F25 1

This was the first week in the IUS studio! I spent time planning and writing my semester proposal while also setting up and clearing my studio space for upcoming projects.

This week was mostly about brainstorming and revisiting ideas. I reflected on bilingualism and how I want to explore lost language and connection through my series of Vietnamese word-art time lapse slaking videos. Alongside my proposal that went into why, what, how much, and how I intend to create this semester, I also looked into my inspirations and influences.

I also revisited my influences. Ocean Vuong’s writing helps me embrace hesitation in my voice, which pushes against the nonstop “hustle” mindset many Việt Kiều parents adopted out of necessity to provide for their families. I’ve also been looking at the Instagram account brokethehabit, run by Peter, a Vietnamese-Canadian who shares his experience navigating two cultures. His reflections on clashing communication styles—individualist vs. collectivist—resonate deeply with my own experiences.

In short, this week I grounded myself in both research and reflection, returning to themes of filial piety and diasporic disconnection as a way to sharpen and simmer my thesis direction.