Hi I’m Erika! I’m a creative lead and interdisciplinary artist interested in what makes us embodied humans amidst our entanglement with technology.

I spent 26 years of my life creating and performing in different movement genres, 7 years freelancing in design for brands, sites and products, and 10 sporadic years making trailers and short films.

My life accumulates from a blend of east and west, with my birth in New York City, childhood in Singapore, and 20s spent in the South, Midwest and Northeast of the US.

Humanness.

This word encourages that we think of our human lives as a qualitative essence rather than quantities and data. I’m spending my thesis year at my MFA program redefining this term further.

Interdependence.

As our world become increasingly fragmented and segmented, we are motivated to cultivate a more meaningful and connected existence. It is also no longer healthy to remain in the lonely climb for independence. Interdependence calls for belonging to each other, rather than for oneself.

Regenerative futures.

Kate Raworth shares that “when something tries to grow forever, within a healthy living thriving system, its a threat to the health of the whole.” I believe in holistic creation rather than extractive action.

Critical thinking and regeneration are at the core of my values. I believe in only putting out work that drives impact, planet-centered actions and inspire new ways of thinking – where the real meat and potatoes are.

My background in designing stories for the stage has made me an expert in immersive experiences and captivating storytelling.

I find myself gravitating towards roles and teams that are unafraid of thought-provoking ideas and new perspectives.

Some have attributed my elevated eye and thorough thinking to my well-rounded background. Others have been influenced by my high level of efficiency and pull towards big impact to go the extra mile.

Most of my colleagues and clients have said that getting my hands dirty and being unafraid of unfamiliar challenges have made me the teammate of choice.

Before I dive into any project, I value the creative freedom and space to dig deep into the historical, cultural, societal and environmental lenses. This ethnographic approach informs my design process and production.

I develop each project through the five senses first, then push concepts further by incorporating our sixth sense – time.

Post-production before any send-off/ launch, I believe that building in buffer time away from the work can strengthen its quality when designers come back to it with fresh eyes.

Currently based out of Brooklyn, I’m completing my MFA at School of Visual Arts. I graduate in May 2023 and am open to working remotely, in a new city or country, or staying put in NYC.

A brand that raises alternative solutions for a more connected, meaningful and regenerative future.

A data management software for placemaking.

A book that proposes music consumption through somatic means.

An experimental performance involving machine learning computations and networked interactivity.

A pitch for 3D printed coastal infrastructure to accelerate oyster restoration.

A made-from-scratch speaker that played music to the speed of your heart.

A objet d’art and paired app to drive internal body rhythm.

An office punching product for desk-bound workers to let out their anger.

I have a couple project case studies in my “Project” tab, if you’re interested!