As a University of Washington (UW) transit commuter, I learned while traveling to and from school; Sound Transit rail lines, campus pathways, and city sidewalks became miles of socially constructed roadways that connected me with community organizations, social services, and internships where I tested and applied my classroom knowledge. Drawing on coursework in American Ethnic Studies (AES), American Indian Studies, Art History, and English 282 (Multimodal Composition), I challenged myself to critically analyze the relationship between people and places, using Photo/Media as my medium. My From Home origin screen graphically captures the dynamic energy between land, architecture, diaspora, and emigration that I saw every day, moving left to right, from South Beacon Hill to UW.

Inspired by a traditional folding screen at the Macao Museum (澳門博物館), Macao, China, From Home graphically depicts Seattle scenes: a legend, cultural landmarks and values, and/or my daily life at the time of creation. Screens, as well as other utilitarian tools and decorations, are a form of physical storytelling and timepieces passed down from generation to generation. Reflecting on my own experiences growing up in South Seattle, I drew upon those moments, from various locations, that were particularly meaningful. This screen is a personal representation of how I view and interact with the city. A story to you, From Home.

I am greatly inspired by local artists, including MXT Visuals, Kcoyi, EddieJJen with Xuanda, and Blue Scholars. I focus on visually exploring issues and topics relevant to the Asian American and Pacific Islander American experience, as well as issues of mobility and gentrification around South Seattle. I often incorporate my background in martial arts, music, and American Ethnic Studies to produce video-narratives, social commentary, critiques, and unity. I represent my community, my heritage, my Ancestors; my home.

I am Han Edward So Eckelberg, born in Seattle of Chinese (Cantonese) and German descent, and have lived in South Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. In the Asian enclave of Beacon Hill, I grew up surrounded by many people I called “aunts,” “uncles,” and “cousins.” For three decades, my zip code was among the most diverse in the United States. My neighborhood’s cultural diversity fostered my passion for the arts, advocacy for the community, and pride in my heritage.

I graduated from Cleveland STEM High School where I worked as a Video Director and Producer for my school’s award-winning journalism program. At the University of Washington, I founded AπA Pictures (2019) and produced several docu-fiction films for the City of Seattle, and my artist page ECKEL漢TECH Photomedia and Design (2013) as my personal Artist page. My video, design, and photography work has been published by the Seattle Times, Seattle City Light, Seattle Parks and Recreation, the International Examiner, Wing Luke Museum, various Starbucks stores, Nike, Klondike Museum, Mak Fai Kung Fu Lion & Dragon Dance Association, Southeast Asian American Education Coalition, and OCA Asian Pacific Advocates of Greater Seattle. I aspire to express and share my philosophy and passion through every artistic piece/statement I make.

I am currently attending the University of Washington, pursuing degrees in Art (Photo/Media), American Ethnic Studies, with minors in Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies and Diversity. In the fall, I will begin my graduate studies in Communication Leadership at UW-Seattle.