Hong kong garden

中 CHUNG

2012-01-30T18:25:00.000-08:00

Chung, 2012 in Acrylics

i have a pretty good lookin' brother <3 Miss you bro
中:“Oh i checked it out on fb. Lol. i can tell it is me. buti expected a different drawing’

V: “haha just by your eye! ANGEL EYES. doesn't look like younow though. The picture was from the cruise…when you didn't play computer”

中:“my angel eyes are long gone”

place

2012-01-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

il a été depuis longtemps. It has been a while. I was struck by great discouragement in the last few months and thus wasn't able to complete a single painting. But in the hustle and bustle of paris, treading on the same pavements that all impressionists once stood upon, i found my little place at the l'ecole art plastiques tucked away on a side street in the 10th arr. I began working on the first portrait of yr 2012, my brother. it is far from being finished but i thought i might give you all a little preview. Happy chinese new year, 萬事如意。

Unfinished Chung 2012, in Acrylics

Pretty Fabrica

2011-09-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Brittany Yoon, Summer 2011, in Acrylics

another to the series! Brit stood out as one of my truest friends at Hotchkiss. Our first year at boarding school could not have been homey without our nightly dosage of microwaved korean rice &seaweed while watching CSI. we were strange but who cared? Four years flew by as we practiced art together with mr. noyes. through sophomore dramas and senior craze, we've been through ups and downs literally. And although we've lost touch just a little - i'm sure we'll have a ton to say when i see you next brit!

Marcheta Marshall, Summer 2010, in B&W Acrylics (see post: Mon Amour)

Shelina Kassam, Summer 2010, in Acrylics (see post: Saudi Eyes)

a Homage

2011-09-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

He built a family from scratch

Paradigm, Summer 2011 in Acrylics

This long hiatus gave me time to think about big and bigger plans with my dear sisters. And well of course, our relatives trigger most of them. But when does reality run accordingly to "the" plan? i will let you know when i find out. Tonight, I'm all crunched and packed ready to leave tomorrow. Off for a groovy school year!

Save the Children

2011-07-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

walked by a little booth at time square the other day. sometime you need to stop your routine, sit and listen.or else life becomes empty of surprises. http://www.savethechildren.org/

PRESTIGE

2011-07-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

Two Summers ago, I worked at Prestige Magazine's Fashion Editorial. As Stylist Assistant under Tasha Ling and Paris Libby, i arranged photo shootings, contacted designers companies for item loans and researched on the latest trends. On the other hand, i learned the magic of retouching from Photographer Laurent Segretier. Here are some of the many shoots we worked on

Porcelain

2011-07-12T03:29:00.000-07:00

(Above: Fine China by The Li children, 96-03)

As little ones, my parents would bring us to whistler every christmas. My favourite part was not the snow or the beanie baby store, it was the pottery painting place at the mall. Going there was like going to disneyland. i got to make a mess that i didn't have to clean up!

(Above: Ceramics Collection made by Vickie Li, 2002)

Time adds value to all things.

Oli, my royal highness

2011-07-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

(Above: Oli in Acrylic Gems and Paint, Summer 2011)

No other dog is as adorbs as my dear Oli, my little toy poodle. I swear. Around four winters ago, we boarded a plane to tokyo and came home unexpectedly with this baby boy.

Going along with the themed pet portraits, starting with dad's horse powerdrifter portrait, i have now added another! and there will be more to come!

This one is inspired by the one and only, FS Home Collections from the Netherlands. They make the most exquisite pillow and throws! &If you have seen my bed, in hong kong or california, you would have noticed the exploding nest of pillows i collect.

HKG (NEW BUSINESS FEATURE!)

Happy Red, White and Blue!

Good Girls Gone BIZ

2011-06-28T22:49:00.001-07:00

I found out about this little snazzy trick to paperclips. Being the only intern along with 9/10 boys, really makes me love the color pink.

Besides the many things i am exposed to here, at the bank, i learned aboutRoutine. Everyday is the same one.

The excitement apparently are rising decimal points 0.00. I never considered IB, my dream-to-be, and this internship has reconfirmed that it will not be. But this summer, i am definitely more informed and knowledgable about the stock market than ever. ready to invest!

I can probably call Stanford Women in Business (SWIB) my "thing" at stanford. Next year, it will be my third year on board. As the spring conference director, and past marketing director, hey stanny, there will many new things to look forward to!

Over my years at SWIB, we have grown into a on-campus household name. Each year, we host about 25 workshops, 2 conferences, spring internships, a mentorship program, and a stock exchange competition. Of course, we also have our own philanthropy, socials, and formals. It is not just about business exposure that i love, but inspiration! The girls in SWIB are brilliant, smart, and successful;

here are a few business cards, my team and i made to spread the word about swib;

Check out our swib website at http://swib.stanford.edu/

And our swib blog: http://swib.stanford.edu/blog/

I managed to squeeze in some time for art work, art from work.

OMF@, Graphic Art, Summer 2011.

Plans, Sections and Elevations

2011-06-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

(Image Courtesy Sarah Lai)

I was born into a life set in complicated sections and big plans. With this secure base, i am expected to elevate from there, like my parents and their parents. Although some may let others build their foundations and exteriors for them, they are lacking one thing -stability. A building needs its own support system, but nevertheless, it must stand on its own core. So, here, i aspire to become my own architect and my own developer.

well first, it begins with a sketch. a plan of some kind. and then you move on to another. small, tiny steps. eventually you get there after the sweat and hard work.

"You have been asked to design a small non-denominational chapel.

The program is as follows:

Chapel 900 SF+/-

Small Foyer 200 SF +/-

Meeting Room 200 SF +/-

Office 100 SF +/-

Restrooms 120 SF +/-

The site is generally near the mausoleum on campus - but must be specifically selected by you. (The actual site must be west of an imaginary line that would be the extension of Lomita.)

