WEBVTT 00:00:00.834 --> 00:00:03.403 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% (mellow music) 00:00:25.992 --> 00:00:30.997 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% - My grandfather was born in 1858. 00:00:31.598 --> 00:00:33.933 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% When he was 20 years old, 00:00:34.000 --> 00:00:37.704 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% he immigrated to Hawaii. 00:00:37.771 --> 00:00:40.840 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% My grandfather on his farm, 00:00:40.907 --> 00:00:43.243 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% in Kula, Maui, 00:00:43.309 --> 00:00:46.479 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% grew corn and lima beans. 00:00:46.546 --> 00:00:49.315 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% He became very successful. 00:00:49.382 --> 00:00:51.651 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% I decided to honor him, 00:00:51.718 --> 00:00:54.587 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% by creating this piece that's called, 00:00:54.654 --> 00:00:56.856 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:25% Soil Toil. 00:00:56.923 --> 00:00:59.492 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% (upbeat music) 00:01:02.162 --> 00:01:04.197 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% I'm a person who is 00:01:04.264 --> 00:01:07.567 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% totally into the visual arts. 00:01:07.634 --> 00:01:09.736 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% I have found that art, 00:01:10.637 --> 00:01:13.840 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% enriches my life in so many ways. 00:01:14.874 --> 00:01:18.211 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% Design is truly important part 00:01:18.278 --> 00:01:20.079 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% about the way I live, 00:01:20.146 --> 00:01:21.214 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:38% the way I work, 00:01:21.281 --> 00:01:24.017 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% the way I analyze things. 00:01:24.083 --> 00:01:27.454 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% My name is Ronald Tau Wo Ho. 00:01:30.590 --> 00:01:32.425 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% - Ron Ho is a pillar here 00:01:32.492 --> 00:01:34.260 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% in the Pacific Northwest for craft, 00:01:34.327 --> 00:01:36.062 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% especially in the field of jewelry. 00:01:37.397 --> 00:01:39.132 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% (upbeat music) 00:01:39.199 --> 00:01:39.966 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% - Ron's work is, 00:01:40.033 --> 00:01:42.702 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% you know kind of a part of a school of, 00:01:42.769 --> 00:01:43.803 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:38% jewelry making, 00:01:43.870 --> 00:01:46.573 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% that kind of, found object, 00:01:47.407 --> 00:01:48.775 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% narrative story. 00:01:50.543 --> 00:01:53.480 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% - Ron really sees deeper, 00:01:53.546 --> 00:01:54.647 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% not just shapes, 00:01:54.714 --> 00:01:56.115 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% not just design. 00:01:56.182 --> 00:01:59.586 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% The story is as rich as the elements 00:01:59.652 --> 00:02:01.354 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% of the design itself. 00:02:03.723 --> 00:02:05.725 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% - Art records life you know. 00:02:05.792 --> 00:02:08.895 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% And he loves what life is about. 00:02:08.962 --> 00:02:12.632 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% And he loves recording something. 00:02:12.699 --> 00:02:14.968 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% And putting it together. 00:02:15.034 --> 00:02:17.437 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% - They also reflect his love of travel. 00:02:17.504 --> 00:02:19.372 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% And love of objects. 00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:22.141 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% And then his particular way of putting things together 00:02:22.208 --> 00:02:23.810 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:25% is unique. 00:02:23.877 --> 00:02:25.078 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:33% Uniquely Ron. 00:02:27.247 --> 00:02:28.715 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% - Ron is a master. 00:02:28.781 --> 00:02:30.683 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% He's been around long enough. 00:02:30.750 --> 00:02:32.185 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% He knows his voice. 00:02:32.252 --> 00:02:34.187 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% - They either tell a personal story 00:02:34.254 --> 00:02:36.155 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% or a story related to his family. 00:02:36.222 --> 00:02:38.157 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% Or they tell a story about the collector 00:02:38.224 --> 00:02:39.692 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% who commissioned the piece. 00:02:39.759 --> 00:02:40.927 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% Or they might tell a story about 00:02:40.994 --> 00:02:41.961 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% one of his travels. 00:02:42.028 --> 00:02:45.031 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% He has traveled extensively throughout Asia. 00:02:45.098 --> 00:02:46.165 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% There's something about his, 00:02:46.232 --> 00:02:49.269 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% it was always like a whole meal. 00:02:49.335 --> 00:02:50.370 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:20% (laughs) 00:02:50.436 --> 00:02:55.408 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% It's beautiful, and it was full of many references. 00:02:55.475 --> 00:02:57.076 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% - They're almost tribal looking. 00:02:57.143 --> 00:02:58.478 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% They look like ceremonies. 00:02:58.545 --> 00:03:00.113 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% Kinda ceremonial pieces. 00:03:00.179 --> 00:03:01.447 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% I think that's unique. 00:03:01.514 --> 00:03:04.050 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% That he recreated the ethnic 00:03:04.117 --> 00:03:06.419 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% in the modern day. 00:03:06.486 --> 00:03:08.855 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% In respects to his culture 00:03:08.922 --> 00:03:11.958 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% and what he was seeing in his world. 00:03:13.526 --> 00:03:17.096 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% - The Chinese pronunciation of my Chinese name 00:03:17.163 --> 00:03:17.997 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:25% is Tao Wo. 00:03:19.966 --> 00:03:23.736 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% And it was given to me by my paternal grandmother. 00:03:25.638 --> 00:03:28.141 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% I was very fortunate because of the fact 00:03:28.207 --> 00:03:32.478 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% that both my maternal grandparents came from China. 00:03:34.280 --> 00:03:37.083 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% I was born in Honolulu. 