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Unpathing: using a low res projector to trace vectors (created from hand drawn shapes) onto foamcore, hand razor them then hang them 14ft in the air for a full scale mockup for @giselanycoak 's public art commission. Not unlike working in photoshop and realizing I'm viewing at 600%, I had to keep reminding myself of the compounded levels of inexactitude to keep manual drifts over 1/16" from spinning into an anxiety funnel.

World premiering at @bigskydocfest Feb 19-28, 2021! I'm happy to have worked on this short film, a sister project to @homeisahotel.

https://www.bigskyfilmfest.org/festival/films-2021-view/my_little_hilton/

After 25 years as an in-home caregiver, a Midwestern Black woman in her 60s strikes out for San Francisco to restart the music career she put on hold forty years ago in order to raise her children.

Online premiere today! @jussolifilm is @filmshortage daily pick, please point your browsers there and give it a watch. (I DP'd this.)

We Americans think that anyone born inside US borders is an American citizen. It's so ingrained that hard-core racists will challenge the veracity of a birth certificate before they challenge the notion of birthright citizenship. But citizenship- like fuel emission standards, legal drinking age, or what qualifies as a saturated fat- is legislation, written by humans, and therefore subject to change, sometimes without notice or compassion. With the looming threat of another four years (or more) of this administration and the legislators that abet it, I've thought more and more about citizenship--legally, communally, and otherwise-- and the possibility that continuation of my current status may not be up to me as an individual unless I'm willing to fight for it as part of a movement.

Online premiere today! @jussolifilm is @filmshortage daily pick, please point your browsers there and give it a watch. (I DP'd this.)

We Americans think that anyone born inside US borders is an American citizen. It's so ingrained that hard-core racists will challenge the veracity of a birth certificate before they challenge the notion of birthright citizenship. But citizenship- like fuel emission standards, legal drinking age, or what qualifies as a saturated fat- is legislation, written by humans, and therefore subject to change, sometimes without notice or compassion. With the looming threat of another four years (or more) of this administration and the legislators that abet it, I've thought more and more about citizenship--legally, communally, and otherwise-- and the possibility that continuation of my current status may not be up to me as an individual unless I'm willing to fight for it as part of a movement.

Yesterday morning kinda changed the mood for the whole day so I didn't feel up to posting on my feed until after well after nightfall on a day that didn't seem to have any day to it. It wasn't as hard to breath as it looked, but only because one natural phenomenon bore the weight of another we incited and kept it all from crashing down on us. We were given a glimpse into a possible future without feeling the heat of the flames or having the smoke burn out our olfactory organs, but how many more lucky days like this do we get until we come to our senses?

Yesterday morning kinda changed the mood for the whole day so I didn't feel up to posting on my feed until after well after nightfall on a day that didn't seem to have any day to it. It wasn't as hard to breath as it looked, but only because one natural phenomenon bore the weight of another we incited and kept it all from crashing down on us. We were given a glimpse into a possible future without feeling the heat of the flames or having the smoke burn out our olfactory organs, but how many more lucky days like this do we get until we come to our senses?

Yesterday morning kinda changed the mood for the whole day so I didn't feel up to posting on my feed until after well after nightfall on a day that didn't seem to have any day to it. It wasn't as hard to breath as it looked, but only because one natural phenomenon bore the weight of another we incited and kept it all from crashing down on us. We were given a glimpse into a possible future without feeling the heat of the flames or having the smoke burn out our olfactory organs, but how many more lucky days like this do we get until we come to our senses?

For those of us who aren't black and who aren't doing work that directly impacts black lives, it's important to make space to those who are, to center the narrative on them instead of us, to humbly and critically reflect on how the oppression of black people affects our lives, and to seriously consider changes we need to make in our lives, our minds, and our communities to move toward an anti-racist society.

In that spirit, here's what I'm reading instead of posting a #blackouttuesday black square or going out on the streets today: From (#)BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. I started it a couple years ago but put it down because, aside from not being a very dedicated reader of dead tree editions, it was at the edge of my 'wokeness' and sometimes overwhelming. Maybe you also have a book, magazine article, browser tab, etc., like this too? If you do, please join me in doing our homework so that our actions can be informed and not just performative.

If you have read this far and aren't ready to get off IG yet, please check out these groups, or find others that are local to you.
@eastoaklandcollective @reginasdoor @peoplesbreakfastoakland @outdoorafro @ellabakercenter @asians4blklives
This is a tiny list and there are many, many more out there who could use your support, whether that be donations, volunteering, or even just reposts.

When most people hear the word "filmmaker", they think of directors and producers. Editors and cinematographers next, maybe writers also. Actors, too, though they are usually seen as being in a whole other world. Rarely do they think of the grips, the electricians, the camera assistants, makeup artists, sound recordists, the set dressers, the crafties (don't underestimate the importance of impusively accessible food to keep things running smoothly), and so many more that come together to make a film. All my on-set kin who are out of work. We are all important, yet right now we are not essential. Films are important. Stories are essential. With productions cancelled or on hold indefinitely, we wonder what risks we're willing to take or will be asked to take to get back to making films, and when we'll be able to enjoy those stories together, in a theater or with friends at home.