The Chapel is a place for one to reflect and does not hold to any particular religion. "

it is odd to say, but nevertheless true, architects hold all the power. Most of the rules of conduct, which govern our actions unconsciously arise out of the architect’s design of space. In other words, if i were to build a tiny room with no windows and place you in it, you would feel uneasy, contained, trapped and vice versa. Everyday, you make decisions based on the design. A window in the ceiling forces you to look upwards and openings in the ground make you look downwards. you have to take the stairs because the elevator is blocked off by a wall. now, won't you agree with me?

Year of the Horse 1990

2011-06-18T03:39:00.001-07:00

(Top: Power Drifter in acrylic gems and paint)

(Bottom: Power Drifter drives in firstplace on 24.11.2010)

The weekly excitement amongst us, hong kongers, are the horse races. every other wednesday or saturday, we find ourselves engaged at the courses, betting savings over a delicious brunch.

catfight spotlight? A picture is awarded to the winning horse, its owner, family &friends. Apparently, men fight over these pictures like gossip girls. They *the cropped out* slide their way in, no matter how slim the connections are, only, only to get their faces in the monthly photo issue. because the picture means everything, especially to these men. Oh Popularity.

marcheta & i at the races, summer 2010

Don't forget to add yourself as a follower of HKG! It'd mean a lot to me to know whose reading my blog! and even motivate me to write / create more. have a great happy father's day everyone!

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V L I

2011-06-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

life gives you text and imagery. it is only fair that you carry a journal to keepsake them.

toxic trance

2011-06-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

caffeinated, entirely. finals, enough said.

The Little Things

2011-06-02T02:04:00.000-07:00

cover previews: ALBERTO GUZMAN- THE LITTLE THINGS

to be continued...

Almost here

2011-05-25T19:23:00.001-07:00

Watermelons in Graphic Design, Summer 2011

Here we go, the final push, have a juicy summer everyone!

Saturday

2011-05-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon world,

i'm writing from the local crêperie in menlo park. might as well be the most tranquil park in the district. the man who took my order asked if today was the end of the world. no it's really just how quiet it is. the only sound you can hear are the soft car engines. but just sitting here listening to the birds and then the occasional ding ding ding while the locomotive runs through..this is it. this is my spot. what are you doing this saturday afternoon?

i promise i have art to show. working on a album painting for a good friend. i'll have a few sketches to show next

plug-in

2011-05-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

when you have this ONE song stuck in your head and you're singing it over and over again during the day and then at the end of the day, you sit down and flip open your mac, press the play/pause key and THAT song starts playing mid-way. and you realize it was because THAT was the last song you were listening to before you hit the bed.

well yes, that happens to me everyday.

Legends of the Hidden Temple

2011-05-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Collage response, in watercolor and ink, Spring 2008

i have not spoken to some of these girls for more than a year. But it seems like this memory of us in our t-shirts and fanny packs can last me a lifetime.

Sunny Stanny

2011-02-14T12:29:00.001-08:00

(20 minute studies)

Hoover Tower, Stanford

Main Quad, B&W Magazine Collage

Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford

oh i miss sunny sunny skies , oh my oh my where did the rain come from today?

hope you're having a fabulous valentine's day with your darlings &dears

upside down

2011-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

Untitled piece inspired by Martin Mull, Acrylics on Loose Canvas, Winter 2007

I want to turn the whole thing upside down
I'll find the things they say just can't be found
I'll share this love I find with everyone
We'll sing and dance to Mother Nature's songs
I don't want this feeling to go away

First Snow

2010-12-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

It snowed on December 5th in Lakeville Connecticut.

The Artist, Woodcut Block Print 2007

and i wish i was there to watch the snow stick.

one more day, then, i will be home for christmas. oh i can't wait to see the pretty red ribbons and little gold lights on green. even the traffic lights make everything so festive. who doesn't love spending christmas in the city. happy holidays!

IFC Tower II, My Favourite building from home
Architect: César Pelli

Achieve

2010-11-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

Somebody told me that when you hit a wall, you ought to look back. Now see and learn how far you've come and how much you've grown. So turn back around and find the door.

The ugly (self-portrait in watercolor) 2004

Here's to my very first painting. worst painting too! I even did this one on a grid.

But hey, you've gotta start somewhere right?

November

2010-11-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

no im not stressed, just give me a moment.

Seeing Old Friends

2010-10-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

You never realize how much you've miss them until you see them. This past weekend, I got to see two old friends from high school.

Mormina and Ruwe, Spring 2009, in Acrylics

And you'll always wish that they'd stay just a little longer.

Baseball

2010-10-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

(top: Mark Appel 26, Summer 2010, in Acrylics

bottom: Stephen Piscotty 25, Summer 2010, in Acrylics)

To them, baseball is a base of their lifestyle. a solid passion.

To me, the word "baseball" makes me think of something other than the sport. "A girl" i know, she has this game called "baseball". Whenever she farts, she calls "baseball". And everyone around her has to immediately shout out a base, "first base, second base or third base", whoever doesn't call a base gets a whiff of her fart. she cups it in her hand, airballs it, and basically bats it straight to their nose. okay, very unnecessary, but thought i'd share.

Building a Wardrobe

2010-09-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

(top: Liz's Shirt Fall 2006 in Pencil)

(bottom: Simplex Munditiis Winter 2006 in Wet Ink, Graphite and Charcoal;

piece inspired by Simplex Muditiis by Ben Johnson 1573-1637


STILL to be neat, still to be drest,
As you were going to a feast;
Still to be powdr’d, still perfumed:
Lady, it is to be presumed,
Though art’s hid causes are not found,	5
All is not sweet, all is not sound.

