Dumpling Descendants
March 2025
16” x 12" paper print, $40
11” x 8.5” paper print, $25
Available for purchase at Toronto local markets and for free pick up in Downtown Toronto. Contact the artists for times and dates.
Custom Order Canvas:
16” x 12” canvas print, $110
Other larger sizes, available for custom order.
Available for free pick up in Downtown Toronto. Contact the artist for orders and details.
Prices do not include tax.
Dumpling Descendants is inspired by the delectable Qin’s Garden. Bringing the taste of Wu Xi all the way from China, Qin’s Garden has been cooking made-to-order soup dumplings since 1751. In its first location outside of Asia, this brick-and-mortar restaurant on Spadina is known for its crab meat soup dumplings and wontons. Over four generations, the Qin family has passed down their special recipes and cooking process, bringing the taste of their home to Canada.
Soup dumplings were something I began eating a lot of when I moved to Toronto 10 years ago. They are cheap, made quickly and perfectly filling; it was hard to resist eating them so regularly. The bursting of soup in my mouth always made me feel warm and at home. My mother always said to me growing up that a cold stomach is an upset stomach, and a warm stomach is a happy one. When my belly is fully of soup, I often think of this.
Dumpling Descendants is a part of my SIK JOR FAHN MEI AH Series where I consider my connection to Chinese food by showcasing some of my favourite dishes from local Toronto restaurants. The series title in English means “have you eaten yet?”. It is a meant as a phrase of love and care.
The BIG FOOD series was developed after the artist painted a mural for a local business called Simple Burger in 2021. The people behind this family-owned spot inspired them to develop a larger series about small businesses, immigrant culture and the love language of food.
Small businesses work above and beyond to operate their shops and produce meals. Behind all of them are people working tirelessly devoting themselves to their businesses. Food feels a lot more precious when we see all the work that has gone into it.
Food is also a love language. It falls under “Acts of Service” and yet it could be entirely its own. Many cultures use food as a form of care and to develop stronger bonds with loved ones. It is what builds our cultures and gives us space to belong to, especially for folks away from their homes. Food paves the way for our communities and often defines what home feels like.
The BIG FOOD series is an unlimited illustration series and will continue to speak to these themes and represent a vast array of cultures and people. As of 2023, the series is comprised of eight illustrations, each inspired by a specific small business or story.