Annenberg Beach House Artist in Residence

The third of four women reading, talking about inspiration, and her journey into writing is Janine Lim. Fortunately for us, Janine is going to read from Blue Plaid--likely not the entire story but a well edited version that fits within the program's timeframe; yet, we still get to hear her do the thing many are challenged in figuring out how to do well. Take a story about young girls and make it into a story adults can appreciate and gravitate towards.

Janine is a bundle of pure energy and a bright light in her generation of writers. A social activist, who originally hails from San Francisco, Janine has that Bay Area quality, making me think of home and a vibrant literary scene embracing unique voices and limitless approaches to work. Straight up honest with a penchant for jotting notes into a well worn and banded together notebook, Janine understands the importance of being engaged in community, and all that salt air has made her exceedingly calming to be around. 

On the day we had our pregame lunch meeting, Janine's 11-year-old daughter came along with Janine and her own set of friends to investigate what else? The Santa Monica Place and maybe even the boardwalk. After three hours of talking, touring, and eating (writers gotta eat!), I watched Janine, Chinyere, and Shubha, chatting, laughing, and walking on the sandy, paved pathway to the parking lot. 

I stood for a couple of minutes, grateful to Peter Woods (Writ Large Press) for recommending Janine. She is definitely a valued member of our little, but ever-growing tribe.

I've slightly edited some of Janine's own words as follows: 

Janine's experience as an artist/writer actually began with grassroots organizing, which led to documenting stories within communities where that organizing took place, mainly the Filipino community. Her photographic work led a short film, which led to involvement in theater arts. Janine says, "When I became a mother, working in the darkroom, or leaving the house for that matter, became nearly impossible, but I was still compelled to share work in the capacity I could. I slowly turned to writing to express my transition into motherhood, which resulted in a photographic body of work called, Invisible Mother. 

After spending some time writing personal essays, Janine moved on to fiction.  With photography being her primary medium, she felt driven to tell stories in greater depth than she could achieve in that medium. 

Bio

Janine Lim, a native of San Francisco, is a multi-disciplinary artist currently living in Los Angeles, California. Her photographic work has been exhibited in Kearny Street Workshop’s APAture and group show Abstract Vision at Hardware Gallery in Los Angeles. Her experimental short documentary film, Grandfather Clock produced by Pacific News Service was featured in Berkeley-based Women of Color Film Festival, Festival of Filipino Arts And Culture, and APAture. She is a former Bindlestiff Studio player and performed in Stories High. She is a long-time student of the martial arts training Capoeira Angola with Angoleiros Los Angeles. Her personal essays have been published in Youth Outlook Magazine and The Bold Italic.

Janine is probably the newest member of the four women in terms of publishing, writing, and building credits. Her journey illustrates another way we come to writing. In fact, many writers are visual artists (or vice-versa), and I find those who are big into storytelling through their medium of choice are the ones who gravitate towards the written word whether in conjunction with their visual art or as an off-shoot. My hope is Janine can wrap the two around each other given her gifts. Those attending tomorrow night will get a special treat when Janine reads from Blue Plaid.

TOMORROW: 10/24, Reception at 6 pm; Program starts at 6:30 pm in the Marion Davies Guest House. RSVP via Eventbrite.