⁠⁠Hand-embroidery. Fine cotton floss thread. Hand-dyed linen fabric. Painted bamboo frame. Artwork is about 5" in diameter. Includes a 4" base by 9" high tabletop stand.

I am an American-born Chinese woman living in the U.S.A. for my entire life. I was surprised and saddened by the sudden increase in violence against Asians during the COVID-19 pandemic. My embroidery portrays the anxiety, fear, and stress that I felt during that time. Being a potential target of violence for looking Asian was new to me. I stopped taking the Metro alone in fear of being pushed or punched from behind. I masked and went shopping in the early morning hours when few shoppers were in the store. I reminded my Caucasian husband to not wander off and leave me alone as he often did -- he became my “white shield” against racial slurs and possible assault. Hate affects all of us regardless of whether it is from personal experience or from distant events reported in the news or on social media. Hate is insidious. It seeps into our collective consciousness which turns into angry, hurtful and even fatal incidents. Hate needs to stop!