00:03:37.150 --> 00:03:39.819 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% - [Woman] The Hawaiian part of him is very important. 00:03:41.087 --> 00:03:43.122 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% He comes from a very close family. 00:03:43.189 --> 00:03:46.192 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% And his family's very vital to him. 00:03:46.259 --> 00:03:48.728 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% Gave him a sense of meaning and purpose. 00:03:51.230 --> 00:03:54.534 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% - [Ron] Both of my parents' families, 00:03:54.601 --> 00:03:56.736 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% they had their own beliefs. 00:03:56.803 --> 00:04:00.406 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% And many of these beliefs are ways 00:04:00.473 --> 00:04:03.910 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% that became ingrained in me. 00:04:03.977 --> 00:04:05.912 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% My father's side of the family, 00:04:05.979 --> 00:04:08.548 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% the Hakau's were farmers. 00:04:08.615 --> 00:04:10.750 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% And my mother's side of the family, 00:04:10.817 --> 00:04:13.019 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% they were the business people. 00:04:13.086 --> 00:04:15.588 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% - It was basically the American dream kind of story. 00:04:15.655 --> 00:04:17.857 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% You know, came as poor immigrants, 00:04:17.924 --> 00:04:20.960 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% very poor immigrants and made their way. 00:04:21.027 --> 00:04:24.130 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% And made life better for the next generation 00:04:24.197 --> 00:04:25.131 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% and the next generation. 00:04:25.198 --> 00:04:27.934 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% And Ron's generation was the first one 00:04:28.001 --> 00:04:29.435 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% to go to college 00:04:29.502 --> 00:04:30.536 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% in his family. 00:04:31.471 --> 00:04:34.107 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% All of the children in his family went to college. 00:04:38.077 --> 00:04:41.214 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% - My father had suggested 00:04:41.280 --> 00:04:45.184 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% that maybe I might like to become a teacher. 00:04:45.251 --> 00:04:48.054 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% My sister was at Pacific Lutheran. 00:04:48.121 --> 00:04:52.058 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% Kept writing to me and saying oh, you should come here 00:04:52.125 --> 00:04:52.959 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:43% to the Northwest. 00:04:53.026 --> 00:04:55.194 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% It's really a lovely place. 00:04:55.261 --> 00:04:58.398 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% And this is a small school. 00:04:58.464 --> 00:05:00.366 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% And the people are wonderful 00:05:00.433 --> 00:05:02.368 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% and you'll really like it. 00:05:02.435 --> 00:05:05.872 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% I attended Pacific Lutheran college 00:05:05.938 --> 00:05:10.943 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:43% from 1954 to 1958 00:05:11.444 --> 00:05:12.979 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:43% when I graduated. 00:05:15.381 --> 00:05:18.384 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% I started teaching in Hoquiam, Washington. 00:05:18.451 --> 00:05:23.456 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% I knew that I was not going to stay in Hoquiam forever. 00:05:24.123 --> 00:05:28.294 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% I applied and eventually was accepted 00:05:28.361 --> 00:05:31.064 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% into the Bellevue school district. 00:05:33.166 --> 00:05:36.602 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% I was somebody who wanted 00:05:36.669 --> 00:05:38.705 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% to get the very best 00:05:38.771 --> 00:05:42.108 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% creative work out of my students. 00:05:43.142 --> 00:05:44.510 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% - My first class with Ron was 00:05:44.577 --> 00:05:46.279 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% at Highland Junior High School. 00:05:46.345 --> 00:05:50.983 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:53% Which was in Bellevue in the seventh grade. 00:05:51.050 --> 00:05:52.618 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% First of all, he was different than most 00:05:52.685 --> 00:05:55.988 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% of the other teachers there because he was Chinese American. 00:05:56.055 --> 00:05:58.491 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% And he had a wonderful sense of humor. 00:05:58.558 --> 00:06:00.226 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% - The junior high thing was all right 00:06:00.293 --> 00:06:04.230 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% but the little kids were his forte. 00:06:04.297 --> 00:06:06.566 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - Notice again the design around... 00:06:06.632 --> 00:06:09.302 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% At first when they told me I had to teach half time 00:06:09.368 --> 00:06:11.204 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% in the elementary, 00:06:11.270 --> 00:06:14.006 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% I thought oh, I don't want to do that. 00:06:14.073 --> 00:06:15.508 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% Teach those little kids. 00:06:16.342 --> 00:06:19.112 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% Once I started teaching them, 00:06:19.178 --> 00:06:22.582 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% there was such an inspiration. 00:06:22.648 --> 00:06:24.584 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% They were so creative. 00:06:24.650 --> 00:06:29.255 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% My main focus on them was to help them 00:06:29.322 --> 00:06:32.191 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% to see in a more aesthetic, 00:06:32.258 --> 00:06:34.060 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% more visual way. 00:06:34.127 --> 00:06:37.230 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% - Children could do great things with, 00:06:37.296 --> 00:06:39.866 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% really great art as an inspiration. 00:06:39.932 --> 00:06:41.167 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:33% And they did. 00:06:41.234 --> 00:06:42.135 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% They delivered the goods. 00:06:42.201 --> 00:06:43.836 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% Because he believed they could. 00:06:43.903 --> 00:06:46.572 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% And he totally gave them that idea. 00:06:46.639 --> 00:06:48.975 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% He's had many of those students 00:06:49.041 --> 00:06:50.676 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% who have come to him over the years 00:06:50.743 --> 00:06:55.381 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% and said how important he was as a vital part of their life. 00:06:55.448 --> 00:06:58.718 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - In your box is probably a light and dark ... 