In Transit 2016 / by erwin lian

In-Transit

Sep 01, 2016.

During this trip, I reconnected with numerous friends and organized a show at Curt’s newly opened tattoo shop, Enso Tattoo. My journey hit a snag when my flight was delayed in Hong Kong due to adverse weather conditions. Upon reaching Dallas, I missed my connecting flight to Ohio. Fortunately, there was another flight scheduled for CMH, and I arrived around 2 am on Thursday night.

Jet lag gripped me, and sleep eluded me as I worked with Curt to set up my show until midnight on Friday. Despite feeling completely exhausted on Friday night, the In-Transit exhibition was slated to open on Saturday, and we had to frame and hang 29 paintings.

Eventually we succeeded and put everything up right before Gallery Hop !

Eventually we succeeded and put everything up right before Gallery Hop !

A pleasant surprise awaited me when one of my backers, Cassandra from The Perfect Sketchbook, informed her mother about my show on Saturday. Interestingly, Cassandra, now residing in France, originally hailed from Columbus, Ohio. Her mother purchased a painting before the official opening of the show.

The Herculean task of framing and displaying 29 paintings within 48 hours wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable assistance of my incredible friends. Special thanks go to Daniel Painter (Decal), Curt Everitte (everything), Joe Galati (Cutting Matts and frames), and Nathaniel Wood (Cutting Mattes and frame).

 

Taught a watercolor workshop to a bunch of Tattoo Artists and Enthusiast at Enso Tatto 

Taught a watercolor workshop to a bunch of Tattoo Artists and Enthusiast at Enso Tatto 

The show successfully opened on Gallery Hop night, despite moderate attendance due to an Ohio State game. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to reconnect with many college friends and professors, experiencing a genuine sense of belonging. Realizing I hadn't done much to promote the show, Professor Hiroshi suggested I email the Columbus Dispatch. To my surprise, they responded, featuring a full front-page article in the life section, resulting in additional sales.

Interview by The Columbus Dispatch 

Interview by The Columbus Dispatch 

Speaking at CCAD 

Speaking at CCAD 

Thanks to Charlotte, I had the opportunity to address an audience of about 100 students at The Columbus College of Art in the Cazani auditorium. There's so much I want to express, but the most significant aspect is not my paintings or crowdfunding projects but the incredible friends in America who supported me through college and life; they are my family. Special thanks to Dr. Chilin Yu for her wisdom and the Yue family and CaregiverUSA for providing shelter in Columbus, Ohio.

I didn't have much advertising. So we printed a bunch of cards and we just try to plaster as much as possible, wherever possible. (bad idea).. Here's one at CCAD. I didn't get approval because I was out of time. 

With minimal advertising, we printed cards and attempted to spread the word as much as possible, including a spontaneous placement at CCAD without approval due to time constraints—a decision that proved to be less than ideal.

The Yue Family provided shelter and cycling ! Thank you 

The Yue Family provided shelter and cycling ! Thank you 

We cycled to the zoo to sent Nora away. 

We cycled to the zoo to sent Nora away. 

Then one day, I just rent a car and gun it all the way to Canada to see this. 

Then one day, I just rent a car and gun it all the way to Canada to see this. 

Went Plein-air with Curt at The Hocking Hills. Listened to radiolab on the roads.

Went Plein-air with Curt at The Hocking Hills. Listened to radiolab on the roads.

My painting at Hocking hills. 

My painting at Hocking hills. 

she was an amazing model .

she was an amazing model .

Cleveland Musuem of Art is one hell of an impressive musuem 

Cleveland Musuem of Art is one hell of an impressive musuem 

Met a gentlemen who works for a major eCommerce store when I was sketching here. He offered some freelance work. 

Met a gentlemen who works for a major eCommerce store when I was sketching here. He offered some freelance work. 

After Ohio, I flew to California for a two-week visit, catching up with West Coast friends and finally experiencing Yosemite. My gratitude goes to Youn and Hao for making it possible, and special thanks to Janice and Pencil Cafe for convincing me to visit. I cherish you all.

Yosemite is for real. 

Yosemite is for real. 

Pencil Cafe is my Favorite Cafe. 

Pencil Cafe is my Favorite Cafe.