Artist Statement:

As a nomadic expat, childhood meant moving from country to country – eight to be exact. Each culture struck differently. Each experience was none like any other. Each memory later encouraged personal and broader exploration of home and place.

In Beijing, the adventures I had with my parents were fundamental to my appreciation of Chinese culture. The parks with indigenous flowers, that my mom used to take me to, may have initiated my fascination with nature and its many forms. Visits to the iconic Tiananmen Square, with my Dad, may have influenced my intrigue in architecture and history.

In the Philippines, my optimism to try new cuisines may have stemmed from tasting deceivingly unappetizing Filipino dishes like Adobo or Sinigang. I was also able to live in my grandmother’s house for some time, which made me feel a part of the local community and appreciate my Asian heritage.

In Osaka, it was the cherry blossoms, the shinkansen, the kimonos, and the kawaii culture that prompted my interest in cartoon illustration and minimalist design.

In Bali, it was the celebrations, the frangipanis, the batik clothing and the beautiful Hindu art that taught me to be respectful of people’s belief systems and to protect the environment

All these wonderfully diverse places have a common element that binds them all together – people.

I make art primarily because I want to connect with people. I believe that art should be inclusive and easily accessible to all. It should be able to speak to all our experiences as human beings, and not be limited to a single demographic. Art should ignite that universal instinct to connect.