Artist. Student. Athlete.

I was born in Orange County, California, and have lived here most of my life. I’ve always had an interest in art, whether it was a coloring page, tracing, or just a pencil and scratch paper, I was always creating. My parents were always supportive of my interests and would put me in art classes, but as a young stubborn kid I never applied myself. I really appreciated the endless supply of scratch paper they provided me, though. Since I can remember I was always the kid who drew, or the one you would ask to draw things for you. When applied for college I decided to put my full force into my interest in art, and ever since I have been building up my career as an artist.

First and foremost I am an artist who specializes in portraits (and whatever peeks my interest.) Additionally I am in the BFA Illustration program at California State University Long Beach. I am constantly trying to hone my skills so I can execute any idea I have in my mind. In my free time I enjoy working out; I consider my fitness and physique a long term project I work on.

How does being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American and/or community ally play a role in your life?

Its always cool to cross paths with another Taiwanese/Taiwanese American person. Frankly, there isn’t much Taiwanese representation, so I think it’s important that we recognize and support one another. Seeing role models like Bart Kwan or Eddie Huang inspires me to be that for the next generations to come.

If you could teach future generations 1 thing about being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American or Taiwan, what would it be?

Take the time to understand your heritage/culture. Honestly, most of my life I wasn’t cognizant of my Taiwanese heritage. I spoke Mandarin and it was assumed by myself and others that I was Chinese. However, as each yearly trip to Taiwan went by, my eyes were opened to the culture of my family. Taiwan is so rich with culture and has so much to offer, you just have recognize it.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

Taiwanese Americans branching out into all different walks of life, hobbies, occupations, opportunities, etc.

Favorite memory of Taiwan/Taiwanese America?

Every single year I travel to Taiwan the better it gets. Almost all of my family is in Taiwan, so I cherish every time I get to see them. I feel that each trip to Taiwan melds together to create a memory that consists of different characteristics of Taiwan, such as: the night markets, family dinners, mopeds, the humidity, mosquito bites, street food, taxi cabs, 7-11s, etc. and I love it all.

Favorite Taiwanese food?

Fried Stinky Tofu