This Thursday, I'll be part of a CAAMFest panel called Filmmaking in the Time of COVID-19. In 50 years, maybe that will be the name of a college class where they analyze the significance of actors holding hands but not kissing, the ubiquity of CGI for the simplest public exterior sets, and increased use of long lenses, but for now it'll be a handful of folks processing how we're going to keep creating and sharing stories while trying to keep us all safe and healthy- physically and mentally, financially and creatively, individually and communally.

https://caamfest.com/2020/special_events/caam-summit-session-1-filmmaking-in-the-time-of-covid-19/

#Repost @caamedia
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Introducing... CAAMFest Online: Heritage at Home! The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is proud to present a reimagined festival experience. From May 13-22, 2020, #CAAMFestOnline: #HeritageAtHome will provide an online alternative in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage #APAHM month. Now, more than ever, CAAM @caamedia is committed to bringing communities together through the power of storytelling.
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CAAMFest Online: Heritage at Home features over 20 digital events, ranging from online film screenings to interactive panels, watch parties, and house parties featuring live performances, ALL FREE OF CHARGE.

Like a lot of young people drawn to photography, I had dreams of working for National Geographic, traveling the planet, and bringing back stories which would expand peoples' perspective and perhaps even contribute to them engaging in the world. While my dreams and engagement tend to be a little more local these days, I don't need to go far to be reminded of how much we are connected through the natural world.

Not pictured: on drive down the coast, I sold the trumpet I've had since high school to a young musician starting to get serious about his playing. He sounded great and I could tell he was digging the horn when he was auditioning it in the beach parking lot; his dad texted me later that he'd been smiling a lot all day, apparently not a common occurence. I have a tendency to hoard instruments as part of my music addiction and every few weeks I would noodle on the trumpet, just enough to make me not want to let it go, but it felt good to be a little footnote in this kid's musical journey. I hope it brings as much to his life as it has to mine.

Like a lot of young people drawn to photography, I had dreams of working for National Geographic, traveling the planet, and bringing back stories which would expand peoples' perspective and perhaps even contribute to them engaging in the world. While my dreams and engagement tend to be a little more local these days, I don't need to go far to be reminded of how much we are connected through the natural world.

Not pictured: on drive down the coast, I sold the trumpet I've had since high school to a young musician starting to get serious about his playing. He sounded great and I could tell he was digging the horn when he was auditioning it in the beach parking lot; his dad texted me later that he'd been smiling a lot all day, apparently not a common occurence. I have a tendency to hoard instruments as part of my music addiction and every few weeks I would noodle on the trumpet, just enough to make me not want to let it go, but it felt good to be a little footnote in this kid's musical journey. I hope it brings as much to his life as it has to mine.

Like a lot of young people drawn to photography, I had dreams of working for National Geographic, traveling the planet, and bringing back stories which would expand peoples' perspective and perhaps even contribute to them engaging in the world. While my dreams and engagement tend to be a little more local these days, I don't need to go far to be reminded of how much we are connected through the natural world.

Not pictured: on drive down the coast, I sold the trumpet I've had since high school to a young musician starting to get serious about his playing. He sounded great and I could tell he was digging the horn when he was auditioning it in the beach parking lot; his dad texted me later that he'd been smiling a lot all day, apparently not a common occurence. I have a tendency to hoard instruments as part of my music addiction and every few weeks I would noodle on the trumpet, just enough to make me not want to let it go, but it felt good to be a little footnote in this kid's musical journey. I hope it brings as much to his life as it has to mine.

Like a lot of young people drawn to photography, I had dreams of working for National Geographic, traveling the planet, and bringing back stories which would expand peoples' perspective and perhaps even contribute to them engaging in the world. While my dreams and engagement tend to be a little more local these days, I don't need to go far to be reminded of how much we are connected through the natural world.

Not pictured: on drive down the coast, I sold the trumpet I've had since high school to a young musician starting to get serious about his playing. He sounded great and I could tell he was digging the horn when he was auditioning it in the beach parking lot; his dad texted me later that he'd been smiling a lot all day, apparently not a common occurence. I have a tendency to hoard instruments as part of my music addiction and every few weeks I would noodle on the trumpet, just enough to make me not want to let it go, but it felt good to be a little footnote in this kid's musical journey. I hope it brings as much to his life as it has to mine.

Like a lot of young people drawn to photography, I had dreams of working for National Geographic, traveling the planet, and bringing back stories which would expand peoples' perspective and perhaps even contribute to them engaging in the world. While my dreams and engagement tend to be a little more local these days, I don't need to go far to be reminded of how much we are connected through the natural world.

