The Return of the Flaming Butterfly, 2000, mixed media

"Ming Fay's new installation for the central gallery is inspired by the house and its setting, notably the fireplace as a metaphor for nature and humankind. The Return of the Flaming Butterfly introduces an invented image into this special room. A tree grows out of the fireplace towards the window that overlooks the Hudson River. It calls to mind the image of a flame with leaves that range in color from yellow to red. Resembling, but not replicating nature, each of the hybrid leaves contains a chamomile seed at the center and is made from rice paper and paper pulp. Ming Fay chose the chamomile seed in part for its curative powers. Swirling through the room, the work defies gravity and invokes mysterious energies and magnetic forces.”

Excerpt from catalog essay, Abundant Invention by Visual Arts Curator, Jennifer McGregor.