Hong Kong Ink Rice Paper

Rice Paper

In 2014 went to Asia to stay with my sister in Hong Kong and also travelled to the Philippines.  First time I travelled in many years and had never been to this part of the world.  Had been painting religiously before leaving. Was a little reluctant to leave as it would interrupt my work.  Took a drawing pad And phone camera with me. Later purchase some art supplies from the local shop.  Appropriate bought rice paper, ink, pigment for colouring and felt to protect the surface below. 

Below are the results of my work, some based on rough sketches or free hand.  There is no backing up with ink once it is down the decision is made, no turning back.  So each stroke must be made with a sense of commitment, as for this is the stroke.

Big Head And Eyes

Big Head

On Rice Paper

Not all creations require great thought, sometimes you just start doing the basic steps.  The face, it’s not too hard, all the components are well known and understood.  So even if it is confusing, people will find some connection to it regardless of how disjointed it may be.

Building Labour HK

Labour

On Rice Paper

Your body is tired from the day’s work, or I’ll let you rest and eat something for your lunch.  Only to go back to continue.  Hopefully at this moment of rest you will find the energy to rise up and continue a day, otherwise you will not get paid.

Crowd Walking Forward HK

Forward

On Rice Paper

The city is large and big sidewalks are full, pushing their way along the sidewalk but stopping for the cars. No one dares here but not obey the red light. Not like other cities where it is run by the crowds pushing from corner Into intersection to other corner. Regardless of what the lights desire.

Backs Crowd Walking HK

Backs

On Rice Paper

I frequently see older women walking slowly, as if standing still in the crowd of people around them. The rest of the world rushes past, but they are steadfast in their goal.  Not hindered by the speed or the others, they know where they are going and there is no rush.

The New Red Book

Red Book

On Rice Paper

The mantra is that individuality through choices is a form of freedom; the more this is claimed, the less there is. Understanding is necessary for making a choice. We all know that product decisions are manipulated. The selection has already been made for you, or you have been selected.

Young people are taught to desire things that will bring them happiness and a sense of completeness. It will be fine if we have all of these things. If you could choose your jumpsuit colour in prison, or carrots and peas in the cafeteria. You needed the money to be happy but did not have a bank account, so you withdrew it another way.

We should all fight for the freedom to make our own choices. It should not serve as a justification. Your New Red Book of dogma is not freedom or a right; it is a belief. If you believe the world is flat, saying it is a freedom and a right will not make it true.

Naked Back HK

Naked Back

On Rice Paper

Sexy but not controversial, as we know the body is without clothes, but apparently the front is more seductive or perverse than the back. Must be told about the body from its posterior. The shape of its buttocks and the strength of its back, more of a consideration for a horse than a person. Much can be understood about the front potential beauty.

Game in Park HK

Park

On Rice Paper

Nice day in the park, time for some Janggi to pass the time.   Add some money to your success, it becomes more engaging as people watch as there is real loss involved.  For this is not hard enough to play, to be worried about ability, so now the winning is paramount.

Red Sun HK

Sun

On Rice Paper

A noble soldier stands upright on this morning.  Ready to meet today with his fellow green suited friends. Fulfilling the needs of his people by supporting the country.  With his simple uniform, he does his job with simplicity and commitments to what is truly important.

Tree Trunk HK

Tree Trunk

On Rice Paper

The bark distracts from the figure in front similar colors for them both, but one has a more consistent pattern.  Not requiring long lines but only continuous short ones. Even though the forward image has no clothes, it is still not enough to distract from the bark.

Park Bench HK

Park Bench

On Rice Paper

Small Park Wan Chai, two strangers nap on a shared bench. The park very size of a lot the size of a lot for a small building. Just off the main road, quiet in the hot, loud City.  Surrounded by large trees and even the occasional bird might sing, of course is no grass for too many people and park small.

Portrait in Ink 1

In Ink

On Rice Paper

Eyes down, looking away from the observer.  Is it shyness or lack of eye contact with this particular observer?  How can the portrait know who will look at it?  Safer to avoid contact all the time, then you are safe.  Even though this image is not all of yours.  It only represents the moment of someone else’s concept of you.  This is something you may present all through your life.

Ink 3 Five and One

Five

On Rice Paper

There she is a naked appendage to the group of men.  Girlfriend to one or to all.  Therefore, the photo but not the meeting.  A part of their attire, as if they were all wearing a matching tie.  Maybe they are under her commands, and we’ve missed the point completely.