00:06:58.785 --> 00:07:02.054 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% You have to inspire then in some way. 00:07:02.121 --> 00:07:03.656 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% And how do you do that? 00:07:03.723 --> 00:07:05.224 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% Well first of all, 00:07:05.291 --> 00:07:10.363 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% it could be showing them something that's visual. 00:07:10.429 --> 00:07:14.467 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% I had all of these objects from my travels. 00:07:14.534 --> 00:07:19.071 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% And many times this would be an inspiration. 00:07:19.138 --> 00:07:22.175 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% - He would take the actual artifacts to the class. 00:07:22.241 --> 00:07:26.012 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% So he might take an Indian blanket. 00:07:26.078 --> 00:07:28.381 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% And everybody would draw an Indian blanket. 00:07:28.447 --> 00:07:31.117 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% And it'd be one with a priceless, 00:07:31.184 --> 00:07:33.319 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% museum type object that he borrowed 00:07:33.386 --> 00:07:35.388 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% from someone who actually had one. 00:07:35.454 --> 00:07:37.790 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% So the kids could actually touch it and see it. 00:07:37.857 --> 00:07:41.294 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% - It was linked to things in the world, 00:07:41.360 --> 00:07:45.264 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% which was a good education for the kids. 00:07:45.331 --> 00:07:46.933 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:30% (soft music) 00:07:46.999 --> 00:07:51.571 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% - I believe that my early paintings as I started out, 00:07:51.637 --> 00:07:53.973 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% I was still exploring 00:07:54.040 --> 00:07:57.210 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% my talents as a painter. 00:07:57.276 --> 00:08:02.148 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% I honestly have to say they were okay. 00:08:02.215 --> 00:08:07.220 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% But I honestly feel that I never devoted the time 00:08:07.520 --> 00:08:12.358 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% and intensity to my paintings as much as when I started 00:08:12.425 --> 00:08:14.160 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% to make my jewelry. 00:08:16.896 --> 00:08:19.532 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% - Ron's paintings were impressionistic. 00:08:19.599 --> 00:08:24.604 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% In that they were kind of a little bit foggy, 00:08:24.837 --> 00:08:25.671 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:33% a little bit, 00:08:26.906 --> 00:08:28.541 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% just an impression of something. 00:08:29.508 --> 00:08:30.743 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% He wasn't realistic. 00:08:30.810 --> 00:08:33.145 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% He was working with real landscape 00:08:33.212 --> 00:08:36.282 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% or something I know that his jewelry's 00:08:36.349 --> 00:08:38.618 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% better than his painting was. 00:08:38.684 --> 00:08:39.452 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:20% (laughs) 00:08:39.518 --> 00:08:43.556 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% - The way I happen to come into making jewelry 00:08:43.623 --> 00:08:47.727 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% was I was finishing up my 00:08:47.793 --> 00:08:50.229 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% Master's in Art Education 00:08:50.296 --> 00:08:53.599 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% at the University of Washington. 00:08:54.700 --> 00:08:59.739 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% Ramona Solberg, who was teaching at Central Washington 00:08:59.805 --> 00:09:04.477 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% came over to teach that last summer quarter. 00:09:04.543 --> 00:09:06.212 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% And I had met Ramona before. 00:09:07.079 --> 00:09:10.616 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% And I said to her, you know I've always wanted 00:09:10.683 --> 00:09:12.785 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% to take a jewelry class. 00:09:12.852 --> 00:09:15.354 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% So I signed up for that class. 00:09:15.421 --> 00:09:19.392 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% - Ruth Penington was there, late 50s she was there. 00:09:19.458 --> 00:09:23.162 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% And she was kind of the anchor 00:09:23.229 --> 00:09:24.697 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% that started that program. 00:09:24.764 --> 00:09:27.400 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% And later on Ramona and Ron, 00:09:27.466 --> 00:09:29.568 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% because he studied with her, 00:09:30.937 --> 00:09:35.408 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% became part of that whole community of jewelers. 00:09:36.809 --> 00:09:39.445 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% - Ramona Solberg was the catalyst. 00:09:39.512 --> 00:09:41.180 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% She was the mother of all of us. 00:09:41.247 --> 00:09:44.083 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% She was the guiding principle of 00:09:44.150 --> 00:09:46.652 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% probably why we were all doing it. 00:09:49.255 --> 00:09:51.924 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% - Here I was working in the studio. 00:09:51.991 --> 00:09:54.527 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% But I was terrible. 00:09:54.593 --> 00:09:57.997 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% I ended up burning and melting 00:09:58.064 --> 00:09:59.899 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% some of my pieces. 00:10:03.035 --> 00:10:06.505 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% Ramona always said that I was a good designer 00:10:06.572 --> 00:10:08.708 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% but I was a nervous solderer. 00:10:09.942 --> 00:10:10.710 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:20% (laughs) 00:10:10.776 --> 00:10:12.611 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% - [Woman] Ramona's opinion mattered more to Ron 00:10:12.678 --> 00:10:13.746 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% than anybody else's. 00:10:13.813 --> 00:10:15.481 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% She really was his teacher. 00:10:18.484 --> 00:10:21.954 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% - Ramona who had traveled around the world 00:10:22.021 --> 00:10:25.858 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% had picked up all these wonderful artifacts. 00:10:25.925 --> 00:10:29.495 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% Which she started incorporating into her jewelry. 00:10:30.496 --> 00:10:33.399 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:28% So one day, 00:10:33.466 --> 00:10:36.268 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% she gave me a bone domino 00:10:36.335 --> 00:10:38.938 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% because she loved polka dots. 00:10:39.005 --> 00:10:40.940 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% I took that piece, 00:10:41.007 --> 00:10:43.442 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% starting designing around it. 00:10:43.509 --> 00:10:46.746 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% And I assembled it with other bone 00:10:46.812 --> 00:10:48.781 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% and wood pieces. 