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JS: All right. So today is Saturday, September 25th, 2023. JS: I'm Jessica Suh, and I'm interviewing Jihye Han for the Houston Asian American JS: Archive at Rice University. JS: So to first start off, can you introduce yourself and tell us where and when you were

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JS: born? JH: Okay. So my name is Jihye, last name is Han, and I was born JH: in Seoul, South Korea in 1986, and currently I live in JH: New Hampshire because I'm a full time faculty in the art department at Phillips

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JH: Exeter Academy. JS: And when did you move to the United States? JH: I'm thinking I moved to the States around 2008 JH: —–maybe August, I guess.

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JS: Okay. So like growing up, can you tell us more about what the culture of your household JS: was like? JH: I can say I'm so lucky to have my amazing parents, and I JH: have younger brother as well because they really, really

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JH: support me and encourage me all the time. JH: So, I think when I think about my JH: family, like, my JH: family, maybe culture?

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JH: My dad is typically like typical Asian dad, you know. JH: So he really wants to spend time like every Sunday, JH: he wants us to eat–eat together, and then go to spa in the JH: morning. Every time he really wants to spend time together.

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JH: He think eating together is really important means JH: to him because we can share our day, we can talk JH: about my school life, and if I have any problem, he can listen, so we JH: can share. So he think eating together was really,

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JH: really important. So sometime I woke up so late, you know, maybe 9 a.m., JH: 10 a.m., he really kind of hated, you know. JH: "Wake up. We have to eat together," you know? JH: But when I was young, I really don't want to do–—I–I really didn't want to eat 7 a.m.

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JH: every Sunday. That's too much. JH: But he think, no, you have to wake up. JH: So it was kind of tough. JH: But when I think-thinking about that situation right now, I really appreciate it.

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JH: It's the one of, you know, best moment for my parents. JS: That sounds really sweet. JS: Like a good family time that he cultivated. JS: Did they influence what, like, major or job that you would eventually

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JS: pursue and, like, did they support your career choices? JH: Right now, my dad is the biggest supporter for JH: my career as artist, you know. JH: But actually, it was not easy at all because

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JH: I already mentioned about he's really, really like kind of, you know, like JH: old-fashion, like Asian dad, you know? JH: So when I was young, when I was kid, I really, really like doodling and kind JH: of drawing, even, you know, music.

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JH: I love this kind of stuff. JH: I love all kind of art. JH: So I talk to my dad, "I really want to be an artist." He say, "You know, maybe you can–you can study hard, you can

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get a good job, and then you can learn art later." He think art is not a job. He think art is a hobby, you know? But I kind of—–maybe it was elementary school, so I kind

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of gave up because he say no and period. He tried to—–but it's not mean way: he said, "No, why don't you study first," you know. And then I just keep thinking about art, you know.

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So I talk to my dad again: "I really want to go to school for art, you know, middle school and high school for art." He say no, period. You know, [laughs] like he was kind of really strong–

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strong, maybe thinking for their kid. So, you know, like he kind of purs—–he–—I don't know, he tried to encourage me to study hard first. So he think always study first.

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The art and music is second. You know, you can do anytime when you get a good job, stable and high paying job, you know. So I gave up again. [laughs] So I just go to just like regular private high school.

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I really appreciate it, you know, to my dad, but, you know, st––but, at the same time, it's kind of sad . Because when I was high school, I didn't have any dream or I don't know exactly what I'm have to do, you know?

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So he always talk about study and study and stable job and you have to go to a good s-university. Your life will be changed. You have to, you know—–so all these kind of stuff is really old-fashion.

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But I know he love me so much, right? But after graduate high school, I moved to China because I-I don't know—–even I have–—like, I can't believe I didn't have any dream. You know, that's the really sad thing, you know?

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But he––I––he maybe, like suggest me, "Why don't you study Chinese," you know. "Because if you learn Chinese, you're going to get good, you know, better like stable job." And so I

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say okay because you know—–it kind of obey what he's saying. But actually I didn't have any thoughts about my future and career. So I say, "Okay then, I might, you know, listen what he's saying." So after I graduate high school, I just—–I went to

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China to study Chinese. So my major was actually Chinese literature, not art at all. JS: Interesting. [JH: Yes.] And then, so after you spent your JS: undergrad in China, did you come back to Korea or how was like your move

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JS: here? JH: I know, so actually, I really like to learn, like, other JH: language because, you know, studying language is not just like studying language. JH: You have to learn their culture, you know, even their thoughts, a

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JH: nd you have to learn just like the whole thing, their culture, not just JH: language, right? So I really enjoyed it. JH: And four year I graduate from China and it was hard. JH: It was tough. Chinese language is really hard, but I really enjoyed it for four

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JH: years. I can say it was best moment, but it's the hardest moment in JH: my life as well. JH: But after graduate from China, JH: I—I don't know, I was so exhausted.

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JH: I need to take a break. JH: So I talk to my dad. JH: I really want to go to short trip to New York. JH: So I–I just visit to New York.

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JH: I–I just blew my mind, you know, like, "Oh, my God, I really want to stay longer." Not just for trip because you know, like maybe Asian perspective and Western perspective is really different. Because even I graduate, you know, my undergrad,

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still, I have—–I had no idea what should I do? You know, what—–even I have no idea what I truly love, like, love to my work, you know, I have no idea. I just, like, okay, study and then graduate.

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And then, I–I never thought about next for myself, so. But I think this–this one, like, staying in the States was my first, my desire by myself. So he say "Okay, like, oh, you can stay," and I

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tried to transfer my credit from China to here. But here in the States, we don't have any Chinese major, so I have to restart, you know. So I study again from the bottom, the first year.

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It was hard, but I really, really enjoyed it. I learned a lot of stuff from other people, other, you know—–because it's just like different. My mind was kind of Asian perspective only because I grew up in Korea

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and China and I move here and everybody—–I don't know, they just enjoy their life. Even their time. But at that time, I don't know how to take a break [JS: Right.] because I

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keep studying, studying. I was thinking about how can I get a stable job? How can I go to, you know, always think about just like maybe not money, but just like think about stable job.

