Stemming from personal experience, a theme in Datchuk’s work is navigating the sense of “being in between” that comes from dual heritage. Bamboo as a motif is used repeatedly in the artist's work. Datchuk says bamboo is “accommodating yet evasive,” symbolizing her journey of trying to be a “best quality daughter” (a commonly used phrase in China) while also trying to be as “American” as possible, curling and re-growing in the direction required at the moment, while also clinging to the chance to be carefree in a time that is fleeting and precious. It is also used “as a metaphor for how women help each other, continue to find life, and nurture one another.” - Jennifer Ling Datchuk

Bamboo as a motif is used repeatedly in the artist work. Datchuk says the bamboo is “accommodating yet evasive,” symbolizing her journey of trying to be a “best quality daughter” (a commonly used phrase in China and one painted in glaze on her work) while also trying to be as “American” as possible, curling and re-growing in the direction required at the moment, while also clinging to the chance to be carefree in a time that is fleeting and precious.

When discussing her decision to use bamboo, Datchuk explained “Bamboo is a plant that can almost be invasive as it can grow in many different climates. It can also grow and accommodate around things and I see that as a metaphor for how women keep swerving around misogyny, patriarchy, sexism, and that we still try to thrive in that environment. We are helping each other and we still continue to find life and nurture one another.”