Artist Statement
I Am From
In the body of work, I explore my Hmong-American identity through interpersonal relationships with family. Drawing inspiration from my cultural background, I explore the traditional Hmong xuav and a poem I wrote titled I Am From. The content of the poem guides me to further reflect on the intersections of my Hmong-American experiences, what my family story is, and how my experiences define my life.
The sound, weight, and movement of the xauv are lingering memories from childhood, especially from the Hmong New Year. I strive to evoke a feeling associated with those memories through making a pair of the xauv.
I utilize sterling silver as that material is traditionally used to make the xauv. I created the chain links using the dots and dashes from morse code, which allows language to enter the work without the use of text. The message of the chain links come from the I Am From poem.
Through my work, I strive to connect my personal and cultural experiences. Reflecting on how my Hmong-American identity has shaped my life, my pieces are not only an exploration of material and form, but also a way to honor the traditions, memories, and relationships that define who I am.