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[JS: Mhm.] So––but here, like, for example, one of my student classmates, he—–she said, "Oh, I'm going to go to yoga." But how ? You're not going to study? I was kind of shocked [JS: Yeah.] because I thought yoga—–I don't know, just like,

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for–for me at that time, I cannot do anything because I have to study. I was thinking of a study, but other–other student, they just went to yoga, go hiking, even go short trip. I had no idea. Wow, they really enjoyed their life and I really want to

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be—–I think at that moment, maybe I changed my mind. I think I—–this is my life. This is my time, not my parents' life. So I really want to think about what

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truly I love to do. So, and I thinking maybe creating artwork will be my dream and my desire. Because since when I was a kid, I st––I keep––I kept want to be artist,

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like painter, but I never because my dad said no. So when I taking chemistry, biology, anatomy at the same time, it was like second year, I almost dying. Like my brain hurts so much and oh my God, like—–even

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"How can I go to yoga? I have to study," you know? And I think I'm–I think I'm getting tired, tired, exhausting. And my brain is not science way.

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So may—–that's why maybe I was so exhausted and I talk to my counseling and I did–—I went to art therapy and they say, "What you—–what makes you really happy?" So I say, "Doodling or maybe creating some art." And then my counselor told me, "Why don't you take art

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class?" And then, "Oh, can I?" And she said, "Yes." And I—–first time I took the painting class and I–I did drawing and I took this ceramics class. When I touch clay, this is what I want.

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I–I c––I can feel right away. Yeah, this is really what I want. So, maybe that moment is—–I–I still can remember because I'm really kind of

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OCD person. I like the cleaning, organizing, so I never thought about I'm going to touching clay in my life, you know. I like painting and drawing, but I never thought about clay. But when I touching clay, just like

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all my body is like, kind of—–I feel like goosebumps or this is I really what I want to do for my whole life. And also when I think about clay as a medium, it's really forgiveness.

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If, you know, if I can mistake, you know, I can cut [JS: Right.] and I can transport it, I can transform it, the shape or, you know, I can restart, you know. I think as medium, this is—–I think this is I really, really want to

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do, you know. JS: Nice. I really like that story of how you kind of ki-came to like, figure out what you JS: really love doing. JH: It was kind of long story to figure it out for my career and my

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JH: dream because when I was a kid, like, you know, elementary school, JH: even middle school, high school in Korea, they never taught how to [JS: Right.] follow JH: your dream. Just like they always, you know, think about curriculum, grade, JH: "You have to get A," you know, they–they always talking about like grade and

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JH: then, you know, the goal to go to, you know, number one JH: university. So I never thought about my dream, actually. JH: So it was really sad, you know? JS: So after you finished school in the US, did you

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JS: then go into more schooling for like specifically clay and ceramics? JH: Yes. So I met my mentor. JH: She—–her name is Nikki Blair. JH: She's my best friend, my clay mom.

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JH: And she is my, just like best–best professor, JH: just like teacher in my life. JH: So without her, I wouldn't be here, you know . JH: So I still remember first our project is making bowl,

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JH: like, kind of round shape and then box and then kind of cone shape. JH: It was really hard, you know, because it was my—–I never touched clay in JH: my—in my life, but she—–even I failed so much. JH: I cannot make like really perfect round shape.

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JH: But she say, "Life is not perfect, so don't worry about it. JH: You know, if you make kind of a little bit, you know, not—–a little bit, maybe like JH: kind of like rough or it's not perfect JH: round shape, that's okay, you know."

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So she always kind of, you know, s-support me, and then I think she's the only one person saw my potential, like, talent. Even my parents think every kid, like every, you know, child love art and music, you know, so they never thought

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about that as talent. But she on––she's the only one person saw me, my potential, you know, like skill. So really appreciate it. So that's why I—–when I think about her support,

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I really want to be an educator like her because she just like—–she giving a lot of love, like, you know, just like love, support, inspire me. So I really want to inspire on other students as well, so.

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And then after I graduate ceramic and sculpture program with Nikki and she keep—–just she just kept telling me you have to go to MFA, you have to study master. But I think, like, I don't know.

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I-I-I thought I was not ready. So I took a break for two years. But she—–I moved to Texas from North Carolina.

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But [JS: Oh.] yeah, because I–I want to make money, you know, because at that time, I didn't know how to use my degree for art. [JS: Right.] So, like, I really want to be an artist, but how ? So first time my thought is like, I have to make money.

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So I just took a two year break. But she always text me, call me, "Did you sketch? So you–you know, don't–don't–don't take a break. Even though you have free time, why don't you sketch?" She always checking

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me for—–even though I graduate, you know? [JS: Right.] So I—–and then she said, don't give up your, you know–you know, your dream and career. You can be an artist.

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She's just so sweet. Like, more than sweet, I don't know. If there is a word, maybe that one, but she's just like, so sweet. She's the amazing mentor.

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So I–I apply for my Master in University of North Texas. So I went to my MFA in 2018. And I graduate my MFA in 2021.

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So, yeah, I think it's kind of long story, but I don't know. I feel like I never take a break for studying. JS: Yeah. You've been in school for a while. JH: Yes, yes, yes.

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JH: I think, yeah, if you have good mentor, for sure, you JH: know. Y-you can, I don't know, you can keep pursuing your JH: career, you know, you don't have to give up, you know? JH: So, I'm so lucky to have her in my life.

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JS: Yeah, she really sounds very encouraging. JS: And just like a good, like, stable support system to have with you. JH: Yes, yes. JS: Also, did the MFA program––was that like very different from

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JS: what you were expecting compared to your, like, the–the JS: classes you had taken with her beforehand? JH: Yes. I think—–I thought MFA, it—–maybe I don't know, JH: maybe I thought MFA will be easy.

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JH: [laughs] JS: Yeah. JH: Because it—–I thought it was just keep making . JH: That–that's my kind of, maybe, understanding of MFA, but actually it's

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JH: not. JH: Like a lot of writing, reading. JH: I have to even teaching. JH: I have to make my work.

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JH: I have to develop my concept. JH: There's a lot of stuff to do because when I study with Nikki, she JH: never pushed me at all. JH: I don't––I didn't have any pressure because she always:

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JH: "Just enjoy, you know. JH: Because art cannot be, you know—–you cannot make anything from JH: pressure or, you know, anything. JH: So just enjoy when you're working with the clay." So actually, when I was

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JH: gr-undergrad, every moment was just like, relax and chill and, JH: you know, just like sketching. JH: But actually MFA was so busy. JH: There is like three year program, but I need to study.

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JH: I have to think about my teaching plan. JH: I–it's a lot. JH: Also, my MFA was, like, during the Covid. JS: Oh, wow.

