Serrini’s song reminds us to empower and embrace our true selves. During my artist residency in Toronto (Ontario) and Wells (British Columbia), I played Serrini’s songs in the shared studio. Other artists did not understand Cantonese but still resonated with the power of Serrini’s voice. 

Trees and nature are my primary inspiration. Among many songs related to trees by Serrini, I chose “Kiki Mami”, which can reflect the emotions of being a Hong Kong diaspora in Canada.

Trees are deeply rooted, and their strength, trunk, and branches are a wonder of nature because they stand sturdy and impenetrable most of the time, but can sway with the wind. While trees are robust and grounded, leaves are fragile and vulnerable. The shedding and sprouting of leaves in tree growth cycles are potent symbols of life, death, and renewal. Consider what Thich Nhat Hanh reflects on a tree leaf: “I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling. The leaf told me, ‘No. During the whole spring and summer, I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all.’ I bowed my head, knowing that I have a lot to learn from the leaf because it is not afraid – it knows nothing can be born and nothing can die.”

In Hong Kong, trees in the urban streets often grow in unfavourable conditions. An ageing tree is more vulnerable to diseases, pests, and other environmental factors before their inevitable decline. They are struggling to survive, just like human beings. I picked a fallen leaf from a candlenut tree at the roadside in Wan Chai (an old district developed into a splendid waterfront residential area for the European elite) and carved the image of Lion Rock Hill, a symbol of Hong Kong people’s “can-do” spirit, showing the beauty and fragility of humanity.

Life is tough — BIPOC in white supremacy, women in patriarchal societies, expressing ourselves in the Asian culture of silence. Look up, “This real you now is coming through,” and we will make it through.