Healing:
Tangible Expressions and Intangible Bonds in Human Connection Amidst the Pandemic
I reached out to the multifaceted artist and product designer Yoshe Li because I was initially impressed by her work “Let Me Be Your Friend.” As the final narrator in my series of interviews exploring various facets of the COVID era, Yoshe adds a critical dimension to the narrative by delving into the theme of personal hygiene, a focal point heightened during the pandemic.
The pandemic has elevated the importance of personal hygiene to unprecedented levels, a shift that Yoshe astutely observes and creatively incorporates into her work. Her creation isn't just a nod to the ubiquity of handwashing signs and hand sanitizer bottles, but a deeper reflection on the era's ethos. It is a tangible representation of the pandemic, merging practicality with profound symbolism.
I visited her apartment, and we engaged in a conversation that spanned over an hour in a quiet lounge. We delved into the intricacies of "Let Me Be Your Friend," which, in my opinion, touches upon the following intriguing questions: Apart from physical touch, what elements sustain human interaction or safeguard the recollection of a person's image? In the prolonged absence of direct contact, how can we retain the sensation of others' presence?
"Let Me Be Your Friend" stands as a product conceptualized by Yoshe during her time at Parsons, a response to the realization that she formed new connections with individuals wearing masks. Sensing a gap in human interaction, Yoshe aimed to create something evocative that would prompt people to think of each other. Opting for soap as her medium, she sought to encourage individuals to prioritize personal hygiene and cleanliness during the pandemic. Yoshe crafted sample soap models based on the facial features of her new cohort mates, presenting them as gifts to solicit feedback during the product design process. The central question she posed was, "Would you think of me when you used the soap?" The responses were sometimes surly, and she even facetiously remarked, "I guess it's just a very invasive way to keep you in somebody's mind, just to have you in their home."
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While the packaging and the soap's head shape piqued my interest, the most remarkable design aspect, in my view, is the soap's dual role as both a functional item and a gift. In a society where gifts play a crucial role in fostering human connections, the added attribute of serving as a necessity for personal hygiene during the pandemic adds a layer of depth to Yoshe's creation. Moreover, Yoshe's thoughtfulness extended to adding scents to the soap, with unique fragrances tailored for each classmate. This deliberate choice aimed to infuse the gift with an additional layer of memory, with the hope that the selected fragrance would act as a trigger for recollection and connection between the giver and the receiver.
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"Let Me Be Your Friend" transcends being merely a functional work of art. Yoshe Li's creation prompts contemplation on the nuanced interplay between tangible expressions, such as gifts fostering human connection during the pandemic, and the intangible threads that intricately bind us. Derived from this project, the talented musician also composed the song “All you need is a conversation.” Aligned with the healing concept of the song, this artwork encourages us to navigate the complexities of contemporary human interaction with heightened awareness and intention, urging us to cherish and foster meaningful connections in the face of adversity. It stands not just as a product but as a testament to the resilience of human connection amid unprecedented challenges, offering a theme of healing for human interaction during the pandemic.
The pandemic has elevated the importance of personal hygiene to unprecedented levels, a shift that Yoshe astutely observes and creatively incorporates into her work. Her creation isn't just a nod to the ubiquity of handwashing signs and hand sanitizer bottles, but a deeper reflection on the era's ethos. It is a tangible representation of the pandemic, merging practicality with profound symbolism.
I visited her apartment, and we engaged in a conversation that spanned over an hour in a quiet lounge. We delved into the intricacies of "Let Me Be Your Friend," which, in my opinion, touches upon the following intriguing questions: Apart from physical touch, what elements sustain human interaction or safeguard the recollection of a person's image? In the prolonged absence of direct contact, how can we retain the sensation of others' presence?
"Let Me Be Your Friend" stands as a product conceptualized by Yoshe during her time at Parsons, a response to the realization that she formed new connections with individuals wearing masks. Sensing a gap in human interaction, Yoshe aimed to create something evocative that would prompt people to think of each other. Opting for soap as her medium, she sought to encourage individuals to prioritize personal hygiene and cleanliness during the pandemic. Yoshe crafted sample soap models based on the facial features of her new cohort mates, presenting them as gifts to solicit feedback during the product design process. The central question she posed was, "Would you think of me when you used the soap?" The responses were sometimes surly, and she even facetiously remarked, "I guess it's just a very invasive way to keep you in somebody's mind, just to have you in their home."
