Interview with Sanae Robinson

Authors

Sanae Robinson

Files

Biography

Southern California native, Sanae Robinson, is a multiethnic, Japanese American creative director, art director, designer, and sewer, making masks for underprivileged communities, as a part of the Auntie Sewing Squad. Robinson’s experience with sewing is lifelong and her involvement in politics and activism are something she has felt passionate about all throughout her life. This skill and passion inform Robinson’s contribution and involvement in the Auntie Sewing Squad.

Thematic Summary

[0:00] Sanae Robinson describes the start of her journey within the Auntie Sewing Squad as an observer and then a joiner. [3:13] Robinson then talks about her mother’s experience in the Japanese American Incarceration Camps and the impact that COVID-19 anti-Asian sentiment has had on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. [11:08] She goes on to describe how the Auntie Sewing Squad brought her back to her sewing roots. [18:07] Robinson goes into detail about her life growing up, her experience as a multiethnic person in high school, and why she identifies more with her Japanese heritage. [25:31] She reflects on how the Japanese culture of crafting, as well as her father’s business as a leather shoe repair shop, developed her skill of sewing. [35:54] Robinson concludes the interview by giving advice to multiethnic people who may struggle with their identity, as well as describing their passion and involvement in art and activism.

Interview Date

5-3-2021

Interviewer

Zitlalli Macias; Josie Cruz

Recommended Citation

Robinson, Sanae, "Interview with Sanae Robinson" (2021). Auntie Sewing Squad Interviews. 31.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/auntiesewing_interviews/31