Lost to Ashes

This painting was inspired by the historical tragedy of the San Francisco Chinatown fire in 1906, which burned many homes and lives to the ground. This piece is an interpretation of the devastating event and explores the discrimination Chinese-Americans face in the past and present. The piece also explores the symbolism of the burning buildings to the internal destruction and rebirth of one’s cultural identity. This exploration combines watercolor and colored pencil to add depth and softness.