Proposal Abstract

I propose to exhibit a series of etchings which explore the theme of ‘crossing boundaries’, including geographical, cultural and personal aspects. My artwork reflects my boundary-crossing personal life: I am a chartered accountant as well as a practising artist; my father is an Indonesian Chinese migrant and my mother is Cantonese, whose own mother was born in Vietnam; I was born and raised in Hong Kong under British colonial rule and then moved to the New World—Australia—when I was a teenager.

It would be meaningful to show my work in my birthplace, where I first fell in love with art. I remember vividly that my first printmaking experience was working with potato cuts. Art felt like the only subject that allowed me to express both my individuality and my ideas within the confines of an academically focussed and rote-learning school system.

As with all my work, I am driven by creative inspiration just as much as I thrive on the production process. After more than 17 years of art practise, my etching techniques continue to evolve because I need to challenge myself: by pushing my own boundaries as well as testing the potential of this traditional medium. My proposed series of etchings uses an alternative ground product ‘BIG’ (Baldwin Intaglio Ground). It is a very effective non-toxic soft ground that allows me to create intricate lines and cross hatchings by doing impressions with mesh materials and flywire on to etched copper plates. The images would be approximately 15 x 15 cm and the prints would be framed to be hung on the walls.