Give me a look, give me a face
That makes simplicity a grace;
Robes loosely flowing, hair as free:
Such sweet neglect more taketh me	10
Than all th’ adulteries of art;
They strike mine eyes, but not my heart.
)

Clothes are for moments in a Women's life. A dress she can depend on, one that is timeless but comfortable to wear and appropriate for her life.

Getting up early for your cup of morning coffee dressed in pretty is a ritual for the perfect day to come. perhaps tomorrow

Tapestries of Hope

2010-09-20T01:35:00.000-07:00

TAPESTRIES OF HOPE is an astounding story told through the eyes of filmmaker Michealene Cristini Risley. The film is a powerful documentary that exposes the horrors of the rape and sexual abuse of thousands of young girls in Zimbabwe by men who believe it will cure HIV/AIDS. The movie and its message of HOPE have become an example of the violence inflicted on women and children around the globe and the efforts and commitment to stop it.

Betty Makoni, the subject of the documentary is a tireless advocate for children through her organization, the Girl Child Network. She has been honored with numerous awards including The Ginetta Sagan Award, the Worlds Children’s prize and last year Top Ten CNN Heroes. Fearing for her family’s safety, she fled Zimbabwe but is working with a team of trained leaders at GCN.

The movie is being used as a tool by many non-profits to help raise awareness and push the United States Congress to pass and FUND the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA).

“Tapestries of Hope” is premiering September 28th in theaters across the country for ONE night only. The film will be playing locally in the following areas:

Berkley:

Shattuck Cinemas

2230 Shattuck Avenue

Berkley, CA

(510) 464-5980

San Francisco:

Embarcadero Center

One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
(415)-352-0835

Palo Alto:

Palo Alto Aquarius Theatre

430 Emerson St
Palo Alto, CA 94301-1604
(650) 266-9260

buy tickets at http://www.screenvision.com/s/showing/TapestriesOfHope/

Come support Betty’s work AND most importantly your showing up at a screening is sending a message to CONGRESS that we care about violence against women and children. Right now the legislation on I-VAWA is at risk, and your showing up could make a HUGE difference.

If you can’t come, spread the word AND sign the petition at: www.tapestriesofhope.com

Thank you!!!

Here are a few designs i made for Tapestries of Hope and will be featured on t-shirts or products for the documentary:

Products Now available at www.cafepress.com/tapestriesof hope

Prince Charmings &White Horses

2010-08-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

Not everyone has a fairytale ending; im seeing it everyday. The young girl comes in first. Then, he comes without his marriage ring. They talk for a little less than an hour until the buffet last-call. Then she leaves with a room key under her faux-fur coat, who knows what else lies under it. He uses the bathroom, maybe at this point he would feel guilty, but no, he leaves after adjusting his tie in the mirror. pays the bill, leaves me a tip before he goes up the elevator.

There are some young girls that come in, married to big fat rich men; for what but a life of luxury. who is to blame but silly taylor swift? Romeos aren't just everywhere. But there are, indeed, some lucky juliets &ihope i will be one of them few.

Congratulations Leslie & Justin, Happy Engagement!

Photography by Daniela Degrassi. She takes adorable photos, capturing love at its most innocent. She snapped a few photos of my extended family and myself early june in sunny palo alto park. i especially love the one of me lifting up my two pretty sisters.

Currently i am working on a diptych for some lovelies i miss. don't forget to return to Hong Kong Garden next week!

A Soul-searching Summer

2010-08-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Angels on my guitar Summer 2010, Acrylics and Gloss Varnish

Summer2010 is a special one to me. Growing up is bittersweet, as soon as you realize, summer does not exist for you anymore. The job, the bills, &maybe even the lucky kids one day. For me, I did all that i loved and needed for weeks and days, removing any obligations or worries in my way. Then, going down the list of neverending to-dos.

Time cheats &you don't realize it. But learning how to play guitar is a beautiful thing. I promise that self-tutoring is not as challenging as it seems!

The origin of excitement and fun comes mainly from a strong-built character and personality. Adventures can wait, first fix all that needs to be fixed inside! So it's your turn before summer ends. This calls for a cup of steamy cappuccino, colorful macaroons, &a nice read in hand!

Blogging from Vancouver BC

2010-07-26T17:45:00.001-07:00

I miss my easel, my paintbrushes. they are usually in reach right next to my bed. This is because i always wake up with a newly lit lightbulb, sometimes, even in the middle of the night. and it's just most convenient that way. but this hotel bed is getting a little too big too tidy and too empty. So in order that i keep my ideas fresh, i've been catching and reading other blogs etc. and i found ALMOST EVERYTHING HAS ONE! i hope these will inspire a thought.

1.rubber stamping with powdered sugar, perfect for themed dinners and fantasy weddings

This hostess and maid of honor tried something different with the Peacock Rubber Stamp-by using food coloring and powdered sugar creating an elegant and edible glass plate design.

mix the correct ratio of powdered sugar and food coloring to get a light-dense paste. works on cakes &cupcake wrappers too

//credits to papersource blog

2.polyvore, great for fashion advice and outfit brainstorming; interior designs too

here are a few sets i've created so far using key pieces i own and decorating around it. one convenient thing is it directly links you to online shopping sites. it's super addicting so be careful

//credits: polyvore.com

additional to this, keep a fashion police scrapbook, i know i do!

3. colorful papers &glitter. just enough for scrapbooking. i visited michael's today and almost died amazed at how much stuff they have in there. don't get me wrong, ive been there a million times before, but each visit is like a new one. the things in there don't change much, but i think i do. i don't remember how much i spent on crafts but it was a fortune. my sister had to push me out of the door &take a couple things out of my basket, "you don't need that", of course i do.

