Redlining prevented Asian Americans from living in more neighborhoods than would fit in this painting. The International District in Seattle was created because that is where people of Asian descent could live. This neighborhood is defaced to this day.

From the 1910s to the 1960s, many Seattle neighborhoods and King County suburbs practiced direct racial exclusion, otherwise known as redlining. People of color were excluded from neighborhoods, jobs, unions, schools, and more. Even a home repair loan was difficult to acquire. The value of your home determined the property taxes that funded your schools. Where you lived influenced where you attended church, work, and social functions.

Through this somewhat autobiographical series of watercolor paintings, may the beauty and trauma of Seattle be exposed through appealing, colorful cityscapes damaged with rips, cuts, burn marks, lament, and the actual language of racially restrictive covenants. Now that we know what happened and how it affects us today, may we individually and corporately own up to our transgressions toward our neighbors of color.

May we realize redlining harmed everyone, European Americans included.

May equality and decent housing finally be accessible for all.

May a new day finally be here.

A portion of this painting's sale will go toward supporting small businesses in Seattle's International District.