Merely a Puppet

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Merely a Puppet

• Artwork By Joey Vang

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Story
I waited patiently in Drawing 2 class, while Mr.
Lee is preparing his special news for us
students. My mind was creating images of what I
would like to draw for our next assignment. As
class began, Mr. Lee interrupted us with a
proposal. The proposal was from the U of MN and
it was an art contest. He said that this will be
more of a self-portrait art and we will have to
create an image, base on what this quote states.
Lets dare to be ourselves, for we which we are
best at it. Mr. Lee then said, try to think of
this as expressing yourself and being able to
make the audience understand you. Reading the
instruction that was given, it said, Facing
Reality. This was something that I have always
want to do and being able to challenge myself as
an artist. What came to my mind first was who I
am. Simple enough to say, that I am Hmong
American. I then created a full figured person.
Not only just a person, but a person with two
culture. The right side was made for strength and
honor which represents Hmong.
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The left side represented that I am an American
and I live with respect with dignity and justice.
Thus I couldnt figured if I wanted to have my
face drawn into this character, I thought about
how we all humans are alike. Not entirely
identical, but we all share the same bond as to
one another. You, as a critique will decide whose
face will be in this image. For the background, I
always had the idea of me, being in a stage. Not
only for performance as to concerts, but as a
person against the world. Everyone is able to see
who you are in the stage and is watching every
step you make. Than again, you cant just start
making a move independently, you are am guided.
As those strings are attached to you, your
puppeteer helps you move step by step. This
generalized the idea of making this character
into a puppet and gives them a sort of freedom.
The character then sits on top of a clock. The
clock tells us that we live our natural life
through time, as a famous quote states, Only
time will tell. Being a person who understands
what value life has and how much time we have, I
had to place this time in the image. This person
sits on the clock because they understand that
everyday, our life becomes shorter and we have to
value what is naturally given to us.
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Symbols
Rope
Strings
Stage Curtains
American Clothing
Traditional Hmong Clothing
Face Expression
Clock
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Artist Last Words
As being in school for 12 years now, I have come
to understand the meaning of self. I know that
there is more out there and for which I am ready
to take on the world. To this artwork, I just
wanted to say that this is one of my finest and
most appreciated artwork. I enjoyed the challenge
of this contest and pushing my imagination as to
more than it seem. Mr. Lee told me what else
could I add to this, how can I change a little of
it, and what more could I do to made the audience
see what I am trying to portray. Just by making a
small change, can change this image entirely. I
wanted to draw this person with two sides because
I, myself is Hmong and American. This person who
is me, is brought up to have two sides and is who
I am today. The success that I am is what these
two sides are. Even though I did not win any of
the places, I am still satisfy that my work
received Honorable mention. A former student from
Patrick Henry, Youa Moua, received 3rd place in
this contest. I want congratulate her on her fine
artwork also.
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Links to my favorite sites
www.Factfinding.org
www.hmongtimes.com
ww2.saturn.stpaul.k12.mn.us/Hmong/sathmong.html
www.Hmongnet.org
www.Hmonghealth.com
www.Hmongabc.com