April 13-14, 2024

ASIAN GIRLS IGNITE

HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT

A weekend of history, reflection and personal goal setting, centering Japanese American culture.

An Asian Girls Ignite program

Little Well Studio had the opportunity to accompany the Asian Girls Ignite on their overnight trip to Granada, Colorado as a Storyteller and facilitate workshops for their high school students. The trip was grounded in historical lessons around the Japanese incarceration camps and local Nikkei-owned businesses  (Tokyo Premium Bakery and Taeko-san Takeout) catered the trip. Students were also able to explore aspects of Japanese American culture through the framework of the Shotokan Dojo Kun, considering how history and this set of values may relate to their own lives.   In honor of Asian Girls Ignite’s first High School Retreat, Little Well Studio designed commemorative t-shirts and stickers for the students, staff and volunteers.  

Seek perfection of character /人格完成に勤むること

Be faithful / 誠の道を守ること

Endeavor / 動力の精神を養うこと

Respect others / 礼儀を重んずること

Refrain from violent behavior / 血気の勇を戒めること

The Amache Rose

ITINERARY

  • 1. Tokyo Premium Bakery Breakfast on the road

  • 2. Visit to Amache Museum

  • 3. Lunch from Taeko-san Takeout

  • 4. Tour by National Parks Service at the Amache National Historic Site

  • 5. Shotokan karate workshop

  • 6. Daruma painting workshop

  • 7. Communally prepped "Japanese hotdogs" (a variation on Weenies Royale - an incarceration camp meal) & tsukemono dinner

COMMEMORATIVE

SWAG

When I began working on this piece I thought about how AGI's organization name sounds like a call to action or battle cry like "Moon Prism Power Make Up!" or "Avengers Assemble!" Playing off of the fire motif inspired by the word "ignite" I sought to create a dynamic, feminine image without getting too saccharine. I have always loved the idea and

aesthetics of Sailor Moon. I love that it's a representation of Asian girls that doesn't shy away from pretty imagery despite depicting heroes on perilous journeys. However, I've never felt connected to the story line and could never relate to the Sailor Scouts themselves as they were illustrated. In contrast, the strong physicality of Marvel and DC female superheroes has always been attractive to me. Here, I've taken inspiration from both. I used Wonder Woman as a figure reference while sprinkling in some Magical Girl energy throughout. Intentionally here are subtle Asian cultural hints in the illustration, but none of the figures are wearing traditional attire. After all, these are American teenagers! A heart is hidden on each of the figures as a symbol of their strength stemming from their internal spirit. The holographic vinyl sticker plays off of the same fire motif as the T-shirt, taking inspiration from the "ignite" part of the organization's name.

The black and white art print version of the Asian Girls Ignite t-shirt design is available in the shop. 25% of the profits from the print are donated to Asian Girls Ignite.