Embracing Change: From the Glitz of Los Angeles to the Warmth of Fort Worth
Well hello,
It’s been a whirlwind of change in my life, and I’ve decided to go against every natural inclination I have to be discreet and private and just share this journey with you. And boy, is this a terrifying thought! But let’s do it anyhow.
During that horrendous pandemic, my family and I decided to trade the once bustling but then temporarily locked down streets of Los Angeles for the warm, if socially distant embrace of Fort Worth, Texas.
Leaving the iconic Hollywood sign behind, I found solace in the genuine smiles of my adopted hometown (I’m originally from Queens but moved to Fort Worth at an early age and grew up here. So I consider myself a “dual-hometown” citizen). It was good to be back home, enjoying the vibrant arts scene and welcoming community that has embraced my family and me with open arms. There’s something about the Texan spirit that resonates deeply, and it’s been a catalyst for a surge of creativity unlike I’ve experienced before.
In the midst of this move, one thing has become abundantly clear – passion knows no geographical boundaries. I find myself busier than ever, fueled by an insatiable drive to create new work. When your work is your passion, it lives inside of you. It transcends physical locations, finding expression in the heart and soul of the creator.
As I navigate this new chapter, I’m reminded that change brings growth, and growth is an integral part of any artistic journey. The canvas of Fort Worth and Dallas has become my new backdrop, influencing my work in ways I hadn’t anticipated. The vibrant local arts scene, the genuine connections formed, and the serenity of my surroundings have all seeped into my creative process, infusing it with renewed energy.
In this journey, I’ve made a conscious effort to not only create but also to share what I’ve learned. The artistic path is not a solitary one; it’s a collective journey where knowledge and insights are meant to be passed on. Through this blog (which I’m calling a ‘journal’), as well as my upcoming YouTube series about acting and filmmaking, and conversations on social media, I’m committed to fostering a community of like-minded individuals passionate about storytelling and filmmaking.
Learning is a lifelong endeavor, and I’ve come to realize that every place, every experience contributes to this ongoing education. Late last year I concluded a three-year stint at a local theater, developing and growing a film production department from the ground up. Many beautiful creative relationships came from my time there, and I’m grateful for what we were able to accomplish together and the lives I was able to change. The lessons learned there, both in art and in life, are shaping my perspective and influencing the narratives I choose to tell and the types of professionals I choose to associate with going forward.
So I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for joining me on this journey. Your support, feedback, and shared enthusiasm for the arts inspire me daily. As I immerse myself in this new chapter, my hope is to provide you with value – be it through insights gained, lessons learned, or simply by kindling the flames of creativity within you.
Thank you for being a part of this community, for allowing me to share my experiences, and for bringing your unique energy to the collective tapestry of artistic expression. Here’s to growth, here’s to creation, and here’s to the beautiful unpredictability of the artistic journey.
– CG Wong
February 12, 2024
Fort Worth, Texas
"I've dreamt of being in movies since I was 10 years old, and I've been making movies since I was 12."