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JH: I know, it's kind of rough because my school was closed and I cannot JH: go to my studio, so I have to work in my apartment. JH: So it was kind of tough, you know, situation. JH: But everybody, everyone have to, you know, dealing with the-that

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JH: Covid situation. JH: So I think it's okay. JH: But—–so I–I still remember first class we, you JH: know, we just like print out our resume and––resume, our artist

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JH: statement, and bio and we just share, you know, we just, you know, JH: share our stuff and then give feedback to each other. JH: But when I look at other people's CV, it's two, three JH: pages. [laughs] I was so shocked and then so shamed because

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JH: my CV is only few–few sentences, you know. JH: Because I didn't have any like exhibition–exhibition JH: or I don't—I didn't have any, like, experience JH: because I just making, that's it.

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JH: [JS: Right.] So at that time, maybe "Oh I think I need to JH: build my CV," and a lot of my classmates, you know, JH: they–they teach me a lot because I took a break, two year JH: break.

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So first year was the hardest because I feel like everything was behind than other people. I didn't compare. But just like maybe I–I feel like I need to work harder, you know. I took a two year break.

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So yes, first year was hard, but I think the next year was way better than first year. And then already third year is ready to make [laughs] thesis working and then graduate.

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But yeah, I think MFA was amazing. I learned a lot. I develop my work a lot and after graduate my MFA, I went—–I did residency artist.

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Also, I got the award from emerging artists in Houston and NCECA. NCECA, which is like ceramic conference that is really huge–huge like award. So, yeah, I think.

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Yeah, 2021-22 is my best year, I guess. JS: Aw, that's so good to hear. JS: Yeah. How would you describe, like, the arts community in Texas JS: then?

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JH: I think I'm thinking about—–I think Houston is the one of the biggest state, like JH: biggest diversity state. JH: So, when I was–when I JH: was residency artist at Houston Center of Contemporary Craft.

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JH: Oh my God, people are just so sweet, you know. JH: They love to share their journey, even their experience. JH: And they always kind of not critique, but they always kind JH: of give me good idea.

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JH: Even I never thought about it. JH: But they're really open mind, you know. JH: So when I was Houston, every single moment, like JH: when I meet someone just like always make me so happy.

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JH: And then I really, kind JH: of—–what can I–what can I say? JH: Like, I don't know, I feel like Houston is my home because everybody just so JH: swee—–just welcome. They just—–I don't know, they don't—they didn't have any

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JH: stereotype, you know. JH: Because when I live in North Carolina, always people JH: ask me, "Where are you from?" You know? JH: So, "Oh, I'm from North Carolina." They say, "No, that's not–not true." So, you know,

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JH: they always want to know I'm Korean or Chinese. JH: You know, so I don't mind. JH: But, you know, they always ask me, "Where are you from?" And JH: then always asking about my–my name as well, because

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JH: my name is like different, so. JH: [JS: Right.] But Houston, you know, they never ask me, you know, "Where are you from?" You know, because they think I'm already here, you know.

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[JS: Yeah, yeah.] Also, they always, like, lis–—they really curious about my–my maybe clay journey between East and West instead of "Where are you from," you know? [JS: Right, yeah.] Yeah. So I think, even art community or

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ceramic community in Houston is really strong, you know. Also, they always helping each other, even though if you need something, you know, they always willing to "Oh, I have it. I can share with you." You know?

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We just met, you know, but they don't–they don't mind to share with me, you know. Also, if they have workshop or any opportunity, they just like hook me up, you know, they just like, "Oh yeah, there is good opportunity. Why don't you apply here?" Like, yeah, it makes me so like belonging

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to this community. That kind of, you know, like I never feel I'm the—–I'm so lonely or, you know, I feel so sad in Houston. I never feel like that.

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I always belonging, you know, which is really amazing. JS: Yeah. I really like how, like, collaborative the overall community sounds. JS: Okay, so then going more specifically into, like, your actual work, do you JS: have like a favorite piece or work that you have created so far?

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JH: It's really hard to pick only one piece, you know? JH: But, my–my grad school, which is UNT, JH: we have big fabrication facility, which is laser cutter, JH: CNC and, you know, 3D print and etcetera.

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JH: So when I was grad school, I using a lot of technology. JH: So I think using laser cutter on JH: the ceramic surface is one of my favorite process. JH: But after graduating my MFA, I didn't have any, you know,

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JH: facility. You know, even I cannot buy because it's too big and too heavy JH: and too expensive. JH: So I start to paint again because if I paint, JH: I can work at home, you know?

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JH: So these days, I paint and drawing on ceramic surface a JH: lot. Yeah, I think, I JH: don't know, like using color makes me so happy, you know. JH: I–I really like black and white, but personally, I like–I like more

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JH: color, you know? JH: So when I'm working with a lot of color, make me happy and—– JH: let me see. Can I show you one of the piece? JH: [JS: Yeah.] Yes.

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So this one I just finished this summer. So you can see this one, you know, I—–one of my biggest inspiration is like Korean folk art, which is "Minhwa." So you can see this peach and this bowl, this design is

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really, like kind of traditional–traditional like perspective. But, you know, I was born in tiger year. So always [JS: Yeah.] when–when you look at my work, there's a lot of tiger because it's

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kind of represent me. [JS: Right.] Like my identity, also I really want to bring it up Korean heritage. So here is tiger, but it's looks like more contemporary-looking. So I always try to combine like Korean, like,

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aspect to, like, maybe contemporary ideas. So this tree is also from "Minhwa," but you can see this on other, like, flower is more like cartoonish, illustrative. And that's me, too.

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So you can actually, through my work, you can see the aspect of like Eastern and Western at the same time. [JS: Yeah.] So I really, yeah. A-also, this shape is like moon jar, which is like Korean traditional shape.

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So it's represent my identity, also my Korean heritage as well. JS: Oh, it's so beautiful. JS: I love how personal your artwork is and how you can, like, kind of integrate your own

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JS: identity into it. JS: [JH: Thank you.] So JS: how—–if you have like artist's block or you, like, don't feel as much inspiration at JS: times, how do you deal with that?

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JS: Do you have any, like, steps you take to kind of, like, deal with it? JH: That's a really good idea because, you know, as an artist you cannot keep working JH: 24/7. Your brain is not that wo––that way, you know? JH: So I really love to go to yoga, Pilates,

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JH: and like ballet, you know. JH: Because when you paint or when you making the shape, you have to sit a JH: lot, you know? JH: But if I go to yoga or even Zumba dance,

00:27:18.120 - 00:27:32.320

JH: you know, I love it. JH: Like because if you go to Zumba dance or like—–first time was so JH: shame, you know. I'm the only one person is like younger person. JH: [laughs] So it was so awkward and then—–I'm not

00:27:32.620 - 00:27:47.830

JH: introvert, you know, person but I'm not, you know, not a dance, dance person. JH: I'm not good at it. But first time I was so sweaty and then I was the kind of—–I JH: just kind of, like, stand on the corner even, you know, I JH: cannot dance.

