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The Deco 5209 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036 USA
Meet fellow Indo Brian Kimmel, Brian is a second generation multi-heritage Indonesian American, and third grandchild to
Pacific Northwest author, Martha Walandouw Lohn. He co-authored Lohn’s memoir, Blue Skies,
Troubled Waters, and edited the first Indonesian language version. A poet, memoirist, lyricist,
composer, musician, and scholar-practitioner, Kimmel guest lectures and recitals internationally on
narrative technologies and the expressive arts. He lives with his spouse in Seattle, home to the Coast
Salish, and works as a mental health counselor, supervisor, and educator for the Brian Kimmel
Guidance Center.
A classically trained pianist and vocalist, Brian has multiple albums to his credit and a long list of
critically acclaimed performances nationwide. He has published articles with The Lion’s Roar, The
Mindfulness Bell, Under 35 Project, Buddhism & Culture, and chapters in Transcending: Trans
Buddhist Voices, One Buddha is Not Enough, and Dancing with The Dharma: Essays on Movement
and Dance in Western Buddhism.
A Buddhist teacher, in 2021, he received authority to teach by Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Zen
Master Thích Nhất Hạnh. Kimmel enjoys hiking, traveling, and tending to his garden, Love’s
Garden, with family and friends.
We had the honor to co-host with The Indo Project Brian’s new book signing event at our showroom located in the state of the art Deco building here in LA.
Blue Skies, Troubled Waters, tells the remarkable true story of twin sisters Ath and Kath, born in
Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1933, whose family is uprooted and deported to the jungles of Indonesia
due to their father’s undocumented status. Their new life is quickly shattered when, in 1941, Japan
invades, and the family is imprisoned as civilian prisoners of war.
Through the eyes of these young girls, we witness a tale of resilience, hope, and the strength of
family amidst the chaos of World War II. The twins’ journey mirrors the courage of a village united
against unimaginable hardship, revealing how bonds of love and community can endure even the
most harrowing of times.
Co-authored by her grandson, this memoir blends personal narrative with newly uncovered
historical records, maps, and photographs, bringing to life a forgotten chapter of history and the
enduring spirit of survival.
A must read and if you plan visiting Seattle, Washington make sure to meet with oma, she’s still alive and kicking at 92 years young and love to talk about “Tempo Doeloe”…..
SoCal Indo is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to SoCal Indo are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. (EIN/ tax ID number: 99-4326673)
– All rights reserved to their respective photographers –