Welcome to my world!

Welcome to my world!

Friday, March 24, 2017

Forever, Chinatown: Dioramas by Frank Wong at the Chinese Historical Society of America in San Francisco, California USA

It’s hard to imagine anyone not being moved by Frank Wong’s fastidiously detailed dioramas. Seeing them was exceptionally high on my list of exhibits to see in San Francisco’s Chinese Historical Society of America Museum in Chinatown


But I admit that when I gazed at these unique visual representations of Frank Wong’s memories I was astonished. 


I first heard about these diorama’s from Corey Tong, producer of Forever, Chinatown who I enjoyed the privilege of welcoming to the December 17 broadcast of Marvels of China: Pathways to the Pacific Rim. (Click here to listen)


Frank Wong and his amazing dioramas get center stage in Forever, Chinatown -and deservedly so. 


Self-taught -and equipped with a rare gift of patience seemingly lost in our 21st century digital age- Frank has recreated his fading childhood memories by hand-building what have been described as “romantic, extraordinarily detailed miniature models of the San Francisco Chinatown rooms of his youth.” 







Producer/Director James Q. Chan has commented that Forever, Chinatown “takes the journey of one individual and maps it to a rapidly changing urban neighborhood from 1940s to present day. A meditation on memory, community, and preserving one’s own legacy, Frank’s three-dimensional miniature dioramas become rare portals into a historic neighborhood and a window to the artists’s filters and romanticized memories and emotional struggles.” 

Both the film and the dioramas -now on permanent display at the Chinese Historical Society of America- are a heartwarming tribute to an exceptionally gifted soul and a resilient community that has known storm and sunshine.


I found myself smiling and touched by such uncommon expression of love for Chinatown.


When you are in the City by the Bay make it a priority to visit the museum and view Frank Wong’s creations. 

You’ll be glad you did.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Sounds and Objects in Harmony: Sound Sculptures at Flinn Gallery, Greenwich Connecticut USA


Ever since I was a child, I've loved to delight and in these people. My artistic ideas originate from asking myself, 'if I were to create this, wouldn't people be astonished and amused?' 
– Akinori Matsumoto



Listen





Listen







Text here




Text










 












Sunday, November 1, 2015

Happy Monday! Dreams of Autumnal Gold and Wanderlust

Ah! to dream of autumnal gold and wanderlust! We've been truly blest with striking colors, even on overcast days like this one. 

I've passed by all these trees since arriving here in Connecticut from my home in Hawaii. Each day this Autumn season has brought subtle changes with initial hints of golds peeking through the green. Yet our days have shortened, and now we are blessed with this harvest of golden delights. 

Happy Monday to you! We're off to a good start! 















Sunday Mornings.


This is the sight that I awakened to. Even on an overcast morning autumn's burst of color continues to inspire. Happy Sunday!

Autumn golds brightly burn.


Autumn golds continue to burn brightly from surrounding trees. It's all a reminder as to why I love this season of the year best.

Birds of a feather...


Wall Art on Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii USA