Alan Lau is a poet [Blues and Greens, Songs for Jadina, etc.], painter [represented by Francine Seders], arts editor [International Examiner], and produce worker [Uwajimaya]. He is the most important Asian American artist in Seattle after Bruce Lee and George Tsutakawa [who are dead], yet he lives in a small studio with his wife Kazuko Nakane. Their place seems even smaller, because the walls are stacked two deep with shelves filled with books, magazines, records, clippings, and art.
When anyone needs info about an Asian artist, they visit Alan at Uwajimaya. He is the poor wise one who calls Seattle home. Alan is the most amazing artist living in the guise of a humble produce worker. Seattle wouldn’t be the same without him.
Paula Bock’s article about Alan:
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=2544820&date=19970616&query=%22alan+lau%22
Shelia Farr’s review of Alan’s art:
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/texis.cgi/web/vortex/display?slug=visart24&date=20050624&query=%22alan+lau%22
Stories about Alan Lau
The place was packed. Count your blessings when you can fill the house with your friends. All seats were taken, and people sat on the floor or leaned against the walls to take in a tribute for Alan Lau. Everyone was there to honor the man who IS without a doubt the ambassador to the Asian American Arts community in Seattle. Artists of different disciplines took the stage to honor their friend and colleague. “Impressions of Alan”, work by visual artist friends was for sale, as well as a limited edition (150) of Alan’s chap book “more days in produce” each adorned by original art by the poet/ painter. All proceeds were to benefit The International Examiner’s literary review supplement the Pacific Reader.
Submitted by
Judith van Praag
on 07/06/08
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