00:27:47.860 - 00:28:02.380

JH: I was so shame. JH: But I really like the energy and I can JH: use my whole body, you know, because when I paint, I just sit. JH: And then my gesture is always forward, you know, like this–this gesture.

00:28:02.380 - 00:28:15.190

But when I do yoga, Pilates, even Zumba, you know, my—–I can shake, you know, I can move my body. So I really like it. Also, I like to walk, you know, outside, even

00:28:15.550 - 00:28:30.550

though just like park, even just like—just nearby my apartment, that's okay, too. So I think th-that's really helpful. You know, I want to refresh my mind and then when–when I come back from yoga or

00:28:30.550 - 00:28:44.730

walking, I can refocus. JS: Yeah. That's a good, like, balance to have between your work for sure. JS: Do you have like—–or what sort of environment then do you think is JS: more-most conducive for your work?

00:28:44.730 - 00:29:05.190

JS: Like, do you prefer working in your apartment or like in a collaborative studio? JH: I–I can't actually, I really—–I'm not picky about the place, y JH: ou know. But I think maybe home is more comfortable, JH: you know. But I think when I working, especially

00:29:06.120 - 00:29:18.390

JH: like painting, I need some sound. JH: [JS: Oh.] I just—–I cannot work so silent, you know? JH: So sometime I just put on Netflix. JH: Even I'm not watching, I need some sound, so.

00:29:18.630 - 00:29:33.430

JH: But if I'm working at school, JH: I really like it too. JH: But always student ask me, "Oh, how?" You know. JH: [JS: Yeah.] "Show me" or, you know, it's kind of—–not

00:29:35.110 - 00:29:49.990

JH: disrupt, you know, they're—they never bother me at all. JH: Always, you know, I love to, you know, engage with them, but sometime I JH: need to focus, you know? JH: So painting and drawing, I usually working at home, but if I

00:29:49.990 - 00:30:04.720

JH: make the shape, I can work at hom–—work at school. JS: I see, I see. JS: So did you just start your first year of teaching this year, or––[JH nods] Okay. JH: Yes. So when I was in Houston, I was the residency artist at Houston

00:30:04.720 - 00:30:22.050

JH: Center of Contemporary Craft. JH: After—–so when I doing the residency, I woul—I JH: work at Alvin Community College as adjunct professor JH: . And I think one semester I

00:30:22.060 - 00:30:36.550

JH: taught beginning class, intermediate, advanced class at Lamar JH: University as a lecturer, so. JH: This is good, you know, every school, every student is different. JH: So all the time I really, really engage with them because

00:30:38.940 - 00:30:57.690

JH: —–like if you're working as artist, you're just working by yourself. JH: So sometimes it's really hard to develop, you know, your thoughts, your JH: perspective. But if you're working with a student or if you're working with other JH: colleague, I'm sure y-you're going to—–you learn something from

00:30:57.690 - 00:31:13.410

JH: them. Also like it's—–I don't know, give me more JH: energy, I guess? JS: Okay. So–so you li—–was that just one JS: year then, before you moved to New Hampshire?

00:31:14.130 - 00:31:32.010

JH: Yes. JS: Oh, okay. How would you say it's, like, different between the two schools? JH: Because I'm thinking about maybe different level because JH: I—–this, like Phillips Exeter Academy, is like boarding school, but it's like high

00:31:32.010 - 00:31:47.450

JH: school level. [JS: Oh.] Like Lamar University is like, you know, university JH: level. So the first, the big difference is like studio hour. JH: So usually university level, our studio hour is three hour. JH: So it's kind of long, you know.

00:31:47.450 - 00:32:03.870

JH: So there's a lot of time to engage with, you know, teacher and instructor. JH: But Exeter here, boarding school, our studio time is JH: 50 minutes, even less than one hour. JH: So especially like for ceramics, always I'm so

00:32:04.140 - 00:32:17.130

JH: busy, you know. JH: I feel like I'm running from here to there because, you know, like for clay, JH: like cleaning time is the most part, you know. JH: When they start to making, "Oh, we need to clean it up," you know?

00:32:18.300 - 00:32:36.080

JH: [laughs] So it's like really short time, you know? JH: But I really enjoyed it and I always respect their JH: enthusiasm, you know, even though it's just like making pi––small pinching part. JH: Oh, my God. They're just—–I don't know, they just so into it, you know.

00:32:36.080 - 00:32:50.110

JH: Even though, "Oh, we did—–we need to clean it up." But they said, "Oh, give me five JH: minutes. No, we—" [inaudible] They just keep making, you know. JH: Oh, my God. Just like, wow. JH: I really, really respect their attitude and their work ethic.

00:32:50.110 - 00:33:02.800

JH: They're really amazing student, yes. JS: Oh, that's so good to hear. JS: Is it like–—are the students' level of maybe creativity or JS: enthusiasm different between high schoolers versus university students?

00:33:03.250 - 00:33:21.610

JH: I think––I'm thinking about university level. JH: I try to encourage–encourage them to make their own JH: concept. Like you—–they cannot just, like, make, "Oh, I'm going to make just this JH: shape," but I want them to put some of their story behind.

00:33:21.610 - 00:33:39.250

JH: Or you have to think about your concept or idea, you know, but high school JH: student for—–like currently my student, JH: I want them just enjoyed it, you know. JH: Because not just like different level because you know my school,

00:33:39.250 - 00:33:53.170

JH: our academic, you know like studying level is–is high, you know. JH: [JS: Oh, yeah.] We have a lot of like high expectation for academic way. So, f-for me as an

00:33:53.170 - 00:34:07.210

educator at Exeter, I want them to—–I don't know, I just let them relax or maybe enjoyed it, you know. Even though you don't have any concept and idea, that's fine.

00:34:07.210 - 00:34:22.810

You know, you don't have to be serious all the time because you take so many classes like history, mathematics, physics, science, plus, you know, so many activity. But maybe during my class, don't think about too much—–too

00:34:22.810 - 00:34:37.510

deep, you know. If you make just like small pinching part, that's fine, you know. Just like, I really—–I don't know, because some students just like taking class for fun. That's fine. [JS: Right.] Why not, you know ?

