Elise Umetsu (she/her)

Bio

Elise is a writer, performer, and educator from Ventura County, and a recent graduate of UCLA. She aspires to teach high school English, using avenues of reading, writing, and dialogue to foster critical thought and self-expression in classroom communities. Elise enjoys taiko drumming, zouk dancing, decolonial literature, and good queer content.

Solidarity Arts Fellowship reflection

“This fellowship has taught me more radical, loving forms of hope, creation, and resistance. In the fellowship I’ve experienced what it’s like to approach solidarity work from a place of love, and have begun learning how to create these spaces while (virtually) arm-in-arm with others. I’ve learned about surveillance and resistance within Muslim-American communities, and cultivated an understanding of my Japanese-American identity that is informed by a history of resilience and connected oppression. I’ve been inspired by the artistry, compassion, and stories from my fellow fellows, and I am so excited to continue growing with this family.”

Object of resilience

“My objects of resilience are my of first pair of bachi and my family cat, Coco. The bachi are used for taiko drumming, which has connected me to my Japanese-American identity and community, as well as provided a space for creative collaboration with my taiko family. Coco has been in the Umetsu family since I was in 1st grade. From childhood to now, she has reminded me how to both give and receive unconditional love and affection.”