All posts by mireille

Bike Rides Around Kyoto

September 14, 2016 2016年9月14日

Visiting bike rental shops has become a favorite pastime of mine when traveling to new places. Bicycles can get you to your destination faster than on foot, but at the same time, they still allow you to stay engaged with your surroundings and take in the scenery at a relaxing pace. Add to the fact that it is also good exercise