00:34:37.550 - 00:34:48.130

You don't have to be serious all the time. I think that's my thought. JS: I think that's a really good, like, philosophy to have as a teacher. JS: I think that definitely—–it must, like, encourage them and, like, I'm sure that they

00:34:48.130 - 00:35:01.270

JS: really enjoy the classes as well. JH: Thank you. JS: So you've kind of talked about your experience growing up where maybe JS: your parents encouraged more of like discipline and kind of like

00:35:01.930 - 00:35:18.700

JS: economic efficiency, I guess, versus coming to America where you've enjoyed JS: more of like, the freedom and individuality. JS: So comparing those kind of as a teacher, how would you advise your JS: own students if they were interested in pursuing art as a c-career?

00:35:19.420 - 00:35:38.550

JH: That's a really good idea because, I think some JH: student, I can see their talent for sure because, JH: you know, even right now, they're making some pot, JH: even—–wow. I really–I really want to use that one for my

00:35:38.550 - 00:35:53.860

JH: work. I learn a lot from them. JH: They're just like natural because they have talent. JH: But they say—–I ask them, "Do you want to go to art school?" JH: The students say, "I really love art, but I think I can't because my parents want me to

00:35:53.860 - 00:36:11.410

JH: go to—" you know, "—maybe other major," you know. JH: Kind of remind me when I was young, it's like same thing, same situation. JH: So maybe she say, like, "Maybe I can do art as a hobby," you know? JH: But, they can do that too, you know?

00:36:11.410 - 00:36:26.020

JH: Always, you know—–I don't know. JH: Just like once life, you know, we don't know . JH: If we have any book for how to live life that we can study, JH: but we don't know exactly which one is right, which one is wrong, you know,

00:36:26.020 - 00:36:41.670

JH: so. But if my student wants to be an artist, I really JH: want to support them. JH: That's why right now I'm doing a full time artist a-as well, JH: because I know how—–I-I can share

00:36:41.670 - 00:36:59.470

JH: what is the reality of art scene. JH: Because right now I'm doing art as well, so I can give them a JH: lot of tips, advice, even, you know, how to—–even how to JH: make your artist statement, bio, CV because I already went through all these

00:36:59.470 - 00:37:12.670

JH: step, you know. I really don't want to give up my artist career, so I can help my student if they want to be a full time artist. Because being an artist is not easy at all.

00:37:12.700 - 00:37:29.680

Because, for example, if you graduate, I don't know—–if your major is maybe business, you can go to company. It's like the path is kind of narrowed down, right? But if you being—–if you want to be an artist, it's just so broad,

00:37:29.680 - 00:37:43.540

you know—–even where is the end? You know, you just keep—–I don't know, you just keep tracking all the deadline. You know, you have to apply. You have to build your curricul—–you have to build your

00:37:43.540 - 00:37:56.000

portfolio, your CV. And there's so many opportunities. There's so many, like, amazing artists in the world, you know? [JS: Yeah.] So, like, maybe, you know, I

00:37:56.000 - 00:38:13.340

can help my student to talk about like reality, deadline. Just like–—I don't know, like, I can–—I really want to just help. [JS: Mhm. Yeah.] So for them, you know, so that's why, yeah, I'm working

00:38:13.460 - 00:38:27.310

artist. JS: How is it balancing like being a full time teacher but also being a full time JS: artist? JH: Right now, like—–because when you doing just like full time

00:38:27.340 - 00:38:42.250

JH: artist, you have a lot of free time. JH: But you have to—–because artist is like kind of job too. JH: [JS: Right.] So of course we have a lot of time, but you JH: have to manage—–you have to know how to manage your time.

00:38:42.250 - 00:38:55.630

JH: So maybe you can set a time, 9 to 5 every day. JH: 9 to 5 I'm going to work. JH: [JS: Mhm.] Like, just like regular job, you know? JH: So I think being an artist, I think work ethic

00:38:55.990 - 00:39:07.870

JH: is really important. JH: Also, manage your time is the most important thing because you have a lot of time. JH: [JS: Right.] You just sit or you can just, you know, sit on JH: couch, you know, all day.

00:39:07.870 - 00:39:21.790

JH: That's not working for [laughs], you know, artist. JH: So, all my cla–all my class is like JH: morning time shift. JH: So after done for my teaching, I try to come back home

00:39:21.790 - 00:39:39.880

JH: and then paint and if I have meeting, I can go, but JH: if I have any free time, I try to make my own work. JH: So it's kind of hard, but it's okay, you know, like, you know JH: . Also, I love to working during the weekend as well.

00:39:39.970 - 00:39:53.300

JH: [JS: Oh, okay. I see.] So, you know. JH: Always time is, you know, short. JH: So I think managing time is kind of hard, but JH: maybe set the alarm or, you know—–a

00:39:55.130 - 00:40:07.130

JH: nd, I don't know, try to make balance working and, JH: you know, teaching and working your work, working your s-stuff. JH: But it's hard. JH: Even for me, it's still hard.

00:40:07.130 - 00:40:18.650

JH: I try to find my rhythm, but I'm still figuring it out, you know? JH: [JS: Yeah.] JS: So how has it been working in New Hampshire? JS: Has the—–I know we talked about the arts community in Houston, but is it pretty

00:40:18.650 - 00:40:35.120

JS: different there? JH: Mhm. I think I've only been here one month, s o I'm really JH: new, so–—but I think here, JH: nearby our––like, I live in Exeter, New Hampshire, so the city

00:40:35.150 - 00:40:51.530

JH: name is Exeter. So we have Exeter Fest—–art festival. JH: Also, here has a lot of, like, artists as well. JH: But I'm not sure about the art scene because I'm really new. JH: [JS: Yeah.] But yeah, but I feel like school,

00:40:53.440 - 00:41:08.510

JH: our school is really diversity school. JH: So you can see a lot of students from all over the world. JH: But just like New Hampshire area, just like New England area, it's JH: not that diversity than, compared to, you know, Houston.

00:41:09.140 - 00:41:21.320

JH: So we'll see. JH: I need to find the community. JS: Yeah, for sure. JS: And kind of moving on, I saw that you were part of the

00:41:21.770 - 00:41:34.890

JS: curating and organizing process for the ADC Fine Art gallery. JS: Can you tell me more about that experience, like maybe your motivations and what you JS: learned from that? JH: Yes, actually curating the show is one of the excit-exciting

00:41:36.420 - 00:41:50.040

JH: thing because, we had JH: five–five artists. JH: And I'm thinking about–—these day, I'm thinking about, JH: like young generation.

