This week I wanted to introduce you to my international faculty family from MICA.
The core member is Eduardo from Mexico, Matteo from Italy, and Hayelin from Korea. We are all immigrants and share similar experiences and hardships. It was such a comfort to have this group more than ever when covid-19 happened. We have a weekly cooking zoom now to share each others recipes. I’m super thankful to all of them :)
Ok! Let’s start the interview!
Me:
What is your essential item/food on your quarantine shopping list?
Hayelin
1. Ahn Sung Tang Myun (Ramyun)
2. Doenjang (Soybean paste)
3. Gochujang
Me:
Oh! they all sound so delicious. Korean food is one of my favorite. I miss it so much going to Korean restaurants. I picked the image of Doenjang since I have seen this in the Korean market I shop! Would you tell me what I can make with it? It would be great if I can make something Korean at home :)
Hayelin:
I usually use Doenjang to make Doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew). I enjoy making this dish because it's one of my comfort foods from Korea. As long as you have Doenjang, it's easy to make because you just need basic ingredients like onion, tofu, and vegetables. If you want to try making the dish, try it from this video!(subtitle included)
Me:
Oh! It seems simple. I think I can make this!
Thank you!
I wanted to ask a little bit about your MICA classes that you teach.
How was the transition? Was it easier or harder to teach graphic design online?
Hayelin:
We had a final Zoom meeting last week, and I felt very bitter sweet. I had a rough transition as I had to make some adjustments to my teaching methods and final projects while balancing it with my new normal life. Fortunately, we didn't have much of an issue as we were focusing on designing a website in terms of assignments. It's going to be a good challenge for me to think about how I teach printing a poster or designing a package online in the future. Another challenge is going to be building strong connections between/ with students online, because that plays a huge role in their academic achievements.
Me:
That is so true! I didn’t think about that but it was easier since we had 8 weeks face to face to bond with our students this semester although it went online later on. That is something to think about for the future indeed. Congratulations on completing the semester though!
I love your fun and colorful design/animation/illustration! I see some of your designs are very much focusing on celebrating history, food, and community. (Please correct me if I'm wrong!!!) I would love to know where is your inspiration comes from. Does this social distancing time changed how you think or do you have a new project you are excited about to share here?
Hayelin:
Thank you, Aya! My main inspiration comes from food. It's not just because I'm a foodie. Growing up in different multicultural cities, I learned that food is a great topic to start a conversation about culture, history, and community. The recent situation with COVID breaks my heart because the restaurant industry is one of vulnerable communities affected by social distancing. I'm currently working on a project to promote local Baltimore restaurants. Stay tuned!
Me:
I’m excited about your new project! It is sad to see small restaurants closing here in NY as well.
Let me know when you finish I would love to see your Baltimore restaurants project!
Can I share some of your art works here?
Hayelin:
Of course! Speaking of food in the time of Corona, I started baking a lot recently. This reminded me of a children's book I worked with Readers to Eaters and Washington State University, "Bread Lab!" This book features learning about science while baking with children, and exploring the magic of yeast. Something I learned during this challenging time is that food tastes better when you share. I can't wait to master baking recipes and share them with my friends when we go back to normal. Maybe I'll be able to share my Doenjang-jjigae with you too, Aya!
Me:
This is wonderful!!!! I still haven’t got around to bake breads. I will ask you for the tips!
Here is some images from “Bread Lab!”
Thank you so much for the interview Hayelin!!!
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Project Note:
The idea of “ My friend’s quarantine shopping list” started when I was peeking at people’s shopping baskets during the COVID-19. What are their essentials? Is there a one thing they can’t live without? I was curious about my friend’s. Everyone’s list was unique and I enjoy making the items and talking about them with my friends. I hope this brighten your day and maybe those items will make it to your next shopping list :) Have a nice staying home day!