Thanks for writing about me and Nell in your Lantern Review blog. I am blown away by the depths of your feelings, which motivated your art-making and writing as a Korean adoptee in this country. What an honor it was that day in May when I came to see “A Place of Her Own” for the second time. The opening had been too crowded for me to view the works intimately. I didn’t know you and Elaine and was pleased that we struck up a conversation collectively and then individually. When you spoke in front of your stunning installation my heart was deeply touched. Wasn’t it wonderful that my sister, Nell, was there to see the art also? You had a chance to connect to her as her poetry had inspired you when you were a student. I left the exhibit that day absolutely glowing because I connected with you and Elaine. I support AAWAA but often don’t come to the events anymore so this May’s showing of “A Place of Her Own” meant a lot to me.

Looking ahead – Nell is using an image from my “Dinner Table II” installation as the cover illustration for her new book. I adored Judy Chicago’s seminal “Dinner Party” and saw it three times when it showed in San Francisco. I literally DRAGGED my children to see it. What made me ANGRY was that there was little or NO representation of Asian American women at the table. That anger served me well because it added to my frustration of being invisible in yet another dimension as an American female of Asian background. So, in 2004, I started to develop ideas for “Dinner Table II.” When I was an artist resident at Art Omi in New York the installation began in earnest. I am honored that Nell decided to use one of the images (she chose the one of her place setting at our family’s table) for her new book.

May we continue to cross paths and support one another. I am truly looking forward to July 30th when you and other AAWAA members present at the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers’ picnic.

May our friendship grow!