Caution May Be Hot

November 21, 2016 in design, drawings, exhibitions, painting, people, San Francisco, things I've made

I made two pieces for this show of paper cup art in San Francisco. The brief was to turn this ordinary object into a work of art, and artists from all over the US were invited to participate.I tried to create the effect of blue and white china, and used my collection of Chinese ceramics as reference for the design. I made a cup with separate decorated panels first, and then did another based on the famous willow pattern design. It was interesting to work in the round, after working flat for such a long time. https://vimeo.com/192408212

The show was on simultaneously at Long Weekend store in Oakland... and Fayes in the Mission...Today was the last day to see the show at Long Weekend, but Fayes will still be open to visit this week. Hope you can make it!

Huntington Library teapot

May 31, 2016 in design, food, illustration, lifestyle, press, printmaking, products, special commissions, things I've made, USA

I designed a lovely garden toile for the Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena a while ago, and it's been used on a gorgeous parasol (see my previous post) but now it's also available on a teaset.The printing is beautiful and the fine bone china is delightfully delicate on both the teapot and the two teacups that come with it. The design is based on their famous Japanese garden, the rose walk, and the fantastic California succulent and cactii gardens. If you haven't been there, I really recommend it! You can buy the teaset on their online store here.

Bonaveri showroom

March 31, 2015 in design, drawings, exhibitions, illustration, lifestyle, press, special commissions, travel

I illustrated a branch of plum blossom for the Spring launch of the new aloof mannequin from Bonaveri, for their China showroom. I kept the colours bright and the line crisp, to create a calm and beautiful backdrop for the elegant new mannequins.My illustration is influenced by traditional Chinese painting, but I tried to give it a modern feel. I started with pencil sketches of the flowers, and then drew the line in dip-pen and ink, finally adding colour in Photoshop.

Tiffany & Co. mugs

January 11, 2014 in design, drawings, food, illustration, maps, new york, shopping, special commissions, things I've made, Uncategorized, USA

My Fifth Avenue Tiffany designs have been made into special little versions in Japan, with angled sides. Little and cute works well there! They're available exclusively in Japan, either in store or online.

London toile dinner plates

September 28, 2013 in design, food, hong kong, illustration, lifestyle, products, special commissions, things I've made

I'm in London, and I've just received some samples of my London toile dinner plates. They're super cute!They're made from fine bone china, blue on white, in a set of 6, and each plate has a different London icon in the centre.I have to say that I have a soft spot for the corgi...They're available to buy online and instore from faux and tree, in HK.

shanghai trip

December 11, 2011 in drawings, photography, travel

I spent a few days in Shanghai recently, re-acquainting myself after a ten year break. Thankfully there are still some lovely old parts left...although the new and shiny is asserting itself strongly...I took photos with my LCA on black and white film, looking for the beautiful old, messy Shanghai, mysterious through the fog and cold. I missed all the old-style bicycles (everyone seems to be on electric moped thingys now), that used to be everywhere. But the food was of course as tasty as ever!Shanghai dumplings are something special, they really are...

ceramics in kapok

November 13, 2011 in hong kong, shopping, things I've made

I'm very happy to say that my HK toile range of ceramics is now available at kapok in Wan Chai, my favourite little boutique store in Hong Kong. They are the only place in town to stock the full range, most especially the new blue pieces. Of course they have lots of other marvellous things too, so you should definately pop by for your Christmas shopping soon!

new Hong Kong teaset

May 22, 2011 in hong kong, illustration, special commissions, things I've made, travel

Hello all, before I start on my NY blog, I thought you might like to see my newest product, available in Lane Crawford department store in HK.

The concept for this project was to create a traditional toile pattern with a contemporary Hong Kong twist, that could be used on a whole range of products, starting with ceramics. There's a teapot, teacup & saucer, and Chinese teacups. I think you can buy them all seperately.

All the elements and details in the design are very local to HK, for example a mah jong tile, a good luck goldfish, a 2 dollar coin, and a red lampshade from the markets.

I grew up in HK, and I’m constantly inspired by it. I wanted to create a design that celebrates everything I love about HK!