Word Hunters: Left, Right and Off-Center #16 Elbert Shitamoto
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Jan 18, 2023 
Elbert Shitamoto is an artist, librarian, teacher, and freediver who shares his rich experiences from growing up in Los Angeles to teaching in South Central. He reflects on overcoming racism and the resilience it built in him. With passion for freediving, Elbert describes his underwater adventures in Suma, highlighting the beauty of marine life through his YouTube channel. He also explores the impact of libraries on his life and the joy of reading, emphasizing the importance of education in rough neighborhoods.
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From Pre-Med To Conceptual Artist
- Elbert entered UCLA pre-med but shifted to art after realizing science wasn't for him and feeling at home in conceptual and new forms like video and performance art.
- His art application essay simply read, "because I want to be an artist," which helped him get accepted.
Road Trips To Remote Wilderness
- Elbert took long road trips in hand-me-down station wagons up the coast, into deserts and Baja, seeking solitude away from popular spots like Joshua Tree.
- He favored remote places like the East Mojave where the landscape felt otherworldly, describing it as "like Mars."
Libraries Shaped A Career
- Libraries were a lifelong refuge for Elbert, shaping his love of books from childhood visits to local branches.
- That early library habit later guided his career choice as a librarian and teacher.