00:10:51.484 --> 00:10:55.054 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% I came up with the name All Fall Down 00:10:55.121 --> 00:10:57.423 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% because of the ivory domino. 00:10:57.490 --> 00:11:00.026 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% And of course when you play dominoes, 00:11:00.092 --> 00:11:02.895 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% you usually stand them up and then 00:11:02.962 --> 00:11:04.563 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% when you touch one, 00:11:04.630 --> 00:11:06.732 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% they suddenly collapse. 00:11:06.799 --> 00:11:09.035 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% And I guess in many ways, 00:11:09.101 --> 00:11:12.738 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% it can't be a metaphor about life. 00:11:12.805 --> 00:11:17.109 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% That became the major piece 00:11:17.176 --> 00:11:21.080 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% that started me on my journey 00:11:21.147 --> 00:11:25.084 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% into working with found objects. 00:11:28.921 --> 00:11:30.556 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% - [Man] The germ of many of his pieces 00:11:30.623 --> 00:11:31.957 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% have started with objects 00:11:32.024 --> 00:11:34.627 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% or with an idea of how you would 00:11:34.693 --> 00:11:36.662 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% turn an object into a story. 00:11:38.998 --> 00:11:41.600 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - When he first began you could see the reflection 00:11:41.667 --> 00:11:43.102 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% of Ramona Solberg. 00:11:43.169 --> 00:11:46.072 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% As he grew and time changed, 00:11:46.138 --> 00:11:49.775 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% she helped him become the Chinese person 00:11:49.842 --> 00:11:52.678 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% that he is by looking at his roots. 00:11:52.745 --> 00:11:55.948 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% And then that was reflected in his creation 00:11:56.015 --> 00:11:57.616 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:28% of his art. 00:11:57.683 --> 00:12:00.119 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:30% (soft music) 00:12:00.186 --> 00:12:02.955 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% - Ramona said that he made her jewelry better 00:12:03.022 --> 00:12:04.890 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% than she made her own. 00:12:04.957 --> 00:12:08.027 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% Because he really picked up on what she did. 00:12:09.895 --> 00:12:11.764 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% She was his traveling companion. 00:12:11.831 --> 00:12:13.199 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% And she was his mentor 00:12:13.265 --> 00:12:15.167 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% and his best friend in many ways. 00:12:20.106 --> 00:12:22.074 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% - There were four jewelers who were very, 00:12:22.141 --> 00:12:24.176 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% very, very close friends. 00:12:24.243 --> 00:12:25.611 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:18% Ron Ho, 00:12:25.678 --> 00:12:27.179 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:38% Ramona Solberg, 00:12:27.246 --> 00:12:28.347 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% Kiff Slemmons, 00:12:28.414 --> 00:12:29.348 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% and Laurie Hall. 00:12:30.316 --> 00:12:32.685 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% That was kinda the base 00:12:32.751 --> 00:12:35.387 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% of the best jewelry art in the Northwest. 00:12:37.456 --> 00:12:40.025 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% - And we were all such close friends. 00:12:40.092 --> 00:12:41.594 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% - We were a school of thought. 00:12:42.461 --> 00:12:44.063 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% And we were all different. 00:12:44.930 --> 00:12:48.234 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% And with the danger of becoming 00:12:48.300 --> 00:12:49.735 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% like each other. 00:12:49.802 --> 00:12:51.737 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% We were inspired by each other 00:12:51.804 --> 00:12:53.038 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% and competing with each other. 00:12:53.105 --> 00:12:54.707 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% I mean, I won't deny that. 00:12:54.773 --> 00:12:58.777 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% It was really hot stuff, you know? 00:12:58.844 --> 00:13:00.079 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:18% It was. 00:13:00.146 --> 00:13:01.514 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% - The jewelry arts community 00:13:01.580 --> 00:13:03.015 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% always has struck me in this town 00:13:03.082 --> 00:13:06.752 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% as very generous spirited to each other. 00:13:06.819 --> 00:13:09.155 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% Less competitive than you might imagine. 00:13:09.221 --> 00:13:09.989 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:33% And generous. 00:13:10.055 --> 00:13:11.557 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% And so Ron was part of that. 00:13:11.624 --> 00:13:14.393 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - They were so willing to share their information. 00:13:14.460 --> 00:13:15.361 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% They didn't feel like they had 00:13:15.427 --> 00:13:17.696 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% to keep anything close to them. 00:13:17.763 --> 00:13:19.698 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% Because they were gonna lose something. 00:13:20.566 --> 00:13:23.102 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - And I was starting this necklace 00:13:23.169 --> 00:13:26.038 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% and I had solved the pendant shape. 00:13:26.105 --> 00:13:30.042 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% But I wasn't quite sure how I was gonna attach 00:13:30.109 --> 00:13:31.877 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% the neck piece to it. 00:13:31.944 --> 00:13:33.179 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% We were all sitting around. 00:13:33.245 --> 00:13:36.615 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% And then I said, well I'm going to the restroom. 00:13:37.550 --> 00:13:40.986 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% So when I went to the restroom and I came back, 00:13:41.053 --> 00:13:43.889 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% Ramona says we got it solved. 00:13:43.956 --> 00:13:45.257 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:20% (laughs) 00:13:45.324 --> 00:13:46.859 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% She had a piece of paper. 00:13:46.926 --> 00:13:50.029 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% She drew exactly how it should attach. 