"I think a lot about the things I should know and things I should retain within our culture and hopefully pass along in the future."

‍What does it mean to you to be a part of our mission and community?

It is exciting to be around others with a shared passion.

Tell me about growing up? Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Lower East Side isn't quite the same as it was back in the 80s-90s. I lived on the top floor of a six floor walk up on Rivington Street. Junkies would shoot up on the roof. The Lower East Side was more gritty, a bit dangerous but I will always remember the cultural energy everywhere, it was beautiful. I grew up alongside Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Caribbean, African Americans, Italians, Jewish and Chinese people. I suppose it's shaped the way I am now.

What is your favorite memory from childhood?

My favorite memory from childhood is playing with my cousins and just being kids. My aunt had owned a Hong Kong Music CD shop in Chinatown, we spent a-lot of time growing up there. We would play "man hunt" around the block or run across the street to the park to play in the jungle gym or basketball. 

Tell me about yourself. What are some important things happening in your life right now?

I am a photographer working with analog techniques and making photobooks. Right now I am excited to upgrade my darkroom to print larger and also moving forward on old projects and new. I am constantly challenging myself.

What does a perfect day look like to you?

A perfect day usually involves seeing art that inspires me, eating a good meal that nourishes me and bonds me with my loved ones, and allowing my bicycle to take me around the city searching for a new adventure.

Tell me about your culture.

I am a first generation Chinese American born and raised in New York by two immigrant parents coming from Guangzhou, China. My parents has always kept Chinese traditions and culture within the household. Although I am a city boy with street sensibilities, our traditions has taught me important values that I still carry on with me. 

What’s your relationship with it?

My relationship with my Chinese culture is still at a learning process. I am certainly Chinese but I also identify with so many different things. I think a lot about the things I should know and things I should retain within our culture and hopefully pass along in the future. I think in recent years, the younger community has done a great job in putting forth the effort to learn more about Chinese traditions.

What inspires you?

Painting, Sculpture, architecture, music, when the sun sets and the atmosphere is gold. I am mostly inspired by artists who investigates and follows a line of thought, creating a body of work that thoroughly expresses everything he/she can about that thought.

What excites you about your craft?

Photography is a very young medium, so I am excited about the possibilities of photography and the different ways people see the world.

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