Ginko Lee: Crafting Connections

Artist Ginko Lee's artist residency, Crafting Connections, focuses on the important themes of sustainability and reuse in contemporary art. Her project aims not only to highlight the significance of these practices but also to create collaborative and communal spaces and resources for artists who incorporate these principles into their own work. Ginko’s vision for the project is to establish a sanctuary for artists to gather and discuss their artistic endeavors as a form of accountability, support, and sharing of precious resources through various modes.

Ginko’s project will unfold in three phases: 

Starting with phase one of the project, Repair Cafe Pasadena held an event at Side Street Projects headquarters in early Fall of 2024, along with a free skillshare led by Ginko titled, “Screen Print Your Own Upcycled Fashion”, where attendees were taught the process of screenprinting onto upcycled materials.

The second phase of Ginko’s project will include the launch of a holistic peer-to-peer coaching circle for creative artists and makers, designed to add momentum and accountability to their existing artistic practices.  Participating artists will be artists who seek to practice sustainability and reuse in their craft. This circle will culminate in a mini craft market in early winter. Ginko hopes that this initial circle can be used as a framework for future coaching circles with new artists, falling in line with Side Street Projects ethos and goals of consistency in the community. 

The third and final phase of Ginko’s residency will be an exhibition of Ginko’s own work, which will include an interactive component where attendees can add to Ginko’s project, using the loom and upcycled materials. 

Crafting Connections intends to respect each individual as a whole person with unique life circumstances, offering a humanistic and empathetic ear and companionship as they navigate the exciting and often uncharted journey of becoming a self-sustaining artist or maker. Each member is not only a recipient of assistance but also a source of strength and resources, providing wisdom and support that others in the peer group can rely on. 

The residency will culminate in the Spring of 2025.  Stay tuned for more information on the developing project.

This project is funded by the Pasadena Community Foundation.

BIO

Ginko Lee is an imaginative ceramics and fabric artist, as well as a dedicated community organizer. Ginko bridges the gap between private creativity and public engagement. Through her ongoing work with Repair Cafe Pasadena, she transforms the solitary act of art creation into a vital component of a dynamic, community-driven movement.

In 2024, Ginko Lee was invited to “develop projects and/or programs that create ongoing connections and are mutually beneficial with our surrounding community while considering TIC principles. ,” based on Side Street Projects Artist Residency theme “Possibility Prances: A place for matters to rest”.