The initial design sketches came from an instinctual and unintentional blending of aesthetic values. After further investigation, I realized that I had combined aspects of Windsor construction (a very European/American style) with a Chinese day bed. The process of filtering one style with another made me consider my place as an Chinese-American designer. 

I identify as Chinese-American. The wording of that would imply that I am half Chinese, half American. However, when I speak to some people born and raised in China, I hear, “Oh? you don’t speak Chinese? You’re not really Chinese.” or, “You’ve never lived there, you’re American through and through”. Conversely, when the majority of the US is prompted with the word “American”, I can assure you their mental image is not someone who looks like me. Where I find true community has always been around people who are 2nd generation immigrants.  Amongst many 2nd generation immigrants, there is a sense of longing to be accepted by the parents’ culture while also fitting into their “new” home. While growing up, and adapting to both, we become a third culture that shares aspects of both, but are not identical to either.