00:41:50.070 - 00:42:07.020

JH: They're really love to using technology, you know, like JH: even 3D print, even laser cutter. JH: Even, you know, they're really good at using technology like, you know, like, JH: maybe Adobe, like Photoshop, Illustrator, even iPad, you know

00:42:07.350 - 00:42:20.380

JH: . [laughs] Some of my students, you know, they just like—–they're using the iPad for JH: the sketching. Even they when they're painting [inaudible] and pencil or paper, JH: which is good, you know? So I'm thinking about

00:42:20.380 - 00:42:33.660

like–like art, like, we have different generation. So I was the youngest generation and like, you know, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60, even 70s.

00:42:33.930 - 00:42:46.740

We love art. But I'm thinking about what is the difference between the —–each generation, you know. Because when you look at the other artists' work, you cannot figure it out, even

00:42:46.740 - 00:43:04.460

gender, even age at all, you know. It was so interesting to me because I'm a lways, I'm talking about–—I'm telling about my student, "You can use technology, but you cannot ignore the traditional way," you know.

00:43:04.460 - 00:43:18.830

So if you want to use the laser cutter, you have to know what is the processing about carving, you know. You cannot just ignore all the like, old style or old, like traditional, you know, like aspect.

00:43:18.830 - 00:43:37.340

So when we creating—–when I creating that show, like, everybody using decorating, illustrative, and like they try to put their journey and story on the clay.

00:43:37.350 - 00:43:51.090

But it's different way, different thought. So it's really interesting. Also, they love to put their experience on the ceramic surface.

00:43:51.090 - 00:44:08.640

So as a ceramic–—like, as a—–like, ceramic as a medium, we try to think about how can we, like, represent our identity. So, which is really interesting.

00:44:08.640 - 00:44:18.300

And I really, really love to working with them, you know. I really enjoyed it. JS: Cool, yeah. Would you try to, like, start another exhibition? JS: Do you think that's something you're interested in?

00:44:18.720 - 00:44:32.270

JH: Yes, yes. JH: So I–I'm thinking about, you know—–I don't know. JH: I love the curating show [JS: Mhm.] actually, personally. JH: So if I have chance in the future, I

00:44:32.270 - 00:44:44.690

JH: want to cu-curating, you know, for–—I don't know, like maybe JH: Korean artist. JH: Or, you know, or, like, maybe Asian artists or JH: something like this, you know?

00:44:45.000 - 00:44:57.410

JS: Ooh, that'd be super cool. JS: [JH: Yeah.] So in general, like, how has your audience JS: responded to your artwork? JS: And then do you see differences between like, American versus Asian

00:44:57.410 - 00:45:15.780

JS: audiences? JH: Like for my audience—–I don't know, I–I don't JH: s—–I don't know. I don't think only for Asian viewers, you know. JH: Because even, you know, when they look at just

00:45:16.260 - 00:45:34.740

JH: like this, they never thought, you know, this artist is Korean, you JH: know? So that's why I love to JH: work as artist, because you cannot—you cannot JH: tell. You cannot tell the age, even identity, even your heritage,

00:45:34.740 - 00:45:51.370

JH: anything. Just like through art, you just see JH: the visual aspect. JH: So you are gonna feel their life and their journey instead of their JH: background. [JS: Right, right.] I think all–I think all the viewer, I

00:45:51.370 - 00:46:07.590

JH: always kind of like–like all viewer—– JH: I hope all age, all viewer, all gender, they—–I hope they JH: just enjoy my work. JH: You know, not only specific, like, viewer.

00:46:07.600 - 00:46:18.550

JS: Right, yeah. JS: I think that's a good mindset to have when—–especially when you're like creating JS: your work too. JS: So like overall, do you have any main themes that you try

00:46:18.550 - 00:46:31.120

JS: to incorporate into your work? JS: I know you touched on some of them earlier, but like, yeah, what are you kind of thinking JS: of when you're making? JH: Right now, maybe I'm thinking about my work, it's like I

00:46:31.120 - 00:46:48.690

JH: using clay as a medium to JH: blending kind of traditional Korean, like–like technique JH: to—–a-and like, contemporary, like, you know, JH: image, imagery, like, perspective.

00:46:48.690 - 00:47:01.780

JH: Because I really like to blending those two duality because clay as JH: medium always in between. JH: So when I think about my identity, I was not born in USA, but I JH: came here 2008.

00:47:01.810 - 00:47:17.770

JH: So I [laughs], you know, I living here for a long time, even more than, you JH: know, more than living in Korea. JH: So, when I think about my i-identity, always in JH: between. Always, people ask me, "So are you Korean?" Or, "You're not American"

00:47:17.770 - 00:47:32.590

JH: or "Korean American." It's always like, you know, my identity is kind of weird spot, JH: in kind of in-between spot. JH: So when I think about clay as a medium, it's same thing. JH: The clay is always in between because there is always a

00:47:32.590 - 00:47:48.040

JH: duality between strong and fragile. JH: Because when you–when you fire clay, it's so strong, like glass, you JH: know, but it's so fragile at the same time. JH: Also soft and hard and, you know, always—–that's why I love to

00:47:48.040 - 00:48:00.140

JH: working with the clay. JH: Like when I'm working with the clay, it represents my identity as JH: well. JS: I really like how intentional you are behind the medium that

00:48:00.140 - 00:48:11.300

JS: you use. Do you still like paint or draw like you did when you were JS: younger, or do you just mostly focus on clay? JH: You mean when I was young? JS: Yeah.

00:48:12.160 - 00:48:30.570

JH: I think when I was young, I love to doodling [JS: Ah, yeah.], you know. JH: Even when I went to, like, church, you know, always doodling on the paper as JH: well. And when you look at my sketch, doodling is like, here and there, just like, JH: everywhere. So, I think in the

00:48:30.570 - 00:48:43.740

JH: States, I think high school—–I think a lot of high school, JH: like, teaching like clay. JH: So they already know how to working with the clay, even other medium, like even JH: printmaking or photo.

00:48:43.740 - 00:48:57.690

JH: But in Korea, oh, no, we only study JH: like maybe drawing, even not painting as well. JH: Just like maybe drawing or maybe just, you know, just few exercise JH: with just paper thing.

00:48:57.690 - 00:49:12.660

JH: But that's why I never had any experience to work with JH: clay when I was young in Korea. JH: But so far, JH: like I'm drawing, painting a lot on ceramic surface.

00:49:13.230 - 00:49:29.100

JH: But in the future, maybe, I don't know. JH: I want to make some installation work, but still JH: working on it, yes. JS: And do you have any other role models other than Nikki, who you

00:49:29.100 - 00:49:40.330

JS: already talked about? Are there like—–yeah, like who are your role models in the art JS: community? JH: Role model? JH: I think my husband.

