It’s been a minute since Sara Havekotte and I were in the “studio”. Today’s goal was to archive and properly preserve Chen Lok Lee’s Chinese watercolors to protect them for years to come.
Grateful to the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation for allowing us to use space at the Crane Community Center in Philadelphia’s Chinatown to work today.
After years of developing his expertise in western abstract expressionism and printmaking, Chen Lee, my father, returned to the practice of Chinese painting and calligraphy. He taught to many Chinese American and non-Chinese students, including Stewart Joon Thomas who is practitioner today, and served as a cultural bridge builder.
While at the brand new community center today, I was reflecting on the historical importance of what we are doing to preserve the art and cultural practices of Chinese painting. New + old. I’m humbled to be in this role. ❤🙏