An everlasting impression of the British Council
My MA studies (MA Glass) in the UK in 2003-2004 laid an imperceptible and everlasting connection with the British Council Hong Kong. The initial encounter was in early 2008 when I received an invitation to join their league of 60 eminent UK graduates over the past six decades in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the British Council’s establishment in Hong Kong. People in the league come from different fields and backgrounds; and I was one out of the 60 contributing as a visual artist.
Exhibiting my work
The 2008 anniversary was a year long celebration featuring special programmes in art, education and culture. I participated in two exhibitions in Hong Kong and London together with the other five visual artists from the league. In addition, the British Council commissioned me to make unique glass-photo frames for the guests who came to the celebration ceremony as well as a piece of ceramic artwork for the art auction at the Friends of British Council Gala Dinner, the official closing of the 60th year celebration. It is interesting that through my participation in these events, I thoroughly experienced the importance of the role of an artist has to play in cultural relations.
I believe that art is a very special universal language, which effectively links people together of different cultures and backgrounds and this kind of linkage, through artist’s different artistic activities, is not restricted to the exhibition gallery, rather it goes beyond to every community in the world. British Council has provided me with valuable opportunities and platforms to perform my role as an artist; this states the beginning of our profound relationship.
British Council has provided me with valuable opportunities and platforms to perform my role as an artist.
An opportunity to study in the UK
The honour of being one of the 60 eminent UK graduates has added credit to my portfolio that made my second scholarship to study in the UK feasible and real. At this moment while I am writing this story, I am in London doing my second MA (MA Fine Art)! Study in the UK has given me an excellent learning environment with no distractions. It has encouraged me to explore and experiment, bringing out my creativity.
A new adventure in a wonderland
Study abroad is more than just studying; being abroad is like a new adventure in a wonderland. Although it is the second time that I have lived in the UK, I still find things are new and fresh. This voyage of exploration starts from the hall of residence to the studio space at university; from museums and galleries to Hyde Park. The journey takes me to theatres and concert halls and to Covent Garden. Other than self-development, it is also a matter of communication; to meet people of different nationalities, to understand different cultures and to speak a different language. The whole atmosphere makes me more conscious of things and matters around me; my eyes and my mind are wide open for such a diversity of stimulations.
