A new chapter in Hong Kong

Embracing a departure from my past successes and familiar surroundings, I recently made a bold choice to relocate to Hong Kong. This new chapter has proven to be quite intriguing. However, due to space constraints, I couldn't bring many art supplies or sketchbooks, prompting me to rely on my iPad for most of my recent sketches.

On a positive note, I've successfully revamped my sleep pattern and now engage in daily gym sessions at 5:30 am.

30 Kg was all I can bring. Heavy enough to make me feel the weight of baggages . 

I moved into a tiny but nice place with a community of friendly people from all around the world. 

Jack and Kenny. Two of the many friendly staffs who manage the apartment that I am staying at

The passengers I recorded during my commute one day. Many interesting faces in this uber dense city.

I decided to teach art in a secondary school here in Hong Kong.

Our principle giving us, the new staffs an opening speech during our induction program

Induction program continues with more information. HR, Finance, IT, Teaching for Learning .....the whole nine yards...

During the induction program, there was a school gathering at a hotel featuring team bonding activities and tasks. Lacking my iPad, I utilized the hotel's pen and paper for the events. One memorable occasion involved a painting competition where the task was to draw a sun. Using some pigments and canvas, I submitted my creation. To my surprise, I won the competition with a humorous touch – a reminder that sometimes improvisation leads to unexpected victories.

Induction program continues

More induction program with more information. 

Botanical workshop at Bynd Artisan.

Thank you, everyone, for your incredible support.

As we approach the conclusion of our watercolor botanical workshop at Bynd Artisan, I reflect on the journey that began two years ago. Over this period, I've gained profound insights into the realms of art, commerce, and life. Surprisingly, the genesis of this workshop can be traced back to an error made during our Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign—a mistake that ultimately led to a chapter worth sharing, despite the typical reluctance to acknowledge missteps in business.

Last few sessions and we worked on Color temperature, color mixing and color theory. 

n the face of unexpected challenges, the best solutions and opportunities often emerge. Accidental mistakes and chance encounters can unveil unique competitive advantages, as exemplified by iconic products like 3M's sticky pad and the Sony PlayStation.

Background story:
Our Indiegogo campaign saw a procurement mishap; we inadvertently ordered hot press instead of cold press paper. Unwilling to disclose this error to our backers, we swiftly imported a new batch of paper from Italy. Despite a minor delay, we fulfilled all orders. Faced with surplus hot press paper, the idea for a botanical workshop took root. I embraced the challenge of creating teaching materials and launching the class, initially uncertain of its longevity.

This was the entire stash of hot press paper from Fabriano.

However, thanks to growing awareness, particularly propelled by celebrity blogger Yina Goh, Evonne Ng, and their blogger friends, the workshop flourished. A feature in Time Out magazine further elevated its profile, introducing me to numerous distinguished guests.

Celebrity Bloggers and their friends: Yina, Evonne, Tricia, Min, Reenie, Jess, Ying and Jeneen 

Special thanks to Yina, Evonne and their friends for their support.

Key Learnings from the Workshops:

1 ) Proactive Sales Efforts:
A good workshop doesn't sell itself; witnessing Bynd Artisan's sales team tirelessly engage potential customers highlighted the importance of proactive outreach and education.

I don't know how he does it.  But he is always breaking the ice and striking conversation with customers even when some can be so unfriendly. Sales team matter a lot and the hustle is real.

2) Experience Trumps Skills:
The value of accomplishing something new within a few hours often surpasses the significance of acquiring specific skills. Adjusting the workshop content accordingly became crucial.

3) Network Building:
Recognizing the importance of networking, I aim to integrate more opportunities for participants to connect with one another in future workshops.

4) Unforeseen Opportunities:
The workshops not only showcased my botanical painting skills but also attracted commission work opportunities, highlighting the unexpected paths creativity can lead us down.

A commission work painted for a local Bank.

5) Appreciation for Fresh Flowers:
Despite initial skepticism about the value of buying flowers, painting real flowers revealed their unique qualities and emphasized the importance of appreciating life's fragility and beauty.

A lot more work to prepare real flowers but I think its worth it. 