//credits: scrapbook ideas.com

i've also added a couple sitelinks i love on the right column including Gateaux et Chateux, Fashion by He &Urban Outfitters.

Subscribe to a Reader

2010-07-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a BLOGFOLLOWER of Hong Kong Garden and so can you. How? Click on the subscribe link via RSS on the top right. What will it do? send you update automatically. How to make that happen? click on the different subscribe formats according to your email accounts. For me, i chose "RSSOwl", which automatically sends me the latest updates on my macbook mail app

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Saudi Eyes

2010-07-19T16:46:00.001-07:00

Shelina Kassam 2010 in Acrylics

Another stunning girl in pretty fabrics.

I have never met anyone more supporting than Shelina. I met her in her tomboy phase sophomore year. Sporty, short haired girl wearing a grey hoodie. She was new and i needed a friend for a change... of scene at Hotchkiss. who knew this girl would slam me off my feet into a grander world of more lively, more excitement, more social and fun extremes. If only saudi arabia would let me in, i would be glued to her like a rock.Though many years have and will pass, i won't let you slip away even if time does. we've been through such rough times together, like kliza's ap chem (those negative motivation worksheets were a killah), boyfriend girlfriend dramas, family problems and many more. all i can think about is thanksgiving when i get to frolic sillily with you at chicagoan beaches. as soon as we manage, i can't wait to hear about your summer adventures and precious memories in DR

It's Time For Africa

2010-07-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

The complementary blends of orange and blue hues like stars and diamonds up above.

then you have a winner

coming with its pair-a defeat.

but the team unity of the germans, third place in rank, are winners in my heart. i see you Manuel Neuer.

Nothing can be compared to the atmosphere at the world cup. At the shower, i close my eyes and let the water knead into my forehead, droning all, i can hear the faint call of the vuvuzelas. sounding more like mosquitoes and flies doing busy footwork. I have never appreciated football anymore than right now, right here. Brazil 2014, here i come.

now in spirit of FIFA, incase you are sick of K'NAan's Waving Flag, i am obsessed with Shakira's new song, which they play before mid and after every game.

PS. I hope this new layout rocks your socks.

PPS. Don't forget to add yourself as a follower on the sidebar. I really want to know who in the world has the time to read my silly entries. but really, please?

Mon Amour

2010-07-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

Because i can't wait to see you, i painted you.

Marcheta Kay Marshall, Summer 2010

i hope you're having a fabulous summer in Washington with chip and indulging yourself in heavenly things like foreign weddings. can't wait to see you pretty face in hong kong, roomie! je te verrai en Septembre! je t'aime.

l'été Projets

while listening to harry potter tapes, starting from the 6th to the 7th and then will go back to the 3rd and 4th. i've been busying myself with quality me time, painting, glueing and doing whatever that inspires me. designing my own set of clothing line, cutting up old clothes and re-sewing them together, bring back the eco-fashion. and finally BEDAZZLING anything everything.

I was shopping at lane crawford with my younger sister and one of their jewelry displays caught my eye a pearl necklace by some highend brand with designs and patterns painted on it. i thought why not do it by myself. then the more things i saw the more these crazy ideas came into my head. so my room became a workshop.

i bought a 2 dollar pearl necklace in the market, painted delicate roses on it outlined with sharpie and made it into something quite glamourous.

i have many more images to show. but until the next time.

and in case you didn't know how much i love champagne, i bought a stool today to show you.

now a toast to happiness and germany?

Thrangu 2

2010-06-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful monastery, i can not wait till it opens to public in late July!

I'm proud to have contributed. the blocks my siblings and i painted looked great rimming the ceiling.

hope everyone is having a wonderful eventful summer. Something good always happens, you just need to catch it in time.

Last night, I volunteered at a Charity Wine Auction, all donations proceed to the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Organization for Young Children. Number one killer of children under age 2. It was exhausting as it was the first time i helped out at an open auction but a great summer experience indeed!

next week: Live at FIFA World Cup & a new artwork!

"I'm gonna steal it"

2010-06-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

So one day, i walk in my room and i find natalie aggressively rubbing her desktop screen, on these giant chub cheeks of this asian baby."awbaaaabyyyyy", i looked at her, grabbed my bag and slowly walked away.

The next day i made this her desktop wallpaper. and then we were obsessed.

Henry, Spring 2008 *pointy pointy*

Baby Henry was my faculty kid in my uppermid yr at Hotchkiss. Cutest baby ever. He has a little brother Teddy now.

Watch this Youtube Video: 15 yr old Victoria wants a baby (Maury Povich) it's disturbingly-catchy

but babies grow up too fast

CONGRATULATIONS BIG SIS, STANFORD GRADUATING CLASS OF 2010!

we're all so proud of you, kristine!

Next on Hong Kong Garden: Follow up on Thrangu-Monastery(i'm living in it now) Almost home!

and if you haven't added yourself as a follower. Follow it now.

Larkin Love

2010-06-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

Dear my Larknites,

This one is for all of you. I'm going to miss being in Larkin. not just a little, but a lot. I've lived in dormitories for my last five years, and this is by far the craziest and most memorable one. College dorms are indeed more adventurous, seeing how i lost my mattress, my room phone, my room key, oh but i found my chair! Oh no, Kirk just said goodbye to me, i am tearing up. Why is summer here already? I know i will miss all you larkinites, but knowing that i will see you all again after summer ends, i think i'll be okay. but it's just the idea of leaving Larkin and having some strange frosh living in my room next year. what will i do without pete, fidel, tcone, matt, aleema, emu, cassie, bridge, declan, patti and geoff? Larkin has been so incredible. i love this place. i love how close it is to late night. i love how i am living in the center of everything. For one second, let us imagine if we were put into FroSoCo, our lives would be a complete different story. It's really about "all the right moves, people and places". And now that i'm graduation from Larkin'10, I can proudly say, "i am at the right place".

