'Withered' is a series of porcelain sculptures that symbolise the psychological and spiritual self-perception of ancient Chinese women who were influenced by the corrupt feudal system of that era. Each portrait represents the suffering of women from the past, individually adorned in gold, red and white glazes. Gold in traditional Chinese culture represents prosperity and an integrated representation of something that all humans desire. The tears and cracked surface of the decaying portraits with covered mouths and wilting flowers are all in contrast to the gold that represents money and power. My work is an ode to my ancestors and the life that they endured.