Do you speak good or bad English? Either way, you’re gonna love our next #ricefolk interviewee – Aan C. aka. @goodbadenglish! Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, the part-time illustrator and creator of those sexy turnips and adorable Asian-themed stickers chats with us about her upbringing, best-selling items and fave spots to chill out in Wellington:
What’s your name and what kind of #ricefolk are you?
My name is Aan C. and I’m of Malaysian Chinese heritage!
Where were you born, and where do you live now?
I was born in Malaysia and I now live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
How did your folks end up there?
We moved to New Zealand because my dad was offered a position as a university lecturer. At that time, I was six and ready to start primary school. Prior to this, we spent a year in Australia, where I went to kindergarten. I think it was really difficult for my grandparents when we left Malaysia because they basically raised me until then. We’re still close now and video call every day!
What do you do for a living?
I work in the community as a healthcare professional. It’s very far removed from art, so I find it amusing (and flattering!) when people ask me if I’m a full time artist!
How did you start @goodbadenglish and what is the motivation behind your work?
Towards the end of 2021 I began listening to podcasts that were hosted by, and were about the Asian diaspora. I’d be nodding along because it was amazing listening to experiences similar to mine being verbalised. I started writing things down and felt the need to make something. At the time, I had just bought an Ipad so I wanted to play around with drawing.
Because I’m not very original, I needed something to work with. I thought Asian snacks from my childhood would be a fitting and nostalgic place to start! It’s fun trying to make different snacks work with the message I want to get across.
Where did the name come from?
The name Good Bad English came from me wanting to break grammar rules and make some terrible puns. It’s also a reference to all those backhanded compliments about speaking “good” English. In fact, I can speak both “good” and “bad” English whenever I want to.
What are the best-seller(s)?
The sticker bundles! The most requested ones are the Kiss My Tiger Bum and Anti-Racist Candy stickers. The support and interest has been overwhelming! Thank you all!! I make all of the stickers and prints at home, so it’s kept me busy!
Which piece are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of “Sending Love to my Asian Sisters” which is based on Genji pie, a flakey and buttery biscuit. It was challenging to draw on multiple levels – I couldn’t get the transparent plastic right, and the reason behind this piece was in response to the horrific anti-Asian hate crimes against women and elders.
What would you say is the most ‘Asian’ thing about you?
Risotto is a waste of good rice. Fight me.
An interesting/unknown/unexpected fact about yourself?
I still have two milk teeth. There aren’t any adult teeth under them so when they fall out, that’s it!
Your favourite 3-5 spots in Wellington and why?
We’re really lucky in Wellington because there are some great walks. My favourite one that’s close is probably the track that goes up to Mount Victoria. When the weather is good, the views of the city and harbour are so nice from the lookout. We like to finish the walk with black sesame ice cream from Kaffee Eis!
Te Papa (NZ’s national museum) is always another fun place to visit. I like marveling at the giant squid and new exhibitions.
Asian-owned businesses or creatives to give a shout-out to, and why?
Kiraku is my favourite place for some mean tonkotsu ramen! It’s a small restaurant in Auckland and owned by a wife and husband duo. (I’m such a regular that I have some graduation photos with them!) Their tonkotsu broth is so flavourful and the chashu slices are so generous. Like many small businesses, they’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic, so we make it a point to support them!
Nol Bu Ne is a Korean restaurant that’s also really good! I love their kimchi fried rice and goguma mattang (candied sweet potatoes).
Finally, what is your favourite rice dish?
What a difficult question. I’d say Pulut Panggang! This is a Malay delicacy made of glutinous rice wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled in charcoal. The filling is both savoury and sweet, it’s made of shredded coconut, chilli, and dried shrimp.
Follow Aan C. on Instagram @goodbadenglish!