Lost In Lace

I absolutely adore lace. The beauty of revealing and concealing makes it such an alluring art form. Here is my appreciation for lace work. I free-hand draw them with black ink to capture every detail possible. My work tells the passing of time and the stories behind such delicate historical pieces. It's almost like a performance for me and drawing in front of an audience makes it even more exciting. 

LOST IN LACE: PROJECT AT BOWES

Bowes Museum have been so lovely and generous, letting me  roam around freely in their 'Glass Cube', where one of UK's largest collection of lace is stored. The 'Blackbourne Collection' has lace dating back to 17th Century... some are nearly 400 years old! It is amazing how these beautiful pieces have been cared for and restored. To me, the craft of lace is such fine art and unfortunately it  is fast disappearing. Have you ever thought of how much patience, skill and hardship that goes into every inch of the lace? Hopefully  i can revive and sustain this beautiful hand craft in my own way. Stay tuned for my project...this is just a teaser hehe

Travel with Elle: Back in Time! Back to School!

One of my favourite places of the museum is the Country Village.. at the local school! It reminds me of my infant and primary school experience. My primary school was a very traditional English school, with strict values. When i was there it celebrated it's 100th birthday... i remember the biggest cake where every student got a piece! I was the only asian (or foreign) student at the school! All my friends were westerners, who were all extremely friendly and took care of me when i first arrived. I met my very best friend of 20 years on my first day of infant school, and we have not gone by a day without contacting each other.

I was a quiet child, who was rather shy and still adjusting to the culture. It was in high school when i came out of my shell and quite frankly, became one of the loudest students in my year! I was definitely one alternative/ troublesome student... sorry Sir/Miss!

Travel with Elle: Back in Time!

Before i came back to Hong Kong in Nov, i had the most lovely day out with my loved ones. Not far from my hometown, there is a British historical museum called Beamish. Once you step through the iron gates, you are transformed back in time, to Edwardian England! This special place is where i escape life momentarily and spend a fun filled day with my friends and loved ones in such a tranquil environment. I highly recommend a visit because the experience is so unique. Not many museums allow such personal interaction... it really is like stepping into a time capsule to the past. Educational, nostalgic and simply the sweetest experience you will have!  Beamish has big plans to expand the museum to take their visitors from late Edwardian period, 30s, 40s....right to 1970s! No doubt i will be back again once i return to England and when the snow clears up!

Travel with Elle: Omote Sando Hills

Year 2012 took me to so many fantastic places, but one of my favourite is Tokyo. My dear friend and I took a mini excursion to Tokyo to get inspired for our final projects. Though it was only a short four day trip, i discovered so many new ideas, met some pretty interesting people and wondered through some quirky little streets.

The uber trendy Omote Sando Hills offers great contemporary galleries, independent boutiques, vintage shops and lots of 24 hour cafes. One of my favourite find was A-Z cafe by Yoshitomo Nara. The devilish drawings of children decorates the entire cafe, making everything super KAWAII!!!! The cafe served a variety of healthy japanese Bento sets, at a very reasonable price.