"Silent Cry" 24"x36", acrylic on canvas. 2008. Prof. Paul Hillmer's Collection

This piece exists due to life’s struggles.  Struggling to remain culturally rooted; maintain a colorful outlook and above all retaining hope.

"Relief Hmong Cultural Center Logo" 16" x16", relief clay sculpture of HCC Logo with 24k Gold leaf. July 2008 The Hmong Cultural Center's Collection

General Vang Pao's Collection "Preserving the Fabrics of Our Lives" 24"x36", acrylic on canvas w/ Hmong Paj Ntaub and Story Cloth, 24K gold leaf. Details Photograph by Ms. Kou Vang Fine Details General Vang Pao's Collection What has become of this traditional art form of our-the Hmong Paj Ntaub? How has it become so commercialized that some scholars have argued and pointed out that it is no longer being made by us-with our own two hands? I urge you to not forget the significance and importance it has in our daily lives and rituals including our after life. While we still can, we must try to preserve what’s left of it.

"Time is Running Out" Former Senator Norm Coleman's Collection Photo courtesy of Asian American Press "Time is Running Out" I create this painting after having seen the grave images and most disturbing audio clips (gathered from the Facts Finding Commission) depicting the hardship and suffrage of my fellow Hmong (especially the women and children) in the jungle of Laos a few years ago.   This painting was created in hope that it will serve as a voice for a group of people who otherwise may not have one. This situation is no different than that of the current situation of the graves of my fellow Hmong being desecrated in Thailand.  These deceased love ones of ours simply have no voice and or opportunity to be heard, therefore, we must act as their voice and do what we can within our power to find opportunities for them to be heard. When examining the painting, please note that though the candle is burning out, plenty of blood has been shed, suffrage, pain and death are imminent.  Yet the fighting spirit of these people still exits and are pleading for our help. Please also note that despite these grave symbols being the main focus of this painting, do also notice the dimly lit star in the upper corner. This almost hidden star represents you and I- the hope, the only hope for these underrepresented, oppressed and suffering people. I strongly believe that many of you can resonant with me and I hope that you will search deep down inside your soul to do what is just and fair and to be a voice for anyone and everyone who are being oppressed and are suffering. This painting was presented as a gift to MN US Senator Norm Coleman by the Hmong Grave Desecration National Delegation on Veterans Day. TO READ THE FULL ASIAN AMERICAN PRESS ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

Dr. Jer Lee's Collection "Regeneration" -I chose to create a piece that reflects what I believe will happen with the Hmong culture. I simply refuse to accept our culture's demise and the fact that eventually we will lose our identity as Hmong people. Therefore, my "Regeneration" piece illuminates the belief that despite all of the changes and adaptations we have made, we will not take away the truth of our identity. We are too resilient to simply let our culture die. Thus, even in the midst of the broken pieces within our culture, we will unite and give birth to a more evolved and more vibrant culture that will withstand time. In short: Even when something is lost or damaged, its spirit will still live on. Can you spot the second Qeej? "There is Still Hope" Dr. Peter Yang's Collection "Ncas" 18"x24", acrylic on paper textured canvas with 24K gold leaf. 2005 (Denny Sponsler's Collection)

PERSONAL COLLECTION

"Self-portrait" 6"x 10", Clay with mirrors. 1994 "Self-Portrait" 2007 6 "Sadness Part1" 5"x14", Clay. 1994 "General Vang Pao- 20th Anniversary" 24"x36", acrylic on canvas.1995 * Kao Ly Jah Lao's collection Icon Painting (my first ever gold leaf painting) (Study) 38"x 66",acrylic +egg yoke and gold leaf on masonit board. 1995 "Head of an Angel" (Study) 24"x36", Acrylic on textured board. 1994