“Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten.”
— Lilo & Stitch
I’ve been rather quiet this month, but never fear, I haven’t been far away. In fact, I’ve been right here. Matt just received his doctorate from NYU, so obviously I’ve been celebrating and surrounded by family. While it’s been a lot of fun, I’m sure you understand it hasn’t left much time for blogging. I can’t complain though. Without my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Living in NYC, you see the richest people and the poorest. What I think about when I see either is simply ‘what a difference family makes.’ Because let’s be honest, there would be no way I could live in NYC without the support of my family, not just emotionally but financially as well. It’s not like they’re paying my rent for me but they help me, without question, whenever I am in a pitch. And there have been times that I know, without them, it could be me out on the street.
Emotionally, they’ve been invaluable too. My first New York show this year was just a small little event, but my family treated it like it was a retrospective at the MOMA. They came from 4 different states to show their support. I couldn’t even begin to express how awesome that made me feel. When you choose an unconventional career such as “artist,” you almost expect others to express a desire for you to “grow-up” and “grow out of it and get a real job.” My family has never done that to me. Whenever I think of giving up, I remember how much they believe in me.
So I would like to take this moment to thank my family for all they have done for me over the years. Whether it’s hanging up my middle school painting in your home to simply asking me about my art. I love each of you.