Bonne année et Bonne Santé


Happy New Year everyone! I'm just getting settled back in the states from Paris in my new apartment.  It's been a whirlwind ride of adjustments but I'm excited for the change. Here are some photos from my first trip to Paris during the holidays. The most memorable moments were sharing food experiences with family and friends be it froie gras to goose to buck to delectable pastries from corner to corner of the city... I never thought I'd have this wonderful experience and what made it even more special was sharing it with my cousins who were able to come and meet me in Paris for a night. The country side was full of the cold and wet smell of grass, rolling hills and bare trees.  It was perfect. I was inspired by the culture, architecture, food and history of France...here's to more and I'll share with you something I drew from visiting a nearby farmhouse soon.....Au revoir!


Wing Chun and Art come together

Now live! The Wing Chun Documentary I participated in early this year.  Wing Chun is an art, discipline and daily practice. Thank you to all who supported me through this process and my father who gave me this opportunity.  I hope you enjoy and reshare :) 

 This was an amazing experience, I didn't know how I could relate the philosophy of art and my practice in Wing Chun but it soon became clear. 

 It was all about getting to that point of relaxation and letting go completely.

 That's where the power is, that's where the creativity flows

 It takes a lot of love, practice and faith to experience something as wonderful as flow.  I don't think any artist can truly reach their potential without getting to that special place, unique to them, allowing them to create something beautiful.  I'm still trying to completely release myself in my artwork..you'd think it's easy but it's pretty hard at times. Like art, Wing Chun is one practice which allows me to explore my own limitations and ultimately break free from them to reach that point.

Next Chapter


It's been a while and I've been back from an amazing trip to Ireland (the friendliest people ever), recovered from asthma/cold and finally finished packing for my big move tomorrow.  Part of me will miss living in my grandparents old home, but after three years, I'm happy to pass it along to the next family to enjoy. After cleaning off my trusty work/art table..I decided to finish with a simple sketch to thank all of my readers and supporters.  This has been an amazing year and you're the reason for my inspiration.

I can't wait to share with you my upcoming creative projects from my new workspace....in the meantime..here's to the end of one chapter...and the beautiful beginning of another!


Gallop

9x12
acrylic and wine

There are many instances where I'm proud of friends/family and this was a special piece I created for my good friend who started his own wine business in China (Golden Coast Group). He's also the year of the hoarse :)

Chinoiserie Collection Part:One [Limited Edition]

I've been working on a collection around the theme of a European Asian style in the mid to late 17th century called 'Chinoiserie' usually demonstrating an expression of decorative arts, Asian cultural motifs and architecture. I gave it a splash of my style with some curiosity, light-heartedness and some architectural pieces like Chinese pottery. Not quite the classic, lots more the playful... Enjoy and stay tuned for the next set..

Sweet Chateau


Sweet Chateau 
9x12
acrylic, ink, red syrah

I realized while I was in France why I loved castles so much.  Aside from the grandness and fairy-tale-like experience,  what dawned on me was the wonder of architecture, the dream of hosting friends and family to share in the experience  and the 100% character that comes along with each unique piece that makes up a castle....from the stone walls, curved staircases...to the windows opening into wide, refreshing views. I thought about this while I visited castles..sipping on a warm tea cup filled with vervain.....ahhh how wonderful....

Resilience

Ability to weather anything

Strength

Beauty

Simplicity

Longevity

Those words just popped in my head.  The Chateau represents something so massive and strong...yet seems almost gently nestled in something so delicate and refined as a tea cup....You can almost see the same qualities in both objects... 


Pile High

pen, ink, acrylic

To continue along with my European holiday theme, I was inspired by this Louis this XIV bed which was detailed in gold and muted colors rendering a beautiful bed that was 'just right' for me. I remember jumping in this bed while I was in France and reading by the sunny window...thinking of Goldilocks and the Three Bears...the bed was not quite a twin size..not quite a full size...but the perfect size for me to relax...sit back...and get lost in the moment. Three was a soft quilted blanket and loads of cushy, fluffy down filled pillows.  I felt like I was floating in one of my silly dreams....If you look closely in this piece..you'll see others may be doing the same..

