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This episode is supported by Toshiki's Patreon patrons.
Toshiki meets Gregory Bruce after a community service activity on September 11 connects their communities. Last fall, Gregory created an installation suspending hundreds of paper cranes above the dining hall of the Food Bank for New York City in Harlem. These cranes or tsuru were gifts from the Japanese American Association of New York, the Consulate General of Japan in New York, and other Japan-related organizations, and he folded hundreds more as he learned about Japanese culture and history. In homage to the lives lost in events such as the triple disaster in Northern Japan and 9/11 and to lift the spirits of Food Bank staff, volunteers, and customers, Gregory named the installation Soaring Souls. After serving in the Vietnam war and pursuing a 47-year career in advertising, he experienced sudden tragedy when a car accident in 2008 led to the death of his beloved wife and an injury that left him financially distraught and socially isolated. Gregory was homeless until a man named Clarence gave him a place to live and introduced him to the senior program at the Food Bank in 2015. By 2017, Gregory was back on his feet, learned how to sew, and started a business called Bows Nouveau (@bows.nouveau). Harnessing his advertising background and embodying his brand, he designs and sells bow ties. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gregory started making masks out of the fabric he uses for his bow ties, and on his website, customers can purchase matching bow ties and masks. Reflecting on the good fortune he has garnered in the past few years, Gregory expresses his gratitude toward the Japanese American community for embracing his art.
By Toshiki NakashigeThis episode is supported by Toshiki's Patreon patrons.
Toshiki meets Gregory Bruce after a community service activity on September 11 connects their communities. Last fall, Gregory created an installation suspending hundreds of paper cranes above the dining hall of the Food Bank for New York City in Harlem. These cranes or tsuru were gifts from the Japanese American Association of New York, the Consulate General of Japan in New York, and other Japan-related organizations, and he folded hundreds more as he learned about Japanese culture and history. In homage to the lives lost in events such as the triple disaster in Northern Japan and 9/11 and to lift the spirits of Food Bank staff, volunteers, and customers, Gregory named the installation Soaring Souls. After serving in the Vietnam war and pursuing a 47-year career in advertising, he experienced sudden tragedy when a car accident in 2008 led to the death of his beloved wife and an injury that left him financially distraught and socially isolated. Gregory was homeless until a man named Clarence gave him a place to live and introduced him to the senior program at the Food Bank in 2015. By 2017, Gregory was back on his feet, learned how to sew, and started a business called Bows Nouveau (@bows.nouveau). Harnessing his advertising background and embodying his brand, he designs and sells bow ties. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gregory started making masks out of the fabric he uses for his bow ties, and on his website, customers can purchase matching bow ties and masks. Reflecting on the good fortune he has garnered in the past few years, Gregory expresses his gratitude toward the Japanese American community for embracing his art.