I wanted to explore what all this new-found wealth means for the different generations of Chinese who have to live together in this place that is transforming at warp speed into the richest country on the planet.

Canada has become such a staging area for Chinese money.

In Asia, it's customary to get together with your entire extended family on a regular basis, and it's all rife with politics.

All Americans knew was 'The Joy Luck Club' and children of dry cleaners trying to assimilate. The Asia that I was seeing was a world of people who are incredibly sophisticated, and I wanted to represent that side.

This group moves at warp speed.

I wanted to introduce a contemporary Asia to a North American audience.