So to finish off this amazing year, i have complied a list of artworks, all done only by our fellow Larkinites! Please leave comments or tell them how wonderful they are!

(sorry cesar, i messed up on the captions)

Top Left: Raza Day Mural for MECha

Top Right: DLL Mural

Bottom: AP Art Portfolio

Also you guys should check out Cesar's blog: http://ctorresart.blogspot.com/

I know there are still some of you artists hiding out there! So please please please send me an artwork or two, and i'll complete this beautiful exhibition. Long Live larkin!

Love, Vickie

Recent Works in Painting 1 Class

2010-06-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Left: Mark Appel Pitching Photography by Patrick Appel

Right: Prized Baseball Glove, Spring 2010

i painted this baseball mitt for one of our reductive monochromatic painting assignments. It was symbolic of natalie's and my freshmen year experience. Whether its my morning wake-up calls to Ringo's snoring or worse Piscotty's pillow tackles, late evening surprises to Marcus on my bed like a sleeping angel or Sahil's terrorist 24 fights. My next goal is to have them all sign this small painting, so one day, i'll make money.

Left: Flowers away from home, Spring 2010

Right: Water Vase, Spring 2010

both are completed using reductive techniques. This means that no white paint is used. you use a wash cloth or mineral spirits to take away paint showing the organic canvas.

Directing Smoke and Streetlights, Diptych, Spring 2010'

Hong Kong Central Street Life, Spring 2010

Other Amazing Student Works and Finals:

by Angela Huang

by Kendall Ernst

Self-Portrait by Katie Murray, Diptych

Did i mention this is an introduction to Painting class? (Stanford really needs to fix its art dept.)

Next on Hong Kong Garden: The Final Chapter of Larkin Love

Note: If you're a new reader, don't forget to follow this blog (how? click on the follow button on the left column) ! i'd like to know whose reading, it really motivates me to paint more wonderful works!

and if you're an artist, writer, musician, photographer, email me @ vickieli@stanford.edu, because i'd like to feature you in some of these entries! i can think of some off the top of my head.

Thrangu

2010-06-04T02:14:00.001-07:00

I don't understand my mother, and i probably will never. I'm having difficulty explaining this but today, my sister and i agreed that it's almost as if she's always holding a balloon with her brain in it. and whatever is in it goes with the wind.

Mother with her Rinpoche teacher, Winter 2007

My relationship with my mother is not like other parent child relationships. We treat each other like annoying best friends. It's actually quite funny. We'd be sitting at the dinner table and my mom would start stroking my arm pointlessly making baby noises like a pokemon,"beeby beeby beeby", i think she still hasn't realized that babies don't say 'baby", but rather ahgnga wahrr or whatever they make. She's also extremely blunt, burps in public and unzips her pants when she eats too much at nice restaurants. This is where we're in-common. But nevertheless, i do look up to her as a role model, sometimes. Deep down, i do love her and adore her, but really really deep down. we're still at the annoying stage, but it keeps our relationship interesting and exciting!

She's a buddhist, a real active one too. She spends about 50% on buddhism, 30% on family, 5% on shopping, 5% on work, 4% on technology and 1% on my dad. It's quite a balance, i don' t know how she does it, but then again, who does?

Right now, she is in the Final Stages of building a monastery in Vancouver. I'll be there in two weeks and at its opening ceremony at the end of July.

here's the website if you're interested!: Thrangu Monastery, CANADA

Last summer, my sibs and i volunteered to work there for a good 2 to 3 weeks. Look at us pound out these ornament blocks! So we developed an efficient work cycle amongst us four without being scolded by yanyan (Yanick, our supervisor)

This is how it looks like installed on the rims of the ceiling.

I go to a few buddhist retreats with my grandmother, mother,and sisters. It's one way for me to find mediation and balance in life. I am a buddhist, but not as religious as my mom's side. I do believe in karma, in reincarnation, in my next life. I do believe that i have to do good. .

This photo does crack me up a bit. i wasn't aware that they're trying to take a group picture. this was taken at the national park in Vancouver. It was quite a day walking around with a lot of red friends.

My father, on the other hand, is not buddhist. this where tension comes in.

A love story

My father signed my mother a cheque,

a thousand dollars to throw away her orchids,

which she loves most but he hates

for those hungry little bugs .

My mother bought with his cheque,

a thousand fish to free into the sea

for him on his birthday,

but he does not know.

Four summers ago, there was another retreat. At the same time there was a silent auction for participants, money went to building this monastery. So i drew a portrait of the 9th Thrangu Rinpoche, my mother's teacher. He is indeed a huge figure in buddhism. It was auctioned off at a hundred dollars, cha-ching!

9th Thrangu Rinpoche, Summer 2006, drawn in oil pastels

After all this, i can't resist myself putting up these family sillies from Tokyo 2007 at Hyatt hotel.

So earlier that day, i was at this junk store in Tokyo, and i saw this gold jumpsuit like the ones they use in human tetris, and i thought, "i have to get it". Then later on that day, i saw this at the mask store and i had to get that too.

So that night, at about 2 in the morning, my sister, kristine and i, woke up for our mission. I had asked my younger sister to let mom's room door open. So i crawled in, sat in in lotus position, in the dark, at the foot of her bed . It was a good five minutes before she saw me and bulged. enjoy!

Liquid Courage

2010-06-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Wifey, Alexis Gay

It's really obnoxious how we got married, but silly moments like this last a lifetime. I know that when we're both married to our loved ones, we will still laugh about it and so will our kids especially when we send them off to Hotchkiss.