00:13:50.095 --> 00:13:52.231 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% And that's how it all worked out. 00:13:52.298 --> 00:13:54.333 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% - They have to share ideas because 00:13:54.400 --> 00:13:56.435 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% this is how they learn the next trick. 00:13:56.502 --> 00:13:58.571 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:20% (laughs) 00:13:58.637 --> 00:14:00.239 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% - They are kindred spirits 00:14:01.173 --> 00:14:05.010 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% in friendship and in the art form that they chose. 00:14:05.077 --> 00:14:06.679 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% - It was a very exciting time. 00:14:06.745 --> 00:14:10.049 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% It was the hippy dippy time, you know? 00:14:10.115 --> 00:14:11.684 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:20% (laughs) 00:14:11.750 --> 00:14:12.918 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% It was fun, it was fun. 00:14:14.720 --> 00:14:17.189 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% - [Ron] I had started to travel. 00:14:17.256 --> 00:14:22.261 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% And I began to see so many other cultures. 00:14:25.397 --> 00:14:26.999 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% - [Man] Ron is really fun to travel with. 00:14:27.066 --> 00:14:29.935 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% He takes great joy in all things 00:14:30.002 --> 00:14:31.503 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% that happen on a trip. 00:14:31.570 --> 00:14:32.671 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% He loves the journey. 00:14:32.738 --> 00:14:35.341 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% He loves the people. 00:14:35.407 --> 00:14:38.143 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% (oriental music) 00:14:39.745 --> 00:14:42.948 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - And I'm always going to markets as an example. 00:14:43.015 --> 00:14:46.652 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% You never know exactly what's going to inspire you 00:14:46.719 --> 00:14:49.955 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% to pick up a piece and suddenly say 00:14:50.022 --> 00:14:52.591 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% this is what I'd like to have. 00:14:52.658 --> 00:14:54.960 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% I think you have to actually see it. 00:14:55.027 --> 00:14:58.564 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% And it somehow gives you a certain vibration. 00:14:59.632 --> 00:15:01.267 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:38% I want it to be 00:15:02.868 --> 00:15:07.373 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% something that relates to their cultural values. 00:15:07.439 --> 00:15:10.075 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% Or things that they believe in. 00:15:10.142 --> 00:15:13.712 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% - I think Ron is genuinely motivated 00:15:13.779 --> 00:15:17.449 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% by and inspired by the objects. 00:15:17.516 --> 00:15:19.952 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% He really wants to kind of showcase them in a way 00:15:20.019 --> 00:15:22.154 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% that it's his story. 00:15:22.221 --> 00:15:23.289 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% It's his narrative. 00:15:23.355 --> 00:15:25.791 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% But he loves using those things. 00:15:25.858 --> 00:15:27.259 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% I think he feels somehow connected 00:15:27.326 --> 00:15:29.528 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% to the makers of those things as well. 00:15:29.595 --> 00:15:31.463 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% You know, the history of the object. 00:15:36.435 --> 00:15:39.204 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% - When I bring these artifacts home, 00:15:39.271 --> 00:15:42.174 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% I might have an idea to begin with. 00:15:42.241 --> 00:15:47.246 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% And I might find pieces that I feel represent 00:15:47.680 --> 00:15:50.616 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% this idea that I'm trying to do. 00:15:50.683 --> 00:15:52.084 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% But other times, 00:15:52.151 --> 00:15:55.621 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% I honestly have to say that the whole idea comes 00:15:55.688 --> 00:16:00.192 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% after I've found certain imagery 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:02.328 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% that I feel go together. 00:16:02.394 --> 00:16:04.029 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% And sometimes it may be 00:16:04.096 --> 00:16:07.966 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% because the colors are right 00:16:08.033 --> 00:16:11.070 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% or it might be because the way 00:16:11.136 --> 00:16:14.406 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% the pieces are carved that 00:16:14.473 --> 00:16:17.042 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% have a certain movement to them. 00:16:17.109 --> 00:16:19.645 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% That they actually work together. 00:16:19.712 --> 00:16:22.815 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% And usually what I do when I'm creating, 00:16:22.881 --> 00:16:27.586 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% is I lay them on my sketchbook. 00:16:27.653 --> 00:16:28.887 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% And I move them around. 00:16:28.954 --> 00:16:32.257 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% And then I start the drawing around them 00:16:32.324 --> 00:16:35.861 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% to see how I'm going to frame the piece. 00:16:35.928 --> 00:16:38.230 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% - I don't know if you've ever watched a jeweler 00:16:38.297 --> 00:16:42.034 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% but the work is quite slow. 00:16:42.101 --> 00:16:44.803 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% To cutting out a piece of silver can take days. 00:16:44.870 --> 00:16:47.906 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% And it's that kind of patience, 00:16:47.973 --> 00:16:50.943 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% that takes a long time to get everything ready, 00:16:51.009 --> 00:16:53.712 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% and then when it comes time to solder, 00:16:53.779 --> 00:16:55.214 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% everything can go wrong. 00:16:56.148 --> 00:16:58.917 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% (blade sawing) 00:16:58.984 --> 00:17:03.188 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% Since your drawing is in two dimensional, 00:17:03.255 --> 00:17:07.526 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% what happens is then you have the hard part 00:17:07.593 --> 00:17:10.896 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:53% is how do you make it in three dimensional? 00:17:10.963 --> 00:17:14.299 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% There are all these problems that need to get solved 00:17:14.366 --> 00:17:18.670 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% about how am I going to mount some of these found objects? 