Born in Japan and raised in San Francisco Bay Area, Urban Envy is known to be one of the original members of the New York Tributary Art Movement. The majority of her work, mostly paintings, has been categorized as "Cultural Surrealism," often said to be in the "tradition of Frida Kahlo." Urban Envy's works have traces of her political beliefs and her own cultural bridges.
In 1999 she founded AlterAsian (1999 to 2007 - no longer in publication): an alternative Asian-American web magazine which in 2000 was chosen as one of "Top 20 Asian-American Websites that Stand Out From the Crowd" by A-magazine: Inside Asian-America.
In 2003, she was one of the original members of The Federation of East Village Artists (FEVA). FEVA promotes opportunities for artists today while honoring the work of legendary community members by working collectively with local artists, arts organizations, business owners, community groups, and the public. Their signature activity is the annual HOWL! Festival of East Village Arts, which celebrates the neighborhood's role as the cradle of counterculture.
In 2005, she co-founded the New York Tributary Art Movement with 3 other New York City Artists. NY Tributary is an art movement that brings together various artistic disciplines by concentrating on the process and the message of the art work. The NY Tributary also works to bring art to the "mainstream" by their street based performances, activities, and showings.
In 2006, she founded the Project: 2020 Suzie Wong which attempts to bring awareness and social change through art. Project: 2020 uses the novel/film character "Suzie Wong" from The World of Suzie Wong as a symbolism of historical and current racism and discrimination against Asian women in the western world and attempts to change the image of Asian women within mainstream America.
NOTE: This is the website of Urban Envy, Artist. This site is not affiliated to any other Urban Envy's or others with similar AKA's or URLs. Thanks so much.
:: FAQ: How do I get involved in issues that I feel strongly about/
What is the easiest way to take action? ::
This is the most common question that I receive regarding activism. The answer is easy. Taking action is easy.
First, you want to start with yourself. What do you stand for? What is so important to you that you feel the need to take action? Is it global poverty? Or maybe you believe that there should be more art/music in schools. Then, look up already established organizations that deal with these exact issues you are concerned about. Learn as much as you can about these organizations' philosophy and impact. Does it agree with you?
If yes, see what you can do to help. Joining a well oiled machine is the easiest way to get started. Once you get the hang of giving your time, you can branch out. At this point, you are ready to start thinking about how much impact you can make as an individual in unique and creative ways.
Help can take many forms, choose the type of activism that you are comfortable with. Always remember that doing something is better than doing nothing.
You can't please everyone... Remember, not everyone is going to agree with your cause. However, also remember that most people on this earth want to live in a safe/peaceful world. That is the common ground.