The Grand Artistic Escape:

It happens to me every time I have a new project idea--that I then convert into a reality. These moments are like a ray of energy hitting me where the world stops for a second; all I think about for a moment is how will it go and how will I make it happen. All of these moments are unplanned. They can happen anywhere and at any time--even when I am half asleep.

Jewelry is what taught me how to be free from my judgments and dive into a world of my own. I feel like its a place where my mind merges with the physical.

What makes me feel human; what makes me feel alive and well.

Free from society's expectations of who we should be and what defines success. In the act of trying to fulfill these expectations, we neglect our goals and dreams that were so prevalent when we were children.

The ones we were so confident in each time anyone asked us what do you want to be when you grow up?

I was very far off back then about what I wanted to be, but maybe we can learn a little bit from our younger selves. To listen to ourselves a little more and dare to write our narrative.

Nelly and her younger sister Allison. Circa June 2019

Photo c/o Kang-Chun Cheng