from a feminine perspective.
“My recent works are inspired by the growth states of various organisms found in nature,” Wei explains. “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.”
Wei’s artistic practice is deeply connected to her identity as a mother and caregiver. She describes the familiarity of domestic processes and tools as an important part of her creative methodology, allowing her to engage intuitively with materials and their responsiveness to her hands. Her work also incorporates memories and traditions from her childhood in China, creating a dialogue between her past and present experiences.
Wei 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, Ohio. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at venues including the Yellowstone Art Museum in Montana, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts in Texas, Evansville Museum in Indiana, Zanesville Museum in Ohio, McConnell Art Center, Ohio Craft Museum and exhibition venues in China.
“Whispers of White: A Journey of Growth & Love, offers an opportunity to consider growth not simply as a physical or natural process, but as an ongoing part of the human experience,” said Joseph Van Kerkhove, Director of the Diane Kidd Gallery.
“Wei’s work encourages viewers to slow down and examine the subtle details within each form while reflecting on the ways that love, caregiving, memory and transformation shape our lives.”
For more information, visit the Diane Kidd Gallery’s website at tiffin.edu/arts/diane-kidd-gallery or contact Debby Roszman at RoszmanDL@tiffin.edu.