It seems like I’ve lost the race to reach this blog, but nevertheless I am delighted to introduce myself to you!
My name is Yuiko Sugino, a recent graduate from UC San Diego, and I am this year’s Production intern here at the Japanese American National Museum. You are probably aware by now from the previous posts that there are three interns total at this museum, and I am very excited to meet staff members and get to know one another through the next few weeks. It is unbelievable that two weeks have already gone by, yet every day seems to be different. To be honest, I was not exactly sure what to expect when I applied for this position as a production artist. And when I arrived and spent my first few days at the museum, I’ve noticed one thing: the reaction I received when I explained who my supervisor was.
“I’ll be working under Clement as a production intern.”
Responses: “Uh-oh.” “Seems like you’ve pulled the short straw.” “Good luck!” and the big-eyed, raised-brow facial expression with the stretched “Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”
So it is fair to say that I have been warned. But I must say I am very excited and fortunate to have such active and humorous supervisors (the other being Mae, an equally kind yet quirky person with whom I love to converse) (I hope they are not offended by the adjectives I’ve chosen…). I must thank them in advance for everything they’ve offered me 🙂 Let me say that a Production internship entails so many interesting things! From using vinyl cutters to create the visual texts that are to be put up on the walls of an exhibition, to designing and applying small display panels by utilizing a laminating device (which I might add was quite frustrating at first, because the tape kept on creasing and causing bubbles to appear – so I had to redo a handful of them), so much has been drilled into my brain and hands. I have attended several meetings and a screening, and I’ve realized that there is so much to learn in terms of exhibition development, the history of this country as well as the nicks and knacks of networking. Not to mention the amount of food that exists in this building! I’ve been told that this place is not the place to be if you are on a diet… seems like my luck has run out. Through incredibly generous offers, losing weight is not going to happen for me within the next two months.
I am extremely anxious to learn and acquire the new skills and knowledge within the next couple of months, and I look forward to sharing that experience along with my fellow interns with you! And now, it seems like my 15-minute break has come to an end, so I will bid you a good day! Happy Wednesday, everyone!
