“As a kid, I was always curious and wanted to understand why I felt the things I felt. Been sensitive to emotions and my environment for as long as I remember. Through all of that, I wanted to exist, and I wanted to do so by expressing myself through art.”
“Growing up in Southeast San Diego, we didn't have much. So I made the effort to create something from nothing. Through Hip Hop Culture and its History, I learned the concept of creating something from nothing. So when it came to the art forms I practiced, it was to create, to exist, and to fall in love with the idea of feeling; the idea of making an impact.”
“I didn't have many mentors growing up. There was no guide for the path I wanted to seek. However, I had so many inspirations in my life. Whether it was my family and friends growing up on the block, my younger brother, the important friendships I made through breaking, music, movies, Bruce Lee etc. I can list so many people I know who inspired me and motivated me to do my best.”
“The main ones were those I grew up with, who explored life through the neighborhood we were raised in. We often created our own path, through the enjoyment of the things we did together. I had become obsessed with exploring breaking, poetry, skateboarding, and other forms of expression at an early age.
- Krysada Panusith Phounsiri of San Diego, CA
“In terms of poetry, my mentor was Marcos Ramirez. He truly helped open up my voice as a poet.”
- Krysada Panusith Phounsiri of San Diego, CA
“I practiced poetry a long time before college, however, he and the Poetry for the People class at UC Berkeley truly woke me up. I strengthen my poetic technique and found purpose. I learned how to better bring my poetry to life through him.”
“Personal challenges require me to go back to square one. I always ask why.”
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When I'm fatigued and out of energy, I go back to my one purpose, my center. Then I rethink the problem I'm trying to solve. A good mode I usually embed is to take the path of least resistance and energy. Learning how to redirect my priorities, my capacity, and my energy is important, especially with the the amount of things I involve myself in. Through it all, I need to have a purpose where I can focus in on and then I can solve the challenges at hand.”
- Krysada Panusith Phounsiri of San Diego, CA
Lessons
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Connect your worlds earlier. Everything I do relates in some way shape or form. Also, there are people who have skill sets that can be important for projects, so be sure to always be aware of people and their skills.”
“Search for grants earlier. There are scholarships and grants that pertain to your particular situation, identity, and background.”
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When I was younger, I was hyper productive, and I still am to a certain extent. Take time to rest, reflect, and direct your energy towards things that are necessary to your path.
Do your best to navigate to a path that works best for you, while not completely bending to shape yourself into other's expectations.
We often get caught up in the details, the politics, and the daily distractions when it comes to our passions.”
“Stay disciplined, and seriously fall in love with the things you love and be obsessed with exploring it. So when you start a project, that drive will continue to push you through completion.”
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Everything I do, if I love it enough, will be strengthened within 3-5 years. Hopefully I complete 2 or 3 projects that will help solidify my body of work in the context of Lao American Diaspora. Currently trying to get my 2nd Poetry Book Published, complete a Lao American Refugee Photography Project, resume the campaign to include Lao American History in K-12 Ethnic Studies in California, get published in more photography magazines, possibly create a photo look book on various themes. I think I can do this within 5 years, but honestly, I have no shame in not completing it within that time. I do not want to rush or force anything and have been taking a lot more time to enjoy the present, and being present. It's hit me hard these past two years that I needed to enjoy what's in front of me.”
- Krysada Panusith Phounsiri of San Diego, CA
