Meet the Author: Kam Mak
Kam Mak, artist, author, and teacher has worked with Behind the Book since 2007. He’s done 15 programs with his book, My Chinatown – the most of any author to date. Kam himself is as vibrant as his art, and his enthusiasm for working with third-graders from elementary schools in New York City is readily apparent.
At first, he says he was nervous to present to the children. For inspiration, he looked back on his own childhood, and shared his experience as an immigrant. “I did not know anything outside of Chinatown, I didn’t know anything at all, and I’m not alone in that situation,” he said. “There weren’t programs like Behind the Book, and we didn’t own books. We went to the library. So it was great to give these kids my own book and the opportunity to work with and to get to know an author and immigrant like me.”
For his first workshop, he reads the book, explains how it was made and shows them photos of himself as a kid, so they can relate better: “Here’s the book, but this is ME.”
Kam’s program coincides with the third grade study of China. He sees them three times, reads and talks about the book, and does art project with them. Then, with BtB volunteers, he takes them on a trip to Chinatown. Kam helps them absorb first-hand knowledge of the culture, and shows them where and how he grew up. They listen to people speaking, smell and taste the food, visit souvenir shops, and ask Kam questions about what they experience.
“Having the opportunity to go somewhere and see something other than your own neighborhood is so much more exciting than a normal day in the classroom,” he said. “The kids always say they’ll never forget that day. BtB provides something incredible.”
It’s not surprising that the children feel attached to Kam after meeting him. When the students greet him, Kam says that they are not shy at all, but rather very excited, giving him an incredible welcome. “They put posters up in the hallway, and I’m flattered but embarrassed, they are wonderful,” he said. “It’s always very sad when I have to say goodbye. They cling to me constantly, it’s very cute. Third graders are very sensitive kids.”
In addition to his own stunning work, Kam was commissioned to create 12 USPS postage stamps, paying homage to the Chinese zodiac. His new design just launched for 2019: Year of the Pig. He also teaches painting at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and he takes students to Florence every summer to teach them about the work of the Renaissance.
“With BtB I hope that the little part that I play makes a big difference in a lot of those kids’ lives. I’m happy to tell my stories and I am very fortunate in that way.”
To see his work, go to http://www.kammak.net/
by Amy Bennett