As I look at my completed watercolor painting of the Pacific Asia Museum’s exterior, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that brought me back to this beloved institution. It feels like life has come full circle, and I am thrilled to share this story with you.
In the mid-90s, I started working with Nickelodeon Animation Studios as a staff artist on the show Angry Beavers from 1995 to 2000. Those years were a whirlwind of creativity, deadlines, and unforgettable experiences that shaped me as an artist.
But before my days in animation, I had a brief yet meaningful role at the Pacific Asia Museum. For three months, I worked as a docent, scheduling school and group field trips to the beautiful grounds. Those early days fostered my deep appreciation for Asian art and culture and left a lasting impression on me.
Fast forward 30 years and I find myself once again connected to the Pacific Asia Museum, this time through a commissioned watercolor painting. The museum’s architectural beauty has always captivated me, and capturing it on paper was a deeply personal and fulfilling project. The intricate details of the building’s design, mixed with my style of work, really did bring the museum’s essence to life.
This commission not only allowed me to revisit a place that holds special memories but also to contribute to its legacy in a new way. Art has always been a bridge between past and present, and through this painting, I hope to honor the museum’s history while sharing my own artistic journey.
The Pacific Asia Museum has always felt like home, from my early days as a docent, to over the years bringing my plein air group for wonderful days of sketching in the gorgeous courtyard to now being an artist entrusted with capturing the beauty of this magical place. It is a reminder of how our paths can intersect in unexpected ways, bringing us back to places and passions that are truly meaningful. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing my connection with the museum and its wonderful community.
The Pacific Asia museum is located at 46 N Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. I encourage you to visit this gem.
