“I am an educator, and my artwork is about educating the public about our stories and the importance of Asian American voices.”
“My work has always been a little political and overt. ”
“We as refugees have to adapt to our circumstances and make the best of it. I want the audience to engage with the piece, walk around it, and envelop themselves in the “Transparent Voices” fabric. I hope my audience reflects and contemplate on how we can make the world a better place by sharing our stories and projecting our voices.”
Watch Sisavnh’s tell her story of escaping the war-torn country of Laos at age 2 and how she became a university art professor in painting.
“The audience might not empathize with the same feelings we have about our history and stories, but they can sympathize with the feelings from traumatic events.”
“Being an artist for me has always meant my work can provoke, educate, and question our surroundings. Don’t get me wrong, I can enjoy beautiful classical paintings, but I would be more engaged in the subject matter if it were rich in content.”
“My love for the arts began at a very early age. I found art to be therapeutic and have continued for over thirty years to produce work closest to my heart.”
“ Content over technique was how I was taught in school. Diving into research to develop concepts was a learning process. I didn’t always know what I was doing, so making many mistakes is essential for young artists.“
“ I am a glass-half-full kind of woman. I have always been an overachiever, and when I have failed, I get back up and run even faster towards my challenges and goals. Learning from my mistakes and making as many as possible help me achieve and navigate my future plans.”
“ Make a lot of mistakes and learn from them. Do not listen to naysayers. Hold onto your positive friends and let go of the negatives ones. Learn to navigate around bullies. Do not say you can’t. Shoot for the stars.”
“Family is my significant support. When times were tough in my college years, I would ask for help. I am usually a sprinter, but I have learned to be a marathon runner. I observe and analyze my goals. My friends call me a scrapper because I adapt and overcome, which again is a refugee mentality.”
“Live below your means. As an artist, we don’t make the same income as your stereotypical jobs. A lawyer and a doctor will always make more unless you become a famous artist, which is very rare in the art world. So, I have learned to save first and live on almost half of my paycheck because it always rains. Most artists will have a part-time job to support their creative endeavors. I would suggest to any young person starting in the arts to open a Roth IRA and a 401K and find a mentor. Most people love to share their experiences and failures, especially teachers. So find a teacher who can help and guide you.”
“I had two professors in my undergraduate years at the University of Kansas who were terrific mentors. I admit my younger self didn’t know they were my mentors. Pok Chi Lao was my photography professor, and Norman Gee was my painting professor. They would invite my husband and me to their homes for a potluck, which was just incredible. I learned so much from being an artist and being a good human being.”
“ My goal is to continue making artwork that educates the public about refugee and immigrant experiences and stories. I want to publish a book on my artwork, do more museum shows, and win big grants. I also would love to start teaching art workshops, both internationally and nationally, and continue to travel with my family. I have a YouTube channel that I would love to make more content and make some passive income.”
