TeePublic Lifts Up AAPI Creators
Hate against Asian American Pacific Islander communities has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. We at TeePublic are committed to speaking out against racism and xenophobia, as well as standing with our community against violence and harassment. As part of this, TeePublic is proud to announce their partnership with Stop AAPI Hate, an organization that stands united against racism. Click here to shop their storefront and show your support for their cause.
And read on to learn more about some of the artists you'll find in the AAPI Artists of TeePublic storefront!
Responses lightly edited for clarity.
Alina Chau
Tell us a little about yourself. (Where you're from, how you got into the realm of art, etc.)
[I] grew up in Hong Kong in an Indonesian-Chinese family during the British colonial era, [so my] creative vision is strongly influenced by a diverse mix of cultures.
What themes do you uncover in your work and what inspires you to create them?
[I find] inspiration in [my] grandmother's stories, colorful sarongs, and delicate wooden sculptures from Southeast Asia, as well as in the aroma of stinky tofu, and the sound of Hong Kong tram bells chiming. [My] unique cultural heritage strongly influences [my] artistic and storytelling voice.
What's your favorite way to wind down or practice self care?
Play with my dog, swimming, baking cookies and cakes.
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Gumi
Tell us a little about yourself. (Where you're from, how you got into the realm of art, etc.)
Hey there, I'm Gumi and I'm a non-binary, Asian-American artist from Hawai'i! I've been making artwork for as long as I can remember, and use it as a means of helping me to process my own experiences! Most of my work is very personal, but I also enjoy making work that can be comforting to others as well!
What themes do you uncover in your work and what inspires you to create them?
Generally speaking, most of my artwork is a rather hazy, nostalgic replication of how I remember my great-grandparents' home feeling. The living space exuded a mixture of both one's desire to hold onto their own cultural identity as well as an effort to try to conform to some degree to the new place in which they'd found themselves. By extension, my artwork generally grapples with trying to understand with who I'm really supposed to be as an Asian individual existing outside of Asia, and how that affects my everyday life.
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Christine Chang
Tell us a little about yourself. (Where you're from, how you got into the realm of art, etc.)
I'm a freelance illustrator born and raised in Taiwan. I came to the US to study art at AAU in SF, met my husband, now live in IL.
What themes do you uncover in your work and what inspires you to create them?
My art reflects my beliefs in women empowerment, equal rights and my love for pop culture.
What's your favorite way to wind down or practice self care?
Movie nights.
