I am a queer trans non-binary artist (they/them), currently based in Los Angeles, CA. I was born in Bangkok, Thailand before my family moved to Oxford, England and Paris, France where I spent my formative years. I later moved by myself to Chicago, Illinois to pursue my Bachelor of Fine Arts. Since then, I lived in Tucson, Arizona, working in art museums and continuing my art practice. I got my Masters of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California before settling in Los Angeles where I live and work for the last 6 years.
My art practice is focused on the relationship of power and its effects on marginalized identities, particularly through the built environment. I work across performance, film and installation. I've been an active member in the art community in Los Angeles and the different places where I've lived: I've exhibited at local museums and artist run spaces, worked as an art handler and exhibition manager at various galleries and museums, curated exhibitions and served on jury panels for art awards and opportunities. Outside of an art practice, I like to spend my time cooking, reading, visiting overlooked historical sites, swimming and taking hikes. I value human connection and learning about different people's experiences.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

This is my first time signing up for Couchsurfing. A number of my friends are on here and have had wonderful experiences, so I also want to give it a try.

I will be traveling to Australia for a group exhibition in Sydney and am taking this opportunity to visit the area. Since I do not know anyone in Australia, I want to have the chance to meet people on the ground who are willing to give me insights into the country and culture.

Interests

• books
• politics
• live music
• camping
• history
• art
• nature
• vegetarian food
• nature walks
• history and culture

Music, Movies, and Books

I enjoy rock music, ranging from heavy metal to experimental punk and rock alternative. Old American country and blues have a soft spot for me.
I studied film theory in France where I was exposed to 60s-70s new wave cinema, as well as neorealist documentaries: from Jean-Luc Godard to Pier Paolo Pasolini, Frederick Wiseman, Robert Kramer, Harun Faroki and Chris Marker. My two top movies which I've seen many times though, are "Happy Together" by Wong Kar-Wai and "Brokeback Mountain" by Ang Lee.
Current book I am reading is Andre Dao's "Anam" about a Vietnamese immigrant to Australia. My favourite authors are Yukio Mishima, Jorge Luis Borges, Italo Calvino and Jean Genet.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I think I've been good at following my instincts and figuring things out. After I graduated from my school in Chicago, I followed a fantasy of being an American cowboy by moving to Tucson, Arizona. I didn't know anyone, didn't know how I was going to make a living as an artist. I was pleasantly surprised to have met a community of artists, queers and activists who live their lives according to their ideals and who offer support for one another. I did not end up a cowboy but I allowed myself to grow and learn by opening myself up to people whose lives I cannot imagine living up to.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I've had many lives, living across cultures and identities, which I am more than happy to share. I love cooking and eating together as a way to offer care and a moment to slow down and get to know one another.

Countries I’ve Visited

Brazil, China, Denmark, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, France, Thailand, United States