A name like a growl

I have been thinking about my nickname, Spencer.

It has recently felt disconnected from my roots.

I hear many other Asian people all the time express that it’s embarrasing to have a name that Americans can’t pronounce.

While I didn’t adopt Spencer to assimilate to US culture, I’ve never used ‘Nunnapat’ either -- even my parents never called me that.
Prior to ‘Spencer’, they had also given me an American nickname.

I still seek a name that will make some  trip over their tongues.


Charcoal on paper
9 x 12 inches (22.9 x 30.5cm)
2021