00:49:40.330 - 00:49:55.070

JH: He's also working with clay, too, so I think maybe he's my JH: role model for now. JH: Because personally, my JH: work is, like, kind of, like, small.

00:49:55.250 - 00:50:05.270

JH: Maybe I don't know, this is small or no? JH: But it's a maybe medium-sized? JH: But—–it's really hard to make bigger piece because it's heavy JH: and there is a lot of physical work.

00:50:05.270 - 00:50:24.140

JH: But my–my partner always help-helped JH: to make bigger piece, and his work ethic is really, really just like JH: strict. So he—he's full time artist, but he's always working 9 to JH: 5, you know. Also, he—–I love to watching Netflix,

00:50:24.800 - 00:50:40.020

JH: you know, but he always like watching and listen like–like lecture JH: or he tried to—–like kind of he tried to develop JH: himself. You know, even though he's working. JH: I-I-I cannot do that [laughs], you know.

00:50:41.250 - 00:50:56.910

JH: [inaudible] Korean drama or any movie or this thing, but, you know, he's JH: always like keep developing himself as human not just like JH: as artist. So which is really, really respect that. And he's my mentor as well.

00:50:56.910 - 00:51:12.450

So, I think after graduating my MFA, I feel like kind of–I feel kind of lost because I use a lot of technology. And then after graduate, like kind of feel sad and then I was kind of lost.

00:51:12.450 - 00:51:27.360

"What am I doing right now?" You know, I used a lot of technology, but I don't have any equipment. "What should I do?" But he told me, "You don't have to use the technology, you know, because what—–maybe think about what you truly love to do, you

00:51:27.360 - 00:51:43.390

know." And then I was—thought about, "Oh, maybe I can start to paint." That [inaudible] actually, he just like, you know, kind of encouraging me, you know? So I really appreciate it. And then he's working—–maybe I can show you—–t

00:51:44.050 - 00:51:57.580

hat's–that's my partner working. So I actually, yeah, we learn each other a lot. So I really appreciate he is my side, you know? JS: Yeah, that sounds really cool.

00:51:57.580 - 00:52:09.760

JS: I feel like that would cultivate a really nice environment where both of you kin-can JS: kind of inspire each other. JS: [JH: Yes.] Nice. JS: Okay, so kind of shifting gears, kind—–I wanted to talk about your immigration

00:52:09.760 - 00:52:20.830

JS: experience. So I'm assuming you moved to the US JS: by yourself, right? Your family didn't come with you? JS: [JH: Yes.] Okay. JS: How was that experience?

00:52:20.830 - 00:52:33.370

JS: What were like the most significant challenges or culture shocks that you JS: experienced? JH: Yeah, I think at that time I was so young, you know. JH: So I was kind of young and I was so brave, I think, you know

00:52:33.730 - 00:52:46.930

JH: . So when I move here by myself, everything—–because JH: I already used to, you know, living by myself because I was JH: in China by myself as well. JH: But it's different, you know.

00:52:46.930 - 00:53:04.540

JH: But, I think when I was young, I really liked to JH: live by myself, you know, just like young people, you know. JH: [laughs] But, I think homesick is—–but, JH: you know, homesick is kind of hard and challenging for

00:53:04.540 - 00:53:17.320

JH: sure, because I lo-I love to live by myself, but at the same JH: time, I miss my country. JH: I miss my family. I miss my friend in Korea. JH: So homesick was kind of hard and tough, but, y

00:53:20.290 - 00:53:33.920

JH: ou know. I kind of—–I just, may—–I don't know, m JH: aybe I try to pursue my opportunity or my, you know, JH: career or goal. JH: So I don't want to give up and then go back to Korea.

00:53:33.920 - 00:53:49.070

JH: So I try to kind of be strong, you know JH: . Every time, "It's okay, just hang in there ." Always, I'm thinking about "Hang in there. JH: It's okay." But actually it was not okay. JH: But I tried to talk myself, "It's okay.

00:53:49.070 - 00:54:01.310

JH: It will be okay," you know. JH: But I think the challenging thing will JH: be—–I don't know. It was not hard at all without any homesick because, you

00:54:01.310 - 00:54:14.690

know, I'm so lucky around–—like people around me was so nice. Always they try to help me and supporting me a lot. So I'm––I wa––yeah, I was so lucky, but, let me see.

00:54:14.720 - 00:54:32.360

Maybe—–I don't know, I didn't have any challenging, but maybe discrimination. I don't know, like some of my stud–—like some of my friend, "Oh, I'm sorry. Your name is so hard." [JS: Oh.] I think [JS: Yeah.] they try, you know,

00:54:32.360 - 00:54:42.080

but I think this is not discrimination at all. Just like, different thing, you know? [JS: Right.] So they try. But "I'm sorry, maybe I cannot–I cannot do it," you know?

00:54:42.080 - 00:54:56.630

So they call me by my last name, but that's okay, you know. Also yeah, a lot of people ask me, "Where are you from?" You know? But I think that's–that's okay to me as well. It's not kind of offensive, you know?

00:54:56.630 - 00:55:12.380

[JS: Yeah.] I think my immigration life is okay. You know, I think a lot of people said they got the discrimination, but I feel like I

00:55:12.380 - 00:55:29.850

did–I didn't have any, like, really serious discrimination, you know? JS: That's good to hear for sure. JS: So how do you identify yourself ethnically? JH: I want to say Korean, you know, of course I'm Korean

00:55:30.390 - 00:55:46.170

JH: . But, I came here JH: 2009, and I live here for a long time, like maybe more than half, JH: you know, half of my life, you know? JH: So when I visit Korea, I feel like, "Oh, my God." I

00:55:46.170 - 00:55:57.320

JH: feel like I'm not belonging here. JH: Because it's just different, you know? JH: So, for example, like, you know, if you just bumped other people, you JH: know, like we always say, "Oh, I'm sorry," you know.

00:55:57.320 - 00:56:13.470

JH: Like, "I'm so sorry," but Korea is like, "No," just like, [laughs] bump and then just JH: go. [laughs] So, oh, my god, it's different. JH: You know, also we just holding the door, you know, we just kind of—–here JH: this is our, you know, just like, common thing here.

00:56:13.470 - 00:56:31.000

JH: But when I visit to Korea, it's not common, you know. JH: I was kind of—–just like different and sometimes I was just shock, you JH: know, even like just every single, you know, tiny JH: thing. Like, I-I'm so used to live here.