Figure 1. Distinct scents of the soap evoke varied memories associated with the person
While the packaging and the soap's head shape piqued my interest, the most remarkable design aspect, in my view, is the soap's dual role as both a functional item and a gift. In a society where gifts play a crucial role in fostering human connections, the added attribute of serving as a necessity for personal hygiene during the pandemic adds a layer of depth to Yoshe's creation. Moreover, Yoshe's thoughtfulness extended to adding scents to the soap, with unique fragrances tailored for each classmate. This deliberate choice aimed to infuse the gift with an additional layer of memory, with the hope that the selected fragrance would act as a trigger for recollection and connection between the giver and the receiver.
Figure 2. Packaging transforms the soap into a meaningful gift for human connection
"Let Me Be Your Friend" transcends being merely a functional work of art. Yoshe Li's creation prompts contemplation on the nuanced interplay between tangible expressions, such as gifts fostering human connection during the pandemic, and the intangible threads that intricately bind us. Derived from this project, the talented musician also composed the song “All you need is a conversation.” Aligned with the healing concept of the song, this artwork encourages us to navigate the complexities of contemporary human interaction with heightened awareness and intention, urging us to cherish and foster meaningful connections in the face of adversity. It stands not just as a product but as a testament to the resilience of human connection amid unprecedented challenges, offering a theme of healing for human interaction during the pandemic.
Yuying Wu
“You mentioned that you needed to interview other people during the product design phase. Did you actually send the soap to people? What did they say? What kind of comments did they provide?”Yoshe Li
“They were mainly commenting on the packaging, mentioning that it's very inviting and cozy. Additionally, they liked the shape of the soap, noting that it can stand on its own due to the base at the back. They appreciated its handy size, mentioning you can easily grip it. Some also expressed a desire for the soap to somehow symbolize the removal of social distancing measures, with the hope that the soap could play a role in fostering closer connections.”Yoshe Li
“Then I had this interesting idea of combining memories, impressions of a person, and the sense of smell. This concept later evolved into the advanced version of this project, specifically playing with the scents of the soaps. The urgent aspect of the idea was to have distinct scents that signify different things.”Yoshe Li
“One more roundWe’ll make it right this time
It is too early to call it a night
Don’t cry everything is gonna be alright
Come on
All you need is a conversation“
—— All You Need Is a Conversation
Yoshe Li - All You Need Is a Conversation
Fieldnotes
The anticipation that enveloped me as I prepared to interview Yoshe was unmistakable, further intensified by the realization that she wasn't just an accomplished influencer but also a notable musician on Chinese social media. Adding to this, she had prior experience being interviewed by other art review blogs. Consequently, I took extensive measures to ensure that our oral history interview stood out, avoiding any semblance to previous interviews she had participated in. Despite the heightened nervousness in preparing for this interview, it unexpectedly evolved into the most emotionally resonant session within the scope of this project.
Upon completing the oral history interview, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Yoshe had a wealth of additional work that could be explored within the context of the COVID era. Since Yoshe is such a skilled storyteller, sharing her pandemic memories in engaging narratives, I felt compelled to spotlight our conversation through the lens of three distinct stories.
Memory Piece I
In our conversation, Yoshe acknowledged her privileged position during the pandemic, understanding the advantages that shaped her experience. Yet, a unique concern set her apart — not the fear of the virus, but the abrupt loss of independent time cast a shadow over her pandemic journey.
As the global lockdown unfolded, Yoshe's family dynamics shifted dramatically. Immigrants to Canada, her family faced stringent requirements, leading her mother to bring her 3-year-old brother to Toronto. In China, they had a nanny, but in Canada, Yoshe's mother had to solo childcare for the first time.