And this is how i proposed and she accepted! Although she is no longer completely mine now, ahem*pat**, (i'm sure he's found that sweet angelic personality i found in her)

Alexis now lives in Sailsbury CT and goes to NYU! We met junior year but i don't really remember how. But i can say that it was not until she became a sick 3gLAXer that we bonded. she has a beautiful mother, Dori, a beautiful house (best-thrown parties), but a not-so beautiful dog. Haha, her dog does scare me just a teeny tiny bit. But i love everything about this girl. She is purely talented in the arts- the music, she writes and sings her songs and she acts on stage too! it's amazing. I miss hearing her voice, especially when she serenades me while i paint her from real-life. She was singing her own cover of "I want to hold your hand"

Alexis Gay and Guitar, Spring 2008

This is my favourite song by her and I wanted to be the first to type her lyrics, Laura Pulver will be jealous, so here it is:

Click here to Listen: Alexis Gay Music Artist-Facebook Page
Click here to Download: Liquid Courage- Alexis Gay mp3.

Liquid Courage by Alexis Gay—The punch bowl LP

I, feel a little chemistry,

sometimes between you and me,

but i'm afraid it's just my fantasy.

I'm not saying you bring me sunshine,

but you can read my mind,

I really need that sometimes.

How come when we're drunk and we're lying on the floor it's okay.

And you don't care what they think anymore and you keep me warm

And sobered up, tomorrow comes, i see you and smile

God forbid that your friends walk by will,

let's not pretend that you would say hello.

But i know, that if tonight i looked hot,

Then i will, have to watch you take another shot,

Come a little closer to me,

whisper something secretly.

then you grab my hand and pull me into a room i've never seen!

What does that say about you?

Does that say something about me too?

If i see you and your liquid courage

and i do nothing to discourage you.

Sometimes, I swear to god i think you're gay,

that you're really just afraid,

so tell me why do you behave this way?

Selfishly i'm hoping that i'm wrong,

like you say in that one song,

we all move along.

How come when we're drunk and we're lying on the floor it's okay.

And you don't care what they think anymore and you keep me warm

And sobered up, tomorrow comes, i see you and smile

God forbid that your friends walk by will,

let's not pretend that you would say hello.

But i know, that if tonight i looked hot,

Then i will, have to watch you take another shot,

Come a little closer to me,

whisper something secretly.

then you grab my hand and pull me into a room i've never seen!

What does that say about you?

Does that say something about me too?

If i see you and your liquid courage

and i do nothing to discourage you. (x2)

Please take the time and listen to it, i sing it everytime i shower, my roommate started listening to it too , it should definitely be on your ipod too, please leave comments!

and if this is your first time reading my blog, dont' forget to add yourself as a follower!

Next on Hong Kong Garden: My Latest oil paints!

Hotchkiss in Antartica

2010-06-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

Watercolor portraits of my favourite dynamic duo

Brooke Nayden, Winter 2008

Cameron Foxgrover, Spring 2009

(Both have the original works)

I can't believe they both got to go on this trip. There was a lottery for 100 students and 16 faculty members for an all expense paid trip to Antartica accompanied by 100 scientists and Mr. Mars himself (the guy who makes snicker bars and m&ms, hence our very own blue & white "H" hotchkiss m&ms) nomnomnom.

"Mr. McKenzie is pleased to announce that once again Hotchkiss graduate and trustee, Forrest Mars ’49, has generously donated a trip to Antarctica for 85 students and 15 faculty members. Mr. Mars offered a similar trip six years ago when he led 50 intrepid individuals from the Hotchkiss community, 44 students and six teachers, to this remote part of the globe.The second Antarctica Expedition will take place in December 2008 and January 2009, and promises to be extraordinarily exciting. As Hotchkiss continues to emphasize the significance of environmental awareness among its students, this trip provides a compelling opportunity to explore one of the world’s most critically important ecosystems. It is the School’s sincere hope that this expedition be meaningful for the entire Hotchkiss community – both for those journeying to the southern reaches and those remaining on campus."

I didn't put myself in the lottery, so i didn't get to go. But these lucky two did.

i heart penguins

Brooke came to visit me about two months ago with her two friends over spring break. we had "hella" fun. It was so good to see her! After she dropped off her stuff and met my roommate, we found out that her boyfriend is my roomie's cousin. what a insanely small world!!

And guess who just moved to los altos, 10 minutes away from me? Foxy!

Métaphysique d’éphemera

2010-05-31T04:03:00.000-07:00

by Elisabeth Ward and Vickie Li

In our senior spring quarter, Eli and I decided to take on an "on-campus project" which replaced one of our classes (for me it was higher mathematics) Here was our proposal:

During our time at Hotchkiss, we have been exposed to a plethora of knowledge, obtained through lectures, exhibitions, concerts, field trips, and, of course, our class time. However, while we have eagerly absorbed the information presented to us, each subject at Hotchkiss, with the exception of American Studies, was largely separate from the other courses at hand. For younger students, the curriculum is already changing. Hotchkiss has adopted a new humanities program “designed for students who enjoy discovering the connections among disciplines that deepen learning.” As we embark on our final semester, each day is embedded with a routine similar to that in which we have lived the past four years. We want to conclude our Hotchkiss career with a more climactic finale; we are now impelled to take the next step in our education.

Through independent work, we want to discover the value of interdisciplinary learning. By integrating information and concepts gathered from courses in History, English, and the Sciences, we want to compose a series of sculptural works to display throughout main building. Artists such as Joseph Cornell, Robert Rauschenberg, Sarah Sze, and Joseph Beuys have inspired us through their non-conventional work, infused by the cultural context from which they were born. Their unique projects are assemblies of everyday objects, collected from their possessions, thrift stores, garage sales, and found objects. Each design is arranged in an interesting or provocative manner, yet the purpose isn’t merely aesthetic. The concept underlying the work is palpable through the artists’ choices of materials, composition, juxtaposition, structure, and lighting...

