We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leean Pan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Leean, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Shared Ice is a collection of stories about our childhood nostalgia for the shaved ice desserts we grew up eating. Through storytelling, I attempt to shed light on the similarities between AAPI cultures across the diaspora by creating jewelry pieces to reflect each person’s memory of their culture’s shaved ice dessert. Shared Ice serves as a way to encapsulate the feeling of innocence, youth, and pride in our cultures.

The project was very rewarding because each piece I designed was a product of many conversations and stories shared between myself and each muse. Throughout the experience I felt like we all connected in learning about each others shaved ice desserts, how they are similar, and how they differ by ingredient. The process of collecting information and hand making these pieces was truly cathartic for me.

Leean, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Chinese and Japanese jewelry designer and artist based in the Bay Area. I created Club Chazu as a way to share my mixed heritage in the form of handmade jewelry that is a modern take on traditional aesthetics of Asian culture. Each collection highlights the shared experiences and nuances of AAPI cultures across the diaspora. Club Chazu is an homage to past generations who may not have had the opportunity to wear their culture without discrimination.

I started this journey during the pandemic which was a very difficult time for everyone. Personally, I took this tragedy as a sign to create something for myself and to share my multicultural identity.

The first piece I made was the Ikigai necklace. Ikigai is a Japanese concept translating to “a reason for being”. It is a practice of making a conscious effort to appreciate the little things in life for a sense of fulfillment. Everyone’s Ikigai is different depending on what they do for a living and what they find enjoyment in.
During the pandemic this message was very powerful to me which led me to create the piece that would eventually inspire the 6-petal flower motif for the brand.

Overall, Club Chazu is here to inspire the younger generation to be proud of where they come from and to be open to learning more about their roots. It’s an appreciation for the past in order to work towards the future. It’s the confidence to carve out your own path in life.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think the creative community would thrive from accessible third spaces to meet other creatives. It’s hard to meet people outside of online interactions without feeling the pressure of having to spend money or being in an unpredictable environment. More social hubs that are open during the day would be a great start to encouraging artists like myself to get out more!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is witnessing people reactions to my work. I love connecting with people through my jewelry designs and I’ve always felt that all my pieces go on to live a new life after they leave my hands. The new owner of that piece gives it a new life and a new meaning that is special to them. That’s why I do it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.clubchazu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubchazu?igsh=ZWI2YzEzYmMxYg==

Image Credits
Geloy Concepcion