I dusted off my calligraphy and floral drawing skills to help illustrate my friend’s wedding welcome sign. The end result was even more beautiful than I could have imagined and I was so thrilled to be able to help add a personal touch to Geraldine’s special day.
Wishing you and Rich a happy and long marriage! xoxo.
Another set of painted paper bags for the wonderful Heart of Dinner. I had completed two sets and this time around I wanted to create something to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year. I made a paper stencil of an ox, this year’s zodiac symbol. Efficiency would be key to get through 50 bags, so the stencil was really helpful. I filled in each ox shape with red or black paint, then added floral and geometric motifs in gold, which was the extra bit of embellishment that was needed on the oxen.
With the stresses of my apartment move, it took me much longer to complete all 50 bags, but better late than never, right? Especially for an organization that provides food, love, and smiles to New York City Asian elders.
When I dropped off the bags last Wednesday, I was so happy to learn that due to overwhelming response from the community after being featured on the Ellen show, Heart of Dinner has enough bags for months. So the next time around, I will try my hand on some handwritten notecards instead. Need to start brainstorming! 😊
Another dear friend has decided to leave The Big Apple.
I have known for months that Kym was moving back to the Bay Area, but as our last dinner was approaching a wave of sadness came over me. I am comforted by the fact that she is making the best decision for herself. And, if the past is any indication of the future, Kym is moving towards great things as was the case for my other friends Janice and Wendy when they closed their New York City chapters. You have to let go of one monkey bar to get to the next, right?
Kym’s departure coincided with my big apartment move. With the craziness of purging, packaging, and the pandemic, I was not in the headspace to create a thoughtful parting gift, but still felt the need to make something. It needed to be something simple and fast as I only had a day to work on this.
I was trying to think of things that screamed New York City. I thought ‘is there anything more quintessentially New York than the ‘The New Yorker’ tote?’ Though some may argue that this bag has run its trendy course, it is something I will spot almost every day walking around in the city.
Using the ‘The New Yorker’ as a basis I created a Kym Yorker version. Isn’t it so cute? I wish I time to print it on a tote.
On the back side of this mini poster, I created a questionnaire with things to fill in like “favorite restaurants,” “favorite subway line” and the perfect day. I thought this would be the perfect way for Kym to put pen-to-paper and walk down memory lane.
I will miss you Kym! And, the delicious engagement chicken and maple syrup wontons you made for us. I am not so secretly hoping you will come back to the East Coast, but most importantly, wishing all things wonderful in your future. xoxo.
No, this is not an image error. I made a montage of the movie Parasite from beginning to end, inspired by something similar I saw at an art fair. One year ago today, Parasite won 4 Oscars, including Best Picture. I remember feeling a zing go through my entire body each time the South Korean movie was named the winner.
First frame
Last frame
I know I am probably partial to Parasite because I am Korean. But, how can you not appreciate Director Bong Joon Ho's meticulous eye: the first and last frame being the same shot, a simple doorbell ring marking the midpoint of the movie and switch of genres, sourcing a $2,300 German trash can to show how wealthy the rich family is, the rich home set being built facing a specific direction to ensure the sunlight came in just right. No wonder his nickname is Bong-tail. And, the movie's theme of the haves, have nots and have even less is an uncomfortable but much needed mirror to our society. Relevant today when you see how people are impacted so differently by COVID based on their socioeconomic and racial backgrounds.
Parasite's recognition with the fans and critics felt like a watershed moment for Asians and Asian Americans in media. But, at the same time progress can be slow and is not always linear. The rise of attacks on Asians since the start of the pandemic feel like a setback and I am reminded that words, thoughts and representation matter. As Bong accepted his Best Director award, he thanked his longtime hero Martin Scorsese for the words "the most personal is the most creative." May we all feel empowered to tell our own story in whatever form and in turn create a better, more compassionate and inspiring world. 🍑
A hand-painting card with gold edging for my friend’s daughter Quinn.
