This work is a collaboration between Danny, Hesam and Twinkle as a result of their conversations surrounding their identities, backgrounds and how individual perspectives shape their view on this particular element of life. Water and the query of its nature has always been a fundamental aspect from which philosophy has sprung. By examining the various states that one can find water in, we are able to relate and think inwardly to the tempests and stagnation found in our day-to-day moments leading to how our cultures are shaped.

Our aim was to juxtaposition the universality of water against the backdrop of our own individual ethnic backgrounds and identities.

Asian Roots Trio, A.R.T. for short, is a showcase of our Asian narrative. Each of us has our own distinct story about our Asian heritage since we all have unique backgrounds and experiences. Although we did not search each other out, we all came to an intersection through our common interest in traditional Asian culture. Our choice of mediums, including oil painting, drawing, and watercolour painting, form a diverse yet cohesive vision of traditional Asian aesthetics as we tell the story of our Asian Roots.

We are a group of Asian and Asian-Canadian artists who came together through our mutual interest in expressing Asian culture through art. Our project aims to display the beauty of Asian history, show pride in our Asian roots, and build cross-cultural understanding. Amid growing anti-Asian racism in Canada, it has never been more important to strengthen empathy and understanding within the community.

-Noah Richardson, Ken Richardson & Yu Chen

 In my culture, Buddhist bracelets emphasize virtue and positive energy. They represent the aspiration of people to live better lives. The bracelets are bound heavily with our awe and admiration for nature. Those who wear Buddhist bracelets believe that when you are in positive surroundings, your mentality will improve and the energy you receive will be more positive.

My beloved mother gave me a bracelet 6 years ago before I moved away from home to study oil painting in the United States. She believes it has a kind of power to eliminate negative energy, protect me and allow me to avoid bad luck. This bracelet became the inspiration for my series of oil paintings. The process of creating these paintings not only has been a mental pursuit of peace and serenity but also reminds me of the strong connection I have with my family and culture.

It is my hope that the power with which the bracelets are imbued may traverse my paintings and spread positive energy to the audiences who view them.