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Maker’s Residency
Makers Residency
About the Makers Residency
The W.O.W. Makers Residency was a 3-month long opportunity from April 1, 2019 - June 30, 2019 for a maker to refurbish 50+ year old shipping crate wood into a functional object for Chinatown residents. The maker’s design was used to teach woodworking workshops to community members throughout the residency and concluded with a final showcase exhibiting works from both the maker-in-residence and the community, honoring the journey, the raw material made from Hong Kong to New York City and celebrating its new functionality.
Young people from Chinatown Youth Initiatives took part in a series of woodworking workshops as part of our Makers Residency with artist in residence Heidi Ratanavanich and Gary Lum. Participants learned basic woodworking skills and built a convertible shelf/table out of our 50 year old shipping crate wood. Together with Heidi, workshop participants unveiled their final projects during their showcase on October 26th.
This program was made possible by the generous support from:
Makers Residency Team
Gary Lum and Heidi Ratanavanich in W.O.W.’s basement workshop (Photo by Mei Lum)
About Heidi Ratanavanich
Heidi Ratanavanich is a visual artist and educator born in the Year of the Dog dog. Based in Philadelphia since 2013 with deep feels to Chicago and Thailand. Heidi’s work uses a range of digital and analog media— particularly woodworking, printed matter, broadcasting and public/private gatherings— to inquire upon the politics of place and space. Heidi is specifically interested in the intersection of food sovereignty, ecology and economy. You can find them these days collaborating on FORTUNE and showing up at community driven projects in Philadelphia.
Gary Lum has over 50 years of woodworking experience since he began learning in his high school woodshop. He is thrilled to be coming full circle through the Makers residency by sharing his knowledge with Chinatown youth.
About Gary Lum
I had about 8 days of studio time in the W.O.W. woodshop studio [being remote, from Philadelphia]. These visits were: connecting and learning about W.O.W. family, setting up tools and machines for the space, helping on projects when I was around, and spending time experimenting with the old crate wood. The residency brought me closer to the material and overall project each time.
The project I proposed shifted while I was working with the crates. As I got to know these aged crates, I had to accept that the material on its own would not be enough for my original concept. I would have to introduce new material to reinforce the design of a modular furniture – side table to shelf system. I realized that the project changing actually felt more aligned with the W.O.W. Project itself. This metaphor became clear to me. The crates, like the shop, were going through a transition into a new space, a new thing. Bringing in new material, new support would continue its life.
Wrapping my head around this transition – that changes can be helpful and lead to new ideas that are just as strong as the initial idea was a game changer. I continue to learn how to pivot and move from one idea to another. This was also made possible through numerous conversations with W.O.W. folks (Mei and Gary) and also with my partner, Connie. With this support from them, I felt I could do it. I am grateful.
Left to right: Sophia Chok, Emily Wen, and Heidi Ratanavanich at the Maker’s Residency showcase, Kai Huie holds her final project with her dad (Photos by Marion Aguas)
Chinatown Youth Initiative participants and Heidi Ratanavich during a workshop (Photo by Mei Lum)
“Arriving at W.O.W., I was welcomed warmly, introduced to other youths of Chinatown, and began learning the craft of woodworking from Heidi and Gary. Although our time was limited, the experience taught me that art wasn’t just about the craft and creation, but also the ability to bring people together and share stories. Each conversation I had, while learning woodworking, taught me something new and expanded my understanding of the world. With this realization, I continued my journey to understand art and Chinatown by applying for the Resist, Recycle, and Regenerate Fellowship this past year.
Without the workshop, I would never have known about such an impactful program that continues to positively shape and impact the community.
Sophia, workshop participant ”
REFLECTION BY GARY LUM
Gary Lum Makers Residency Mentor
The call for residency applicants did not disappoint. So many talented creatives came out to propose engaging programs for W.O.W. workshops. We are grateful for the responsiveness by everyone. Our collective goal is to keep the creative spirit in each of us alive and thriving.
Our resident artist Heidi was a kind, compassionate and patient instructor and woodworker. She guided our participants, some novice and others with limited experience, with grace. All engaged in a meaningful, respectful way, creating with W.O.W. crate panels. Some built tabletop standing shelf units, others added a convertible end table with legs. The workshop was abuzz with quiet, focused excitement; sawing, drilling, nailing, sanding, staining and stenciling. Safety was key, awareness of surroundings and help was always a step away. The collaboration and project completion was satisfying and celebrated. What was especially notable was how each builder was supported and trusted the process of making; open to learning, doing and getting it done. This undoubtedly carries forward to the next exploration and foray into creating. Build on!
Gary Lum mentors workshop participants (photo by Mei Lum)
Clockwise from top: Mei Lum, Heidi Ratanavanich, and CYI participants at the Maker’s Residency showcase, Mei and Gary Lum at the Maker’s Residency showcase, Final project made by Sophia Chok (Photos by Marion Aguas)