00:17:18.737 --> 00:17:23.809 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% That are going to be able to be stable in those positions. 00:17:23.876 --> 00:17:25.277 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% And they're also going to make 00:17:25.344 --> 00:17:28.280 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% a beautiful composition as well. 00:17:28.347 --> 00:17:29.948 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% There's a lot of thought actually 00:17:30.015 --> 00:17:33.585 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% that goes into making those designs. 00:17:34.553 --> 00:17:38.624 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% - Those decisions you make when something has to move, 00:17:38.690 --> 00:17:41.026 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% or from one image to another, 00:17:41.093 --> 00:17:43.295 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:43% that's hard work. 00:17:43.362 --> 00:17:45.597 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% Because it's gotta not only look right, 00:17:45.664 --> 00:17:48.567 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% but it's gotta make sense up in your head. 00:17:51.703 --> 00:17:54.373 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% - Ron's pieces are almost all silver. 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:57.743 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% You know, there's peculiarities to that kind of metal. 00:17:57.810 --> 00:18:01.046 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% With the kinds of fabrication that Ron does, 00:18:01.113 --> 00:18:02.581 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% it's fairly precise. 00:18:02.648 --> 00:18:04.283 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% And it has to fit just so. 00:18:04.349 --> 00:18:06.485 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% - The design of it takes time too. 00:18:06.552 --> 00:18:09.588 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% So when he thinks about what imagery he's gonna use, 00:18:09.655 --> 00:18:12.991 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% or what particular topic that he wants that piece 00:18:13.058 --> 00:18:14.126 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:40% to be tied into, 00:18:14.193 --> 00:18:15.894 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% I think the designing of it, 00:18:15.961 --> 00:18:17.162 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% people forget about that. 00:18:17.229 --> 00:18:18.330 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% And then you add the time 00:18:18.397 --> 00:18:20.199 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% of the hand labor work on it. 00:18:23.302 --> 00:18:24.770 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% - And the soldering and all that. 00:18:24.837 --> 00:18:26.171 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:23% It's fun. 00:18:26.238 --> 00:18:27.506 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:25% It's hard. 00:18:27.573 --> 00:18:29.007 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:23% It hurts. 00:18:29.074 --> 00:18:32.010 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% It isn't easy at all. 00:18:32.077 --> 00:18:34.246 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% - Working through the years, 00:18:35.747 --> 00:18:37.950 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% it's interesting to go back 00:18:38.016 --> 00:18:40.986 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% and look at your original pieces 00:18:41.053 --> 00:18:45.757 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% and see actually they were quite simple 00:18:45.824 --> 00:18:47.960 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% in their construction. 00:18:48.026 --> 00:18:50.829 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% - [Woman] And then there comes the time 00:18:50.896 --> 00:18:53.932 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% when he starts making all of the pieces 00:18:53.999 --> 00:18:57.102 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% and is no longer so dependent 00:18:57.169 --> 00:19:00.939 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% or maybe, just that he was discovering more things 00:19:01.006 --> 00:19:02.908 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% as he found his soul and his heart 00:19:02.975 --> 00:19:03.876 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:33% and his life. 00:19:09.648 --> 00:19:12.351 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% - [Ron] As I became more skilled, 00:19:12.417 --> 00:19:17.422 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% I could see how I could develop the construction 00:19:17.756 --> 00:19:21.460 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% so that the pieces could flow together. 00:19:22.327 --> 00:19:24.696 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% To be able to look and see how you could 00:19:24.763 --> 00:19:28.333 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% actually give life to a stiff piece 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:32.070 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% of metal and make it actually flow. 00:19:32.137 --> 00:19:36.108 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% And how do you then make it so that 00:19:36.174 --> 00:19:38.577 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% it speaks on its own? 00:19:40.212 --> 00:19:43.415 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% It's something that you really have to develop. 00:19:44.983 --> 00:19:48.220 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% - [Man] Ron's work is sculpture pure and simple. 00:19:48.287 --> 00:19:50.389 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% I mean, it's adornment but it's also 00:19:50.455 --> 00:19:52.057 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% each object stands by itself. 00:19:52.124 --> 00:19:56.028 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% You could hang it to be seen in a 3D context. 00:19:56.094 --> 00:19:58.497 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% - [Woman] Many, many people, including me, 00:19:58.564 --> 00:20:01.833 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% put their pieces on the wall as sculpture. 00:20:01.900 --> 00:20:05.671 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% - This particular piece is almost like a painting for me. 00:20:05.737 --> 00:20:08.874 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% And so I like to have it out and look at it everyday. 00:20:08.941 --> 00:20:13.111 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - Ron's work is, it does reach out and says hello. 00:20:13.178 --> 00:20:14.546 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% And when people purchase from me, 00:20:14.613 --> 00:20:16.615 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% I say you have to be ready. 00:20:16.682 --> 00:20:18.684 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% That people are gonna walk up to you 00:20:18.750 --> 00:20:20.018 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% and not look you in the eye, 00:20:20.085 --> 00:20:23.388 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% but look at your chest and say tell me about your jewelry. 00:20:23.455 --> 00:20:25.591 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% Or they will even reach out and touch it. 00:20:27.292 --> 00:20:31.096 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% - I always thought of myself as being an American. 00:20:31.163 --> 00:20:32.397 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% And that's it. 00:20:32.464 --> 00:20:36.335 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% I never thought of myself as being Chinese. 