Leafscape (UUendy Lau, 2021)

Materials: Cotton cloth (natural dyed with gardenia fruit and indigofera tinctoria), thread, padded textile, bamboo

“This is a gift to (and from) nature that shows our gratitude”, says Leaf Fairy.

Looking at the leaves up in the sky under the sun, we see different shades and gradient of green and their shadow, and sometimes yellow and brown, or even red when autumn comes. The moment when the leaves fall down slowly and naturally, as if a painting brush adding colours to a beautiful landscape drawing, becomes so poetic and artistically inspiring. The artwork Leafscape hopes to ‘freeze’ the time of a particular second and encourages us to pay more attention to our interaction with nature. The site-specific installation shows a whimsical collection of leaves created in peculiar size, shapes and colours which are playfully suspended on bamboo tubes that reminisces the traditional Hong Kong ways of drying laundry in the old days – a daily scenario just as much ordinary as how we often encounter nature every day.

The colour spectrum, from yellow and green to blue, is achieved by natural dyeing with mainly indigofera tinctoria and gardenia fruits. The shades of green are the results from mixed-dyeing of the two ingredients in varying time and solution density. The design and embroidered keywords of the installation are inspired by the art deliverables from the pre-workshop conducted with P3 & P4 students from Ebenezer School & Home for the Visually Impaired.

Giant Bouquet (UUendy Lau, 2021)

Materials: Cotton cloth (natural dyed with madder root, gardenia fruit and indigofera tinctoria), thread

“This is a gift to (and from) nature that expresses our blessings”, says Flower Fairy. 

We send flowers to share blessings with people we care about. Every flower carries a specific meaning which are often inspired by its origin, colour, shapes and personal stories (e.g. Poinciana represents youth, Camellia symbolises humbleness). The artwork Giant Bouquet tries to decode flowers from various perspectives into layers of shades, forms and messages. Through a convergent visual angle centering on the heart of the bouquet, the installation invites thoughts and creative dialogues on flowers, and thus stimulates a more positive reflection and relationship with nature.

The colour hue, from beige and red to purple and blue, is obtained by natural dyeing with mainly madder root, and followed up a mixed-dyeing with gardenia fruits and indigofera tinctoria. The design and embroidered keywords of the installation are inspired by the art deliverables from the pre-workshop conducted with senior members of St. James’ Project Care Neighbourhood Elderly Centre in Tsuen Wan.

Dreamcatcher (UUendy Lau, 2021)

Materials: Cotton cloth, rope (natural dyed with Indigofera tinctoria), bamboo, plants, paper

“This is a gift to (and from) nature that symbolises protection”, says Branch Fairy.

Branches represent strength and reliability. They bring leaves and flowers up towards the sun for more nutrients and maintaining sustainable growths. They may look raw and rough but they can make sophisticated bird nests and durable furniture for us that can last for many centuries. They are selfless supporters and protectors. The artwork Dreamcatcher takes inspiration from the ancient version and evolves a contemporary and artistic exploration on its concept of protection that communicates empowering messages. The installation is constructed by a few weaving sculptures which demonstrate an alternative balance and collaboration between natural materials and man-made creations that carry the spirit of safeguarding and care. The artwork enquires into cross-contextual interventions and aesthetic expressions on branches and other natural resources, and thus prompts more speculations and innovative creations in and with nature.

The traditional culture of dreamcatcher is believed to be originated in Native American. The object is a handmade web woven with willow and ropes, and decorated with sacred items like beads that represents unique power including courage, truth, love, humility, wisdom, respect and honour. It serves as a ‘tunnel’ that guides the good dreams to sleepers and filtered out the bad ones. While every culture has its own on aesthetic expression, different colours are often applied to illustrate specific emotions – yellow is usually for optimism, orange for friendliness, red for excitement, purple for creativity, blue for trust and green for peacefulness.

The coloured fabric strips weaved between branches are natural dyed with indigofera tinctoria. The poems shown in the installation are written by the artist.

“The girl and Tree are good friends. She likes to visit Tree who always waits at the same spot to give his greetings. They share the same birthday. Every year, they stay together to exchange wishes, and Tree often gives her a red flower.

This year, the girl didn’t come to meet Tree. Tree is disappointed and he cries. Many leaves and flowers fall off. On the next day, the girl notices the fallen plants on the ground. She feels sad too. She wants Tree to be happy again and she has decided to make a birthday gift for him. The girl wanders around for ideas. Three fairies come to her and they agree to help prepare the gift together.

Flower Fairy instructs her to make a ‘giant bouquet’ to send blessings.
Leaf Fairy shows her how to capture a beautiful ‘leafscape image’ to show gratitude.
Branch Fairy teaches her to weave a ‘dreamcatcher’ which symbolises protection.

Tree receives the gifts and he is very touched. Leaves and flowers start to grow again. The girl promises Tree that she will never abandon him, and she will take care of him like how he always does for her. She leans on Tree, and they smile happily at each other.”

The story is written by UUendy Lau who is inspired by a Poinciana Tree located on Sai Lau Kok Road in Tsuen Wan that the artist walked by every day on her way to school when she was young.

Pre-Workshop #02 - Flower

Participating partner: St. James’ Settlement Project Care Neighbourhood Elderly Centre
Date: 26 Jul 2021

During the workshop, the artist instructed the participants to create flowers in different forms and colours and welcomed everyone to share their stories and knowledge on particular flowers. The artist learned more about different ideas of the natural environment in the community from perspectives of the elderly and Tsuen Wan residents. Through images and crafts, the workshop encouraged the participants to rethink about nature and initiated more discussions and positive thoughts on our environment.

Public Workshop #03 - Branch

Participants: General public
Date: 2 Oct 2021

During the Workshop, participants used natural materials such as branches and leaves to weave a dreamcatcher, as well as applying indigo dye on it. Incorporating modern craftsmanship and meanwhile exploring the prospect of design and art,  the Workshop offered participants an opportunity to interact with nature in a distinctive way.

Participants brought their used clothes (those in light colours were more suitable for indigo-dyed) and other natural materials to use in the Workshop.