00:56:31.000 - 00:56:43.960

JH: I'm just used to it, everything. JH: All my life is just like–—I don't want to say like Americanized, but JH: just like when you live here, you have to know their culture, right? JH: You have to know their rule.

00:56:43.960 - 00:56:59.800

JH: And that's how you live in another country, right? JH: But yeah, when I visit to Korea–—like sometimes it's really hard, JH: you know. I cannot understand this thing, you know, like not complain way, JH: maybe just, like, different, you know.

00:56:59.800 - 00:57:16.240

So sometime, "Am I Korean?" Or, I don't know, it's just like, kind of mixed–mixed my identity. So one of my friends, she's Korean, but she–she–she was born in and just like, grew up in USA whole—all her life.

00:57:16.270 - 00:57:31.240

It's totally different story. But she always thinking about she is Korean as well, you know. So, always identity is kind of hard to describe. But as a Korean American, like,

00:57:32.260 - 00:57:50.530

I–I really don't want to, maybe forget about my root and my heritage. Even though I'm here and I'm work here, and I just, engage with American people, but s-I'm still Korean.

00:57:51.170 - 00:58:07.730

I, you know, I have strongly—–I have like Korean heritage and Korean roots. So when I engage with people, I really want to share my, you know, my culture and my even my journey from East, like Eastern, like Korean, too.

00:58:07.760 - 00:58:26.390

So I think, even as an artist, always, like, represent your identity. And then putting your own experience in Korea is really kind of fun, you know, because you know, that's the way to speak your

00:58:26.390 - 00:58:43.010

voice. JS: Yeah. I think you've been doing a very good job at integrating that in your art pieces as JS: well. [JH: Thank you.] And so with that, like, JS: background of having getting education in China and Korea as well as the

00:58:43.010 - 00:58:57.110

JS: United States, are there any, like, significant differences that you—–kind JS: of like stand out to you between the East and west? JH: You mean the education system? JS: Yeah, yeah. And just the culture there.

00:58:57.550 - 00:59:11.840

JH: I think China and Korea, JH: maybe—–I don't know. JH: I w-I–I want to say we study a lot, you know? JH: Also when I—–even I went to private school in elementary school, middle school, high

00:59:11.840 - 00:59:28.580

JH: school, we didn't have a lot of activity, actually JH: . Like, but when I—–right now, when I'm working at the Exeter, my student has a JH: lot of—–they taking music class, even art class. JH: Even they taking all kind of sports, you know.

00:59:28.920 - 00:59:44.510

JH: They are not only study, they have their, you know, they–they have a lot JH: of activity. JH: But in Korea, in China, I think we're thinking JH: about main subject is always important, which is like history, mathematics,

00:59:44.870 - 01:00:01.060

JH: you know, science, you know. But when I was in Korea, like art, it's just like—–it's not important, you know. But I think here, I think art, music, sports is really important because they can refresh.

01:00:01.060 - 01:00:12.170

Also, it's more healthier. You know, you cannot just study just main subject. Actually, there is no "main" and "not main," you know. So, also,

01:00:12.170 - 01:00:30.710

maybe homework wise—–also here has a lot of homework. But I think Asia, we–we have just so much homework . You know, we don't have any free time to make any artwork or, you know, just like–—also, we have a lot of, kind

01:00:31.550 - 01:00:45.360

of, like, you know "Hagwon" is like kind of private, you know, institute. We have a lot of this kind of stuff. So when I think about–when I think about my high school life, oh my God, I went to school 6 a.m.

01:00:45.360 - 01:00:55.410

to 11 p.m. Just like nonstop studying, you know? But everybody has same goal. Like, we have to go to a good school, like number one school.

01:00:55.410 - 01:01:07.800

But here when I talk to my student, "Oh, I'm gon—I want to be—" you know, like, "artist, architecture." Their dream is so variety. I was so shocked. But in Korea, we only have one goal.

01:01:07.950 - 01:01:22.090

This kind of sad, but–b ut I'm thinking about as Korean, we work hard. We have a lot of responsibility. We know, you know–you know, always we work hard.

01:01:22.540 - 01:01:38.560

We never, like, be lazy. So maybe that's why–that's why I love my heritage as well. I'm not a lazy person at all. You know, always I try to work hard, play hard,

01:01:39.070 - 01:01:55.500

you know? [laughs] JS: Yeah. And just to kind of finish off as our last question, JS: what would you say that you are most proud of? JH: My proud of is maybe, I'm Korean, you know

01:01:55.500 - 01:02:14.430

JH: . Because when I—–because JH: I had some choice, because when I was in elementary sch–elementary school, I was in JH: Australia. But, my dad asked me, "Do you want to JH: study here more?" But I say,

01:02:14.430 - 01:02:31.560

JH: "No, because I want to go back to Korea," because I want to—– JH: I don't know. I feel like at that time, just like I want to go back to Korea JH: because my first language is Korean. JH: So if I think about it, if I just, you know, made a

01:02:31.560 - 01:02:47.280

JH: decision to live in Australia, maybe I lose my Korean, you know, culture or JH: Korean, like, language. JH: But I think the most proud thing is like I grew up in Korea, JH: so maybe I can understand my f-family, my dad perspective,

01:02:47.280 - 01:03:04.900

JH: and my Korean root. JH: So, also as a Korean JH: American, I'm really proud of me to live here, to engage with JH: people. Also, making art so people can understand

01:03:06.070 - 01:03:16.600

JH: my life and my journey as well. JS: Yeah. JS: Thank you. Those are all the questions I have prepared for this interview, but is there JS: anything else you'd like to add or share before we finish up?

01:03:17.520 - 01:03:35.530

JH: First of all, thank you for giving me this great opportunity. JH: You know, always, like, as an JH: artist, always we need some opportunity to speak our voice, you know? JH: So this–this interview is great platform to speak

01:03:35.920 - 01:03:51.130

JH: my journey. JH: Also, I love to share my–my JH: experience, also my journey was not easy, you know, so JH: . [laughs] But I love to share my journey from my young child

01:03:51.130 - 01:04:04.930

JH: to, like, right now. JH: So if you have any question, please let me know. JH: You know, I'm really open to share everything, you know? JH: So I really support, like Korean

01:04:04.930 - 01:04:16.780

JH: community, Asian community, Houston community. JH: So I think you cannot just live by yourself. JH: We always need people, you know. JH: We need to share, you know.

01:04:16.780 - 01:04:24.830

JH: So I think community is really, really important to me as artist or as an JH: educator. JS: Thank you so much for sharing.