00:20:36.401 --> 00:20:39.338 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% As I was working on my jewelry, 00:20:39.404 --> 00:20:42.140 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% I made things out of fun objects 00:20:42.207 --> 00:20:44.509 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% that maybe were old toys, 00:20:44.576 --> 00:20:47.279 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% or very common things. 00:20:47.346 --> 00:20:50.215 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% But eventually Ramona said to me, 00:20:50.282 --> 00:20:51.683 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% you know you oughta think 00:20:51.750 --> 00:20:54.886 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% about your growing up in Hawaii, 00:20:54.953 --> 00:20:57.656 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% and your Chinese heritage. 00:20:57.723 --> 00:21:01.960 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% Which I think is something you should explore. 00:21:02.027 --> 00:21:04.863 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% And that's when I began to do that. 00:21:04.930 --> 00:21:07.265 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% I think it has been reflected 00:21:07.332 --> 00:21:10.569 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% in my art tremendously. 00:21:10.636 --> 00:21:13.805 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% (soft oriental music) 00:21:15.140 --> 00:21:18.710 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% I started looking and thinking about all the things 00:21:18.777 --> 00:21:22.180 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% that my parents had said that I began 00:21:22.247 --> 00:21:26.618 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% to really appreciate those things that they told me. 00:21:26.685 --> 00:21:31.690 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% And I was able to use those ideas into creating 00:21:32.991 --> 00:21:36.928 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% so many of the narrative thoughts in my jewelry. 00:21:37.996 --> 00:21:41.166 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% (soft oriental music) 00:21:48.840 --> 00:21:51.576 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - I think one of the most beautiful pieces he did 00:21:51.643 --> 00:21:55.647 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% when he was doing this kind of searching for his roots, 00:21:55.714 --> 00:21:57.349 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% his Chinese roots. 00:21:57.416 --> 00:22:00.285 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% He did a piece called Lily Foot. 00:22:01.386 --> 00:22:03.488 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% His grandmother had bound feet. 00:22:04.456 --> 00:22:08.060 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% And he made a little tiny shoe. 00:22:09.261 --> 00:22:11.663 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% With a foot in it. 00:22:11.730 --> 00:22:15.534 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% That's all about him and his grandmother 00:22:15.600 --> 00:22:17.536 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% and the history of the world. 00:22:18.437 --> 00:22:19.938 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% And he captures all of that. 00:22:22.374 --> 00:22:27.345 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% - My maternal grandmother who came from the Canton area, 00:22:28.747 --> 00:22:30.549 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% when she arrived in Hawaii, 00:22:30.615 --> 00:22:32.150 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% she had bound feet. 00:22:33.218 --> 00:22:36.221 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:53% They wrapped her feet when she was a child. 00:22:36.288 --> 00:22:40.492 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% When she walked, she was walking on her toes. 00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:44.830 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% I remember her having these rags 00:22:44.896 --> 00:22:49.768 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% that she would wrap and unwrap her feet. 00:22:51.536 --> 00:22:53.605 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:33% At that time, 00:22:53.672 --> 00:22:56.174 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% it was a custom in China. 00:22:56.241 --> 00:22:59.745 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% Because they called it the lily foot. 00:22:59.811 --> 00:23:02.447 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% Which is a symbol of beauty. 00:23:05.317 --> 00:23:07.686 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% Much as those beliefs at the time 00:23:07.753 --> 00:23:09.287 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% didn't mean anything, 00:23:09.354 --> 00:23:11.690 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% they eventually became 00:23:11.757 --> 00:23:15.026 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% infused into my thinking, 00:23:15.093 --> 00:23:16.294 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:30% my thoughts, 00:23:16.361 --> 00:23:18.530 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% and my ways of creating 00:23:18.597 --> 00:23:20.832 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% narration in my jewelry. 00:23:22.467 --> 00:23:23.735 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% - For him, there was this idea 00:23:23.802 --> 00:23:25.437 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% of regaining his own identity. 00:23:25.504 --> 00:23:27.672 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% Or finding a way through his work 00:23:27.739 --> 00:23:29.608 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% through his artistic expression 00:23:29.674 --> 00:23:33.411 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% to claim cultural identity as a Chinese. 00:23:33.478 --> 00:23:37.048 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% - When I had a show, I titled that show 00:23:37.115 --> 00:23:39.317 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:43% Becoming Chinese. 00:23:40.185 --> 00:23:43.021 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% Because I thought that really depicts 00:23:43.088 --> 00:23:45.557 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% what really happened to me. 00:23:45.624 --> 00:23:48.026 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% It truly transformed me 00:23:48.093 --> 00:23:51.029 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% from being just an American 00:23:51.096 --> 00:23:55.033 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% into really respecting my Chinese heritage. 00:23:55.100 --> 00:23:56.034 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% To be able to have a show here 00:23:56.101 --> 00:23:57.903 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% I think is a great honor. 00:23:58.870 --> 00:24:00.372 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% - I think Becoming Chinese, 00:24:00.438 --> 00:24:03.575 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% that whole series of projects 00:24:03.642 --> 00:24:07.779 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% that Ron did with his jewelry allowed him to 00:24:07.846 --> 00:24:09.915 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% ask questions of his own heritage 00:24:09.981 --> 00:24:12.984 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% in a way that he hadn't really pondered much before. 00:24:13.051 --> 00:24:15.187 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - Everybody's been really wonderful. 00:24:15.253 --> 00:24:16.087 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:20% - Great. 00:24:17.989 --> 00:24:21.893 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% - [Ron] I have gone back to my Chinese roots. 00:24:21.960 --> 00:24:24.996 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% I like Chinese furniture. 