Cornell Boxes Inspired by Joseph Cornell's Box Collections

Using found materials, we each made 2 boxes. Then we both started 1 box but finished each others without discussion.

Silence is Golden by Elisabeth Ward

A picture is worth a thousand words by Elisabeth Ward

Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil by Vickie Li

Ode to a Tea Box by Vickie Li

Collaboration Works

Caged Bird by Vickie Li and Elisabeth Ward

The World Unwound by Elisabeth Ward and Vickie Li

Final Output

An artist who works with found materials is frequently described as making something out of nothing. I rolled around the orange peel, now dried and stiff against my palm. Who knew literal things could create such a subtle and an elaborative form of “magic”? I sprayed it with gold paint providing the “forgotten” material with a new reason for being.

by transforming everyday materials and discarded goods into the building block, other work, we found value in ruin

Cigar boxes, courtesy of my father's friend.

Art Installation Piece

here gathering ideas at a local visit to Artist, Joel Schapira

Took a trip into New York City and finally got to meet my first cousin & her daughter for the very first time, artist Sarah Sze, she is amazing amazing amazing. Currently, she is a professor at Columbia University, her artworks have been displayed at MoMa, NYC Central Park, and museums around the world!!

here are some works by her:

Her latest work: portable planetarium, exhibited in Lyon, France 2009

A closer look

Made with toothpicks, tape, ordinary daily objects! Stunning!

Things Fall Apart is absolutely my favourite one. This one was displayed at the MoMA in San Francisco California,

Inside the Jeep:

Please visit her website, it's mind-blowing! : http://www.sarahsze.com/

So here is what Elisabeth and My Final product was:

The Imperfect is Our Paradise

And so many thanks to our super super cool art supervisor: Terri Moore!!

I did find her blog online, she hasn't been blogging recently, but do look at her artworks! i never had her as an art teacher, although Elisabeth did! She was the best, the nicest teacher ever! I picked up a lot of fresh new ideas from her and I was really glad we picked her to supervise us! Thanks for everything you did for us; I'm also really sorry about the hole in your thumb; and i wear the necklace you gave elisabeth and me, all the time!

isn't she adorable? and yes! SHE EATS FIRE AND PERFORMS IT TOO!

A Dormitory

2010-05-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Roommates

Elisabeth Ward

"I don't know how i got so lucky freshman year,I mean, just think of all the odd roommate pairs there were, yet somehow, i got "stuck" with you! How often does that happen? When your roommate from freshman year stays one of your BEST friends ALL FOUR YEARS? Like I said, i don't know how i got so lucky...You've really kept me going at Hotchkiss through the worst of times. We may have run through some rough patches (Squishing greg?. I still cry about it on the inside), but true friends can always move on just like we have. I love you to death eilsabeth ward. from our bra-jean whips and printer fights to light saber attacks and double dates to midnight spooning. You were such a big part of it all."

I hope you're having an experience of a lifetime at Brown; Say hi to teddy and your parents for me, i can't wait to see you this thanksgiving in Winnetka!

ElisabethWard, Fall 2007 in Acrylics

The first time I met Nicole, my roommate, is emblazoned in my memory. I was in the process of putting my jeans on when she first stepped into our shared room. In embarrassment, I dove into my closet. It must have been a genuine icebreaker because after our long fits of laughter, we treated each other with such great respect and openness. Sophomore year would not have been the same without you nicole pascoe. I hope georgetown is treating you well, i'll see you in new york soon!

Nicole Pascoe

Having moved in a week before NSO (new student orientation) for ISO, i was already settled down in my over-decorated corner. Natalie, her father and her tennis coach came in. Not knowing who exactly these men were, i was excited to assume that she had gay parents. but sadly, her mom walked in after a couple minutes. Then after her parents and coach left. The first question natalie asked me was "do you party?". You are really one of a kind natalie dillon. i am going to miss our late night heart to hearts, mark stories, ringo sleepovers, jamba juice obsessions, post-it weekly goals, "what am i gonna do with my life?" moments and many more... next year you'll be seeing me every day.

Natalie Dillon

& did i mention she's a NCAA 2010 Stanford W-Tennis Champ?

Now don't forget to "add yourself as a follower"!

Next on Hong Kong Garden: Current works

Hong Kong,

2010-05-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

My City of Lights

I felt earth escape me as the weight of my dog sunk upon my mattress. This unusual wakeup call forced me from my sleep as I then realized that a typhoon had hit Hong Kong. As I lengthened my spine, I alternated from a state of fear to reassurance, retreating into a moment of gratitude—another family day.

Hong Kong at Sunset, Spring 2008 Acrylic Paint

3 sisters, Spring 2009 Watercolor

Chung and Zero, Spring 2008 Acrylic and Oil Block Print

Grandmother & Hollywood. winter 2007 Acrylic

I am lucky to be born into this family and extremely fortunate to have two sisters and a brother. The four of us can joke when we refer to each other in terms of our silly animal resemblances. I am the pig, not the most flattering animal likeness but it well-describes my flat nose. Nevertheless this deprecation serves to give us a good laugh. Open criticism of each other is presented in such playful tones that we never stay mad at each other tomorrow. In this way, my family has always strengthened my confidence and nourished my soul.

So on that windy day, I suggested hosting a "best-dish competition". Perhaps it is not unusual to others, but my family is devoted to their own busy schedules. I have never seen our kitchen this crowded. Six of my family members crammed into a space generally suited to accommodate our one cook. Perhaps the funniest moment of this culinary extravaganza was not my dad in an apron, but my mom hesitant to drop the chicken into the pool of boiling oil. That day marked the first time we made dinner together.

