My introduction to Chinese culture was when as a small child my parents gave me
two small Chinese dolls dressed in red satin and embroidered suits and caps
that they had purchased in Chinatown Sydney.
I was extremely fascinated by the red costumes and "different" facial features
of these "foreign" dolls compared to my traditional anglo ones.
This may have been my first awakening and fascination with Asian art and culture.
As an artist, Asian aesthetics and spirituality have been of great interest to me.
Chinese art has for me richness and depth, as well as a spaciousness and serenity
that is strongly engaging.
The stylistic representation of nature: - fauna, flora and the linked symbolic association
of these objects which can be read / interpreted to tell a story intrigues me and parallels my own work.
Chinese craft with its superior craftsmanship in relationship to textiles - fabric construction/ weaving
and embroidery has been influential historically throughout Asia and Europe
through trade and still has strong resonances today.
Paper for me is is sensual, poetic and ephemeral.
The ancient craft of hand papermaking was discovered in China more than 2000 years ago.
It spread to Asia and Europe via the silk trade route influencing and changing
the written means of communication and print forever.
I make and incorporate handmade paper in my artwork and am excited
to have the opportunity to travel and study this ancient art in situ.