00:24:25.063 --> 00:24:27.766 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% I like Chinese food. 00:24:30.101 --> 00:24:31.436 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:38% I love the art. 00:24:31.503 --> 00:24:34.739 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% So it all has become a very important 00:24:34.806 --> 00:24:36.241 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% part of my life really. 00:24:37.809 --> 00:24:39.945 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:75% - The idea of Becoming Chinese 00:24:40.011 --> 00:24:43.548 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% defined his journey both 00:24:45.650 --> 00:24:48.753 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% artistically and as a human being. 00:24:52.090 --> 00:24:54.759 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% - [Ron] It's always been a wonderful rise 00:24:54.826 --> 00:24:59.364 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% as to what's happened in my life and my career 00:24:59.431 --> 00:25:01.399 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% as a jewelry artist. 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:05.036 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% - We're all aware of Ron's jewelry, 00:25:05.103 --> 00:25:06.238 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:23% his work, 00:25:06.304 --> 00:25:07.572 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% his commitment to it, 00:25:07.639 --> 00:25:08.440 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:25% his shows, 00:25:08.506 --> 00:25:09.507 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:28% his resume, 00:25:09.574 --> 00:25:10.976 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% it's beautiful and all of that. 00:25:11.042 --> 00:25:12.043 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% But in and amongst that, 00:25:12.110 --> 00:25:13.478 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:73% I think it's really important 00:25:13.545 --> 00:25:15.547 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% that people need to know what he did 00:25:15.614 --> 00:25:16.982 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% in all those years of teaching. 00:25:17.048 --> 00:25:19.351 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:55% - He makes things fun. 00:25:19.417 --> 00:25:22.687 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% He's a community person definitely. 00:25:22.754 --> 00:25:25.090 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - So much of Ron is about Seattle. 00:25:25.156 --> 00:25:26.558 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:53% And about that house. 00:25:26.625 --> 00:25:28.760 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:65% There isn't hardly anybody who's been involved 00:25:28.827 --> 00:25:30.996 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% in the arts that Ron hasn't known. 00:25:31.062 --> 00:25:33.031 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% It's been his whole persona. 00:25:33.098 --> 00:25:36.868 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% And that's a very important part 00:25:36.935 --> 00:25:41.940 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% of Seattle history really. 00:25:43.642 --> 00:25:46.678 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% He likes to bring people together. 00:25:46.745 --> 00:25:48.446 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% He sees that as one of his roles 00:25:48.513 --> 00:25:53.485 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% as a person is to kinda bring like minded people together 00:25:53.551 --> 00:25:54.519 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:48% through friendship. 00:25:56.821 --> 00:26:01.626 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% - He valued other artists and he was valued 00:26:01.693 --> 00:26:04.095 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:43% by other artists. 00:26:04.162 --> 00:26:06.364 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% - Being an important part of our relationship 00:26:06.431 --> 00:26:07.599 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% is that we're both gay. 00:26:09.167 --> 00:26:12.470 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% And Ron's being gay and being pretty 00:26:13.872 --> 00:26:16.942 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% open about being gay for a long time, 00:26:17.008 --> 00:26:19.778 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:80% has been a pretty important part 00:26:19.844 --> 00:26:21.479 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:68% of I think of his identity. 00:26:21.546 --> 00:26:23.181 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% A number of Ron's friends who you know, 00:26:23.248 --> 00:26:26.885 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% are kind of out and also important artists, 00:26:26.952 --> 00:26:30.021 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% those were a really valuable part 00:26:30.088 --> 00:26:32.924 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% of the art scene and also part of Ron's life. 00:26:33.892 --> 00:26:35.527 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:70% That was something that they shared 00:26:35.593 --> 00:26:38.330 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% before it was really popular to share it. 00:26:41.833 --> 00:26:45.670 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% - I guess I have to be thankful of having 00:26:45.737 --> 00:26:49.574 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:68% had such a rich history and background 00:26:49.641 --> 00:26:51.743 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% about where I came from. 00:26:51.810 --> 00:26:55.146 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:55% And how I was able to relate it into my art. 00:26:57.582 --> 00:27:00.318 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% And as far as my legacy, 00:27:00.385 --> 00:27:02.554 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:58% I hope that in the end, 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:04.823 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% they will always remember 00:27:06.825 --> 00:27:10.729 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:70% the things that I have made, 00:27:10.795 --> 00:27:12.897 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:65% the places that I've been, 00:27:12.964 --> 00:27:15.700 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:78% how I've inspired other people. 00:27:15.767 --> 00:27:18.269 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:78% - What people remember somebody by 00:27:18.336 --> 00:27:20.038 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:60% or remember somebody for 00:27:20.105 --> 00:27:23.308 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:63% isn't necessarily all the stuff that they made, 00:27:23.375 --> 00:27:25.977 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:80% but the kind of person that they are. 00:27:26.044 --> 00:27:27.078 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:35% And have been. 00:27:27.145 --> 00:27:29.347 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:58% And I'd say that that's what I think people 00:27:29.414 --> 00:27:30.815 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:63% should know about Ron Ho, 00:27:30.882 --> 00:27:35.120 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:60% is that he's an amazing, loving human being 00:27:35.186 --> 00:27:37.288 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:73% that communicated that really well 00:27:37.355 --> 00:27:40.291 align:middle line:79% position:50% size:75% through his art as well as his life 00:27:40.358 --> 00:27:41.793 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:50% and his friendships. 00:27:44.129 --> 00:27:47.032 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:45% (soft piano music) 00:28:32.077 --> 00:28:34.913 align:middle line:85% position:50% size:43% (people clapping)