Hong Kong at the Symphony of Lights every night at 9pm

Note to Readers: Dear Friends and Family! Thanks for your support in reading my blog, i hope you all enjoyed looking at my artwork. Just recently, one of my wonderful friends (my future roommate) Marcheta Marshall send me a link to her new blog, Gateau et Chateaux, and i thought, why not started re-blogging my old artblog, vliart? For new readers out there, pi beta babies or old friends, don't forget to add yourself as a follower if you have a yahoo or gmail acct! It would be nice for me to know that you're reading it! (which is also the reason why i stopped blogging the first time, i believed the only person reading it was myself, sad sad story)

Just a word: all the artworks posted are painted or drawn personally. If you have any questions about specific pieces, don't forget to comment and i'll respond to you! The writings are also personally written (most of them were on my college supplements, well they come into good use don't they) I frequently find myself copy and pasting them into applications or if not, translating them into my french essay assignments! Love Vickie

Fair Hotchkiss

2010-05-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

“The year's four changing seasons brought

To her own door what thousands sought

In wandering ways and did not find-

Diversion and content of mind.

—Ella Wheeler Wilcox”

Quadtych in Watercolor, Hotchkiss, 2008

At home in Hong Kong, I am not aware of the sun. There are times when I cannot even see the sun if I wanted to. I live in a city where skyscrapers fill the sky and smog fills the air. Perhaps one could say the sun is always in the bright city lights, the wind in the air conditioning, and the leaves consist of the plants on my desk. I was never really exposed to the out of doors until I went abroad. Four years ago, my love of exploration brought me to Hotchkiss where I am surrounded with breathtaking sunsets and hushed ripples on the lake. Here, I watch the transition of each season—the red leaves piling and falling off their branches, the first frost, and the first green. Stars witness me tread upon a frozen lake, read on a willow and scream at late night pep-rally bonfires. But when I am engaged by work, I, like many others, forget nature’s magnificence.

Every Tuesday, my extended English class allows us to engage in a walk in the woods. Although our journey is devoid of teaching criteria, we leave with more radiant and reflective minds than any homework assignment would offer. Questions are not asked neither are answers given. It is merely the presence of nature that sustains our growth in learning. We were inspired poets captured by this timberland where too many definitions are left to define. Within these limited hours, we may gather inside the Ranger Cabin and share our written poetry. Someday, we keep walking, and on others, we sit still and listen. Years ago, I may not have understood what brought us here and would most likely take this opportunity to be inactive. However, now knowing that my experience would not be the same in years to come, I captured every detail of it. Nature permits us to escape our born identities, it refreshes and renews us. Theirs maybe a good night sleep or long hot shower, mine is this wilderness. This green grants me life and beautifies everything around me.

We have lived on such beautiful lands since birth, that we become accustomed to it. Indeed, it is a scarce resource and I have learnt to cherish it after eighteen years. Perhaps everyone should wander into the woods just to be lost within its nature because only then would we truly appreciate its luxurious treasures. I breathe it.

Hotchkiss at spring, spring 2006

Hotchkiss at winter, winter 2009

(artwork auctioned for WISER group)

Next on Hong Kong Garden: Home

One of a Kind

2010-05-25T22:54:00.000-07:00

Cameron Hough, winter 2007

This piece was another inspired piece by Martin Mull's collection.

The monochromatic background is a photo taken by a good friend who captured perfectly Hotchkiss' forests at its first snow.

(In photo: Cameron Hough; Rachel Schroeder)

Cameron Hough from New York was one of my true girlfriends throughout Hotchkiss. She's a wonderful, sweet girl. Although, i must say, i extracted some of her bluntness into mine. She would tell me if i looked awful in my morning mess or she'd point out my bad hair days. She also had a huge problem with feet, feet without socks, feet on her bed. But, of course, i never followed her rules about them. Currently, she's studying at Princeton University, having the time of her life with the grade-deflating curve. (she has the original artwork, hopefully it would be hanging when i visit her)

Rachel Schroeder, Fall 2007

Black and White study in Acrylics. This was probably one of my very first artworks-portraits. I love the strong lighting on her face and the overall graphic touch on her J-crew knit sweater. This photo was taken in my room in Buehler 209. At that time Rachel lived upstairs. I asked her to sit down on my chair and pose for me while i sketched her out in real-life, in Blind contour. For those who are not familiar with blind-contour drawings, they are drawings drawn in a manner, so that the result is Distortion. Your eyes are focused on the subject and your pencil is glued to the canvas. You are not allowed to look at what your drawing. It's a great exercise as your wrist tries to catch up with your eye movements.

Rachel Schroeder is one of the coolest, down-to-earth, silent (secretly bad-ass) rebels. I still remember myself cringing while i watch her get a tattoo (which she designed herself, a traveler's stamp) over Long Winter Weekend NYC 2008. I met her sophomore year through one of my besties Shelina Kassam, who was her roommate at that time. I practically slept in her bed everyday, watching the latest youtube videos. "Can i get yo numba?" I soon met her mom, wendy, who is extremely nice. For our 3rds Lax girls, she'd make us delicious yumyums fresh-cut oranges still cold, nomnomnom. Rachel was an amazing laxer, but unfortunately, she injured her knee that season, but, she became our assistant coach! i would not have survived a season without her. Right now, she's at George Washington University. amazing amazing talented girl, you should hear her recite a poem, which she wrote her senior year named "Biracial Rachel". Strongly independent and she damn-well knows where she's from and what she can do. oh also, she loves the chase too. And here's something i stole off her profile pictures. (she also has the original painting with her)