Mr Chong, master craftman at Bynd Artisan attended our workshop as well :) 

Speaking of which, I absolutely love this article written by Alisha Gorder on NYTimes Modern Love:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/15/fashion/one-bouquet-of-fleeting-beauty-please.html

“Why do we send flowers? To make up for what is intangible? Those feelings we can’t hold in our hands and present as a gift to our loved ones? And why is it that the placeholders we choose — the dozen red roses, the fragrant white lilies, the long-stemmed French tulips — are so fleeting? Hold on to them for too long and you end up with a mess of petals, pollen, and foul-smelling water.” – Alisha Gorder

Some earlier batches where the practise was a little tougher. 

As we bid farewell to this chapter, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Bynd Artisan—Winnie, James, Kenny, Donavan, Grace, Mr. Chong, Corinne, Brandon, and more—for your years of trust, support, and collaboration.

While this workshop concludes, I look forward to establishing a new sketching experience in another city.

Farewell, for now.

In Transit 2016

In-Transit

Sep 01, 2016.

During this trip, I reconnected with numerous friends and organized a show at Curt’s newly opened tattoo shop, Enso Tattoo. My journey hit a snag when my flight was delayed in Hong Kong due to adverse weather conditions. Upon reaching Dallas, I missed my connecting flight to Ohio. Fortunately, there was another flight scheduled for CMH, and I arrived around 2 am on Thursday night.

Jet lag gripped me, and sleep eluded me as I worked with Curt to set up my show until midnight on Friday. Despite feeling completely exhausted on Friday night, the In-Transit exhibition was slated to open on Saturday, and we had to frame and hang 29 paintings.

Eventually we succeeded and put everything up right before Gallery Hop !

A pleasant surprise awaited me when one of my backers, Cassandra from The Perfect Sketchbook, informed her mother about my show on Saturday. Interestingly, Cassandra, now residing in France, originally hailed from Columbus, Ohio. Her mother purchased a painting before the official opening of the show.

The Herculean task of framing and displaying 29 paintings within 48 hours wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable assistance of my incredible friends. Special thanks go to Daniel Painter (Decal), Curt Everitte (everything), Joe Galati (Cutting Matts and frames), and Nathaniel Wood (Cutting Mattes and frame).

Taught a watercolor workshop to a bunch of Tattoo Artists and Enthusiast at Enso Tatto 

The show successfully opened on Gallery Hop night, despite moderate attendance due to an Ohio State game. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to reconnect with many college friends and professors, experiencing a genuine sense of belonging. Realizing I hadn't done much to promote the show, Professor Hiroshi suggested I email the Columbus Dispatch. To my surprise, they responded, featuring a full front-page article in the life section, resulting in additional sales.

Interview by The Columbus Dispatch 

Speaking at CCAD 

Thanks to Charlotte, I had the opportunity to address an audience of about 100 students at The Columbus College of Art in the Cazani auditorium. There's so much I want to express, but the most significant aspect is not my paintings or crowdfunding projects but the incredible friends in America who supported me through college and life; they are my family. Special thanks to Dr. Chilin Yu for her wisdom and the Yue family and CaregiverUSA for providing shelter in Columbus, Ohio.

With minimal advertising, we printed cards and attempted to spread the word as much as possible, including a spontaneous placement at CCAD without approval due to time constraints—a decision that proved to be less than ideal.

The Yue Family provided shelter and cycling ! Thank you 

We cycled to the zoo to sent Nora away. 

Then one day, I just rent a car and gun it all the way to Canada to see this. 

Went Plein-air with Curt at The Hocking Hills. Listened to radiolab on the roads.

My painting at Hocking hills. 

she was an amazing model .

Cleveland Musuem of Art is one hell of an impressive musuem 

Met a gentlemen who works for a major eCommerce store when I was sketching here. He offered some freelance work. 

After Ohio, I flew to California for a two-week visit, catching up with West Coast friends and finally experiencing Yosemite. My gratitude goes to Youn and Hao for making it possible, and special thanks to Janice and Pencil Cafe for convincing me to visit. I cherish you all.

Yosemite is for real. 

Pencil Cafe is my Favorite Cafe.