This bed may have been in T's family for hundreds of years and was apparently an original.  The bed was so elegant, distinct, yet bold so I decided to keep the detail of my drawing simple by using charming hues of black and white.  It's washed with muted colors to show the time period while staying contemporary. My favorite color is red so I use any chance I can get to use it :)

Curieux

pen and acrylic

I'm really excited and working on a new series inspired by my trip to France...This first one is called 'Curieux' which is a mantra I live by...instead of being scared, fearful or judgemental of things, I tend to just be curious...ask questions...learn...and grow...I remember sitting in an original Louis XIV chair on a warm summer day admiring the intricate carvings in the wooden frame, cushy textured upholstery and strong design architecture and thought to myself...what were the people doing during that time? How did they design this chair? How did they live?

One simple word came to mind. 'beautiful'.

I sat there..enjoying a book and instantly felt content.

early sketch





French summer holiday hopping


This is my third week in Europe, now in Rodelle, France where the sun shines, cows graze the fields and the colorful wild flowers sprinkle like confetti over the wide country floors...There's a smell of fresh fallen rain in the air and the 'clack' 'clack' sound of each step from hundreds of smooth river stones lining the pathway to the country house.

I can't draw. Nothing is coming, yet I'm inspired. Inspired by this French history, culture,  art, idioms, customs, personalities and the beautiful language embracing the air. This is the first time I've been away from home and the longest I've ever been in Europe and it feels comfortable, new, refreshing and challenging. 

Here's some highlights and a lot more ..
  • I met a very interesting man at a gathering of friends during apéritif.  His name was Francois, previously a reporter, lived in Hong Kong in Victoria, Vietnam, all over the world..who told of many experiences while he lived abroad, including the time when he was imprisoned in Brazil.
  • Lautrec Toulouse Museum was an amazing collection of his evolution as an artist from portraiture, beauty in brothel depiction and propaganda. 
  • Visited a private castle near Rodez owned by a man who and renovated one room a year for over 40 years. He still lives there and left 5 rooms unremodeled.  
  • Food - of course delicious and prepared effortlessly by my boyfriends mother Catherine, from apricot tarts, pork, lamb chops, sausages, yogurt, panacotta, flan, cous cous and more! I don't know how Thibault and I managed to make potstickers here from scratch as well...note to self..get a pasta maker if I ever want to make dumpling wrappers again.  
  • Picnic on the River in Albi was a relaxing 1.5 hr cruise from Albi to Gaillac (Aiguelèze) while you learn about the history and monuments of the city. 
  • Discovered Vervain tea. Glorious Vervain.  And no, I'm not going to fight vampires with it.

Boat trips on the River Tarn
Walkway of the country house in Rodez
 Musee Toulouse-Lautrec garden below
Pate, jamon and sandwich on the river
Poolside by the county house
Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi
Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi: inside and above








Special Project: Serene Success

Serene Success
11" x 15"
 A heavy-weight, cold press paper 

Here's the final commissioned piece and first time I've included a traditional Asian painting style coupled with a touch of whimsy.  The jade ring and Chinese characters were significant to my buyer  and it was important for me to integrate the objects together seamlessly yet in a distinct mannor.  The colors lend for an organic and fresh feeling. This was an amazing opportunity! :)

Special Project: Man with meaning


This has been a wonderful spa-cation week from spending time with good friends, exploring Thai massages, treating parents to a nice massage and dim sum lunch...to basking by the warm sun poolside,  to finally treating myself to a tropical spa adventure full of lush papaya, coconut and ku kui nut aromas (yum)...This week was truly a decadent and refreshing experience.  I feel so happy and ready to go...I was struggling over the past week with the changes in my life health wise and everything else, but I'm better now...My creativity was actually stuck and I was worried a bit..but luckily it's flowing again! Stuff happens I guess...I thank the night Gods for giving me back my creative juices...hehe once a late bird..always a late bird...

I've been through times like this, but I'll humbly say each time kicks me in the behind....but ..if you know me....I kinda just dust off my shirt, jeans, whatever...and keep going......call me ricerocket...

I'm excited and honored to work on a piece that weaves culture, scenery and a rich tradition.  This will be a challenge since the story is heartfelt and I'm not accustom to drawing landscapes...but I'm up for the challenge :) Here's some test sketches including a lush, mountainous Asian-esqu background...key Chinese characters and a special jade ring.....

Stay tuned...

