In Solidarity

This past February (which seems like eons ago) Austin and I applied to one of Portland’s larger craft fairs, the Crafty Wonderland, and in March (very much to our surprise) we got the notification that we were both accepted. Shortly after that time, the U.S. quickly began to experience the pandemic and everything slowed. Crafty Wonderland had rescheduled four times before they finally settled on a virtual market date of July 24th and 25th.

It’s clear to me that this craft fair is really not that important amid this huge cultural shift and necessary social movement. In light of everything that has been happening (which certainly is not new), I feel a bit torn with my involvement in this year’s craft fair, but I also feel tasked with the balance of participating to keep myself afloat. This evaluation, discomfort, and reflection is the whole dang point and I am embracing it and leaning into it as much as I can. This work is ongoing and even as I am constantly navigating my own experiences as an Asian American woman, I have *much* to learn. This unpacking is not mutually exclusive to Black liberation and it is my responsibility to continually challenge anti-Blackness and uplift and create space for my BIPOC community – things I’ve always strived to weave into my work.

As a way to stay engaged, I will be holding an online art auction via Instagram to raise funds for Black Futures Farm and Mudbone Grown. 100% of the auction proceeds will be split 50/50 between the two orgs. Food access and food sovereignty are very important to me. Both of these orgs are local community farms that are helping to create Black food security as well as support Black farmers. In addition to that, proceeds from a select few pieces in my shop will also be donated to The Chúush Fund to provide clean water to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Please read the item descriptions in my shop for more details.

Be on the lookout for future posts about this and Crafty Wonderland soon!

Reparations will be made.
F*ck racism.
F*ck the model minority myth.
Food for all.
xo