Not pictured: on drive down the coast, I sold the trumpet I've had since high school to a young musician starting to get serious about his playing. He sounded great and I could tell he was digging the horn when he was auditioning it in the beach parking lot; his dad texted me later that he'd been smiling a lot all day, apparently not a common occurence. I have a tendency to hoard instruments as part of my music addiction and every few weeks I would noodle on the trumpet, just enough to make me not want to let it go, but it felt good to be a little footnote in this kid's musical journey. I hope it brings as much to his life as it has to mine.

When did you decide to be an American? It certainly wasn't when you were born. For those of us brought here by parents, it probably wasn't before or even shortly after we arrived. For me, I didn't decide I was American-- realize and accept, more accurately-- until well into adulthood, years after the paperwork said so.

Getting to decide where you're from and where you're at, to be in control of your own story, is a choice we should all have and continue to have. Last summer, I worked on a film about who decides who is or isn't an American. Now, we're raising finishing funds to get this story into the world. Please take a look at JusSolisFilm.com. (In case you hadn't guessed, I'm the one in yellow in the photo.)
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Reposted from @jussolisfilm
This is our Director of Photography Seng Chen @sengvision with his family in 1979: "2 years before this, we had moved to New Jersey from Singapore, the place of my birth. Around this time my father got his Green Card with much help from the company that sponsored his H-1B visa. It wouldn't be until 1987 that our family would become US citizens. Even with college degrees from esteemed American universities, English fluency, highly valued professional skills, and the guidance of employer-backed lawyers, it still took my parents ten years to complete the citizenship process.”

First bike ride in months, a fortunate complaint when I've used my time to make music, create stories, build connections with those around me, and chill. Still, it's good to remind myself how easy it is to get into some smooth, curvy, redwoods-lined roads without ever leaving #Oakland.

#outsideisfree #getoutside

Got on the bike for a couple hours after a week unable to really get out and enjoy the 60s-and-sunny because of sinus congestion. It was so bad, I could only muster one duet at karaoke Friday night. Tragic. Sometimes I ride slow, sometimes I ride quick. These days, it's mostly slow and I am happy to just ride.

#justride #bikesarefreedom #outsideisfree #newphonewhodis #droidonly

Got turned around twice on the drive over- guess I know the way better by bike than by car? Certainly a good thing, except it means I don't get out here as much as I should. City parks are gems hidden in plain sight, we rush past and cover them in dust, forgetting how much tasty fruit grows right next to our well worn paths.

#getoutside #nature #oakland #foraging

I wish nature always centered me, humbled me, left me in awe, energized me, all those endlessly repeated but nevertheless still true sentiments. Lately, I can't get through a walk in the woods without thinking mostly about how the wonderful regional parks are going to be where we will build shantytowns when the waters rise, streets are flooded, and many of us will relearn how to live off the land to survive. It doesn't diminish my appreciation for those parks, though; quite the opposite- I am grateful everyday to live in a city where we are so close to unpaved, undeveloped spaces that our relationship to "nature", and to one another, does not go unexamined or taken for granted. I hope that when we build those makeshift homes, we will do so as communities and not as individuals.

#oakland #eastbayregionalparks #getoutside #nature #climatechange

I wish nature always centered me, humbled me, left me in awe, energized me, all those endlessly repeated but nevertheless still true sentiments. Lately, I can't get through a walk in the woods without thinking mostly about how the wonderful regional parks are going to be where we will build shantytowns when the waters rise, streets are flooded, and many of us will relearn how to live off the land to survive. It doesn't diminish my appreciation for those parks, though; quite the opposite- I am grateful everyday to live in a city where we are so close to unpaved, undeveloped spaces that our relationship to "nature", and to one another, does not go unexamined or taken for granted. I hope that when we build those makeshift homes, we will do so as communities and not as individuals.

#oakland #eastbayregionalparks #getoutside #nature #climatechange

I wish nature always centered me, humbled me, left me in awe, energized me, all those endlessly repeated but nevertheless still true sentiments. Lately, I can't get through a walk in the woods without thinking mostly about how the wonderful regional parks are going to be where we will build shantytowns when the waters rise, streets are flooded, and many of us will relearn how to live off the land to survive. It doesn't diminish my appreciation for those parks, though; quite the opposite- I am grateful everyday to live in a city where we are so close to unpaved, undeveloped spaces that our relationship to "nature", and to one another, does not go unexamined or taken for granted. I hope that when we build those makeshift homes, we will do so as communities and not as individuals.

#oakland #eastbayregionalparks #getoutside #nature #climatechange

I wish nature always centered me, humbled me, left me in awe, energized me, all those endlessly repeated but nevertheless still true sentiments. Lately, I can't get through a walk in the woods without thinking mostly about how the wonderful regional parks are going to be where we will build shantytowns when the waters rise, streets are flooded, and many of us will relearn how to live off the land to survive. It doesn't diminish my appreciation for those parks, though; quite the opposite- I am grateful everyday to live in a city where we are so close to unpaved, undeveloped spaces that our relationship to "nature", and to one another, does not go unexamined or taken for granted. I hope that when we build those makeshift homes, we will do so as communities and not as individuals.

#oakland #eastbayregionalparks #getoutside #nature #climatechange