This adjustment turned chaotic for Yoshe. "I was traumatized by that experience," she shared, reflecting on the upheaval of their family dynamics. The once-solitary moments she cherished within their Canadian home became a distant memory. The lockdown erased the luxury of independent time she had enjoyed since studying abroad at 16.
The solitude she once relished was replaced by the constant hum of family life. Yoshe, thrust into a vortex of familial intimacy, grappled with discomfort — an unexpected flipside to the isolation experienced by others.
Memory Piece II
In 2019, Yoshe grappled with familial expectations of an arranged marriage. Despite commendable traits in the prospective partner, Yoshe resisted having her life predetermined. Their paths briefly crossed, but a relationship failed to bloom. As Yoshe returned to her life in Toronto, the pandemic disrupted routines.
Separated physically, the man asked about her return, but pandemic restrictions thwarted it. His matter-of-fact response was, "Okay, if that's the case, I'm gonna meet another girl."
Then time passed, and news of the man's marriage reached Yoshe this year. I asked Yoshe if they could work out if there were no travel restrictions. Yoshe, uncertain, replied, "Maybe not."
Reflecting on this chapter, Yoshe composed the song "Charlie’s Song," which will be released soon. This song channels emotions into a melody that encapsulates the complexities of this untold story. The song became an intimate expression, weaving threads of an almost relationship and the pandemic-altered world.
Memory Piece III
When I inquired about Yoshe's current project, she shared her poignant plan to create a project about her grandfather. Hindered by travel restrictions, she hasn't visited China in five years. Given her grandfather's prolonged battle with cancer, Yoshe had a prescient awareness of the inevitable. During her last visit in 2019, sensing it might be her final opportunity, she devoted extensive time to being with him, eating with him, and driving him with her.
Tragically, her fears materialized when her grandfather succumbed to cancer during the pandemic. Yoshe learned of his passing through a call from her cousin: “when I received that call from my cousin, I didn't even pick it up and I knew it was my grandfather passed away.” The family chose not to immediately convey the news, considering her emotional well-being amid the isolation of Toronto's initial pandemic outbreak.
As Yoshe recounted this deeply personal story, emotions ran high, resonating with my own grief for my grandmother's recent passing due to a heart attack this summer. We both cried. I found a profound connection with Yoshe's narrative, sharing the perpetual concern for grandparents overseas and the effort to spend cherished moments with them, especially during the pandemic.
Yoshe's pandemic recollection not only unravels personal challenges but also offers a lens into the broader human experience during these tumultuous times. The recurring theme of lack of control underscores a universal struggle faced by many individuals. The upheaval caused by the pandemic disrupted routines, severed connections, and confronted everyone with an unsettling reality—a reality where familiar aspects of life slipped beyond our grasp.
Her loss of independent time, once taken for granted, became an impossibility. Furthermore, Yoshe's exploration of a potential relationship, hindered by circumstances beyond her control, mirrors the broader theme of disrupted human connections. The pandemic tested not only existing relationships but also thwarted the possibility of new ones, emphasizing the overarching impact on the intricate dance of human connections. Most notably, the inability to be with her grandfather during his final moments resonates deeply. This aspect of her story touches on the universal fear of losing loved ones and the anguish of being physically separated during such crucial times.
In essence, Yoshe's narrative serves as a microcosm of the collective human experience during the pandemic—an exploration of resilience, adaptation, and the quest for meaning amid the uncontrollable twists of life.
Her loss of independent time, once taken for granted, became an impossibility. Furthermore, Yoshe's exploration of a potential relationship, hindered by circumstances beyond her control, mirrors the broader theme of disrupted human connections. The pandemic tested not only existing relationships but also thwarted the possibility of new ones, emphasizing the overarching impact on the intricate dance of human connections. Most notably, the inability to be with her grandfather during his final moments resonates deeply. This aspect of her story touches on the universal fear of losing loved ones and the anguish of being physically separated during such crucial times.
In essence, Yoshe's narrative serves as a microcosm of the collective human experience during the pandemic—an exploration of resilience, adaptation, and the quest for meaning amid the uncontrollable twists of life.