My Story






I think about why I started drawing and feel so grateful for this gift that keeps me grounded, connected, sane.... and realized it all comes back to expressing my creativity in a way that heals and inspires.  Staying connected to my heritage as a Chinese American is important to me and I try to express it in a way that touches the hearts of those who feel the same...to preserve a healthy respect for the culture while evolving with their surrounding environment.. I didn't anticipate or understand how my art affects people...actually, I still don't fully grasp it! But hey, it's a pretty cool feeling to know that I can contribute and give back to this world somehow.  

I wanted to share with you my latest piece called 'Safe Travels', the Chinese characters collectively represent a saying people say to one another when they are about to travel somewhere far..on plane, by boat...perhaps even by boat...I started to think about those who paved the way for us to be able to travel and represented the background image with a washed, yet distinct ancient Chinese sailing vessel or 'Junk' that's been through harsh waters and beyond....

This is two parts. One part painting a picture of adventure from a modern Chinese perspective...and second part journey through the unknown.  Now I'd like to share (and reshare) with you the story that still makes me choke up..it's weird...yes weird..but in a good way...

How I  started my art journey ....
The first icon I created was Sunni, a simple yellow sun,  was intended to bring some smiles..he has a mischievous,  yet comfortable face...I remember being so excited, I shared this with all of my friends...specifically my friend Arthur who worked at a mental facility of sorts and shared this printed image with a patient.  The woman was depressed, I believe suicidal, and Art shared this with her.  Turns out, she kept Sunni by her side and in times of darkness, he was there with her to make her smile.

My first ever art post of Sunni

Here's what my friend Arthur told me in 2010 of the patient

 'She is doing well; she is actually working with a group in Hawaii doing some type of marine work/study. Maybe, the sunshine you brought into her life that day subconsciously encouraged her to head towards the sunny, happy, islands of Hawaii (who knows).'










Safe Travels

It's been really difficult getting myself to draw lately and I'm recovering from health stufts due to some stress. I feel much better but it's definitely not an easy time for me right now.  Fortunately, I was able to crank out something tonight...something I've been thinking about for a while...It's using Chinese characters to create art and meaning.  Here I'm using the words '一路順風' essentially meaning 'Safe Travels' in Chinese and creating a whimsical image behind.  I really like the concept of the Chinese Junk which is an homage to the ancient Chinese traveling vessel.

If I can count on anything, it's always being creative that keeps me grounded.


An updated teaser..currently drying in the sun at home on my ironing board..





Here's a quick concept sketch for tonight voila.




Pop Culture

After taking a break from drawing and painting, I'm finally back into it and feeling great!  What better way to bring in the new season than with juicy popsicles, drumsticks and fudge bars...My all time favorite that's light and sweet are:


Yum.

Still working on this a bit, but wanted to give you a sneak peak. Treat yourself to some pop culture :)



Movie Making and Art in China



Sorry been out of the loop lately...I've been shooting a film in China and traveling to Hong Kong and now Japan....Here's a sneak peak of my art scene in the movie in a beautiful art gallery in Foshan China.  The scene is in an amazing hall full of Chinese calligraphy.
Foshan art gallery


My goods setup

Directors cut: Seamus Walsh and Derrick Fong

Dolly-ing


The camera is literally in my face right now...

The setup


Sailin'

Inspired by the sailing trip across the Na pali Coast...a rough and beautiful ride through wind, rain, sunshine, waterfalls and glorious mountains but gentlebot and ladybot survived :)





Gentlebot fixes everything for his ladybot



I've missed drawing for a while so did a super quick Gentlebot drawing that's been sitting in my thoughts for a while.  I dunno where I came up with this character but I think it's sweet that he's always there for his ladybot (ok I lied, maybe I do :))...I think in this one, he may be taking on more than he can handle!..or has he?

Mahjong Musing


I was always exposed to the popular past time of Majong  where my grandma played with her friends hours at a time. Eventually she played with some of my cousins, aunts and uncles. It was a fun and tactile game. I loved hearing the sounds of the mahjong tiles make a 'click' 'clack' sound against each other as everyone shuffled the set.  For some reason I never really played, but I liked how colorful and smooth the tiles were...not to mention the game kept your mind sharp.  My mother loves to play mahjong with my aunt and a few friends every week and I thought it would be cool to pay homage to the infamous game of mahjong :).