Windows to the Inside
The Endless Gifts of Limitations
First, thank you to those of you who have already donated money to my next film project. It is a sequel to my film YUP. You can help fund this campaign at the link below by donating or sharing:
This evening, for the second time in my life, I will be performing at a wedding (a queer one at that). I composed a new musical piece for the opening procession that sets the mood and tone for the ceremony. When I met with one of the brides, she threw out the words “drone,” “funeral march,” and “foreboding.” I knew right away that this would be far from a traditional affair.
Thankfully, those words prompted the kind of music that is right up my Asian alley. I will be playing a moody and melodic piece that incorporates all the qualities requested. Those specific parameters freed me up to explore different textures and chord progressions. (I love it so much that I might incorporate it in my shows somehow.)
I am fascinated by the notion that limitations can bring about immense creativity. This concept has always held true in my artistic work.
Each piece I make is bound by the materials I use and the rules I choose to follow. Even then, everything feels limitless.
Take a peek inside the endless rooms in my head.
(I have another artist date and project updates all the way down.)
COLOR NOTEBOOK
With this bird drawing, I used a mix of ink and ballpoint pens and experimented with various strokes to create textures on its body. I also tried to work steadily in one sitting without second-guessing or overthinking. Perfection was never the objective. I simply wanted to play.
ABSTRACT FLOWERS
This flower reminds me of a ribbon unraveling, but all flowers unravel eventually.
MY GARDEN
There are all kinds of stories being told in my garden.
Small flowers grow out of their shyness to show off their colors.
Baby ferns stretch their newborn limbs.
The ears of elephants strain to hear the songs of birds.
Cities of moss expand, undeterred in their growth.
I love this place.
I have grown to love life’s limitations. They have only made me stronger and more resilient.
If you feel that something else is holding you back, take a look at what you are currently holding. You may already have all that you need.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Private Event
Woodbury, TN
Friday, September 19
Roqué’s Concert for One
Liberty, TN
Wednesday, September 24
Queer Asian and Pacific Islander Songwriter Showcase (Solo in the Round)
Chinkapin Craftstead in Woodbury, TN
Saturday, September 27
BoroPride
Murfreesboro, TN
Saturday, October 4
The French House
Nashville, TN
Sunday, December 6
Earlier this week, I met up with a friend in Columbia, TN, where we hung out together to mend torn garments and feast on dark chocolate. We chatted and crafted away at a place called Camelia’s Chocolates. I got to sample an array of flavorful chocolates made from beans grown in a family farm in Central America. We had the best time treating our taste buds and working with threads and fabric. This was an actual artist date in every sense, and all of it gleefully melted my face.
Project Updates
New Music:
Taking the time to think about arrangements
Working on my vocals for the songs
New YUP Sequel Film Project:Publicizing the fundraising campaign
Mapping out a plan for filming various scenes
I love the way you think about boundaries and limitations as catalysts (and opportunities) for creativity. I find lots of folks can't see or understand how this happens, but it definitely does for me and I think it can apply to lots of aspects of our lives.