#CIDLoveLetters: Madelyn Tanabe
Artist Bio
I am a third generation Japanese-American from Seattle, Washington. I attend The Center School and really enjoyed the drawing and painting class there, so I've been practicing painting a lot more recently.
Artist Statement
I've played taiko since I was in middle school. Taiko is a Japanese performance drumming style, often found at festivals like Bon Odori, which happen around the ID. I have many happy memories of attending these festivals and listening to the drums with my family. Oftentimes, the beats are so loud that you can feel them vibrating in your chest, along with your heartbeat. Part of me plays taiko because of how proud I am to be Asian-American. I never want to forget what it means to play these drums and carry on the tradition of those who played before me. Whatever happens, I am determined to always be proud of my heritage and the people who got me to where I am today, and no amount of racism or xenophobia can change that. While I may not be the best artist, I still tried to represent how lucky I feel to be able to play taiko loudly and proudly.
Social Media
Instagram: @tomizuyo