I’m continually in awe of ASAWA!!
My appreciation for Ruth’s art truly blossomed as a parent at Rooftop from 2000-2009 where my son (and his sisters) spent Kindergarten-8th grade wrapped in the artistic haven that Rooftop’s curriculum was founded upon. My son’s art teacher, Andi Wong, soon became my own also as I volunteered each day to help him transition into Kindergarten by supporting his teacher in the classroom. I’m so grateful now to honor Ruth’s 100, it is truly an honor to have been asked to volunteer for this celebration of her birthday through dough!
Above: Jessica volunteered at school — from art time in her son’s Kindergarten class to chaperoning her daughter’s class field trip to the Origami Fountains in Japantown in 2004.
Oh how time flies so easily. Thinking of Ruth as an artist, teacher, wife, and mother, reminds me of my own life and the multitude of women who fill multiple roles within their identity every day.
My father loved art and architecture and often taught me silently through his appreciation of all things beautiful in life. When my dad passed away at the age of 57, my own life was challenging going through divorce while raising my four children alone at 40. While cleaning up my dad’s belongings that remained in the old family’s basement, I discovered a truly incredible find!
It was a lovely ceramic piece, shaped in a tall, unique triangular twist pattern…
It was a lovely ceramic piece, shaped in a tall, unique triangular twist pattern. I didn’t quite know what it was until I heard the coins jingling inside and read the inscription —
“Your donations will help build the new De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park… Education Tower Piggy Bank created by Artists Ruth Asawa & Paul Lanier…”
and as I looked at the bottom of the bank, there it was… Ruth Asawa & Paul Lanier’s actual signatures!! I immediately began smiling, rejoicing in awe that I was holding a piece of art created by none other than RUTH ASAWA.
The bank is precious for so many reasons: it symbolizes art and education, the future of a new De Young Museum yet to be built, a piece of art that’s practical as a piggy bank and contemporary enough to display with pride from the hands of celebrated and skilled artists: Asawa and Lanier. Most of all, the bank belonged to my dad who still silently reminds me of the enduring love and appreciation of art we both share. I proudly brought the ceramic bank with me to share my appreciation of his and his mom’s work throughout the decades of my life as a San Francisco native.
Oh how grateful I am to be alive, to enjoy celebrations of life at the age of 58! How grateful I am that my youngest daughter, Jade, was able to join the celebration with me. We loved making our own dough art to commemorate the day also!
My heart is transformed through art, and upon reflection, it has always been the path to restoration, healing and happiness for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for making this day come to life, surrounded by hundreds of folks, young and old who have been shaped by Ruth Asawa’s legacy of art in education!
Jessica & Family – Jade, Jocelyn, Jackie & Julian
de Young Museum Education Tower
KQED Spark:
“The Family Business” – Ruth Asawa
See how renowned sculptor Ruth Asawa has passed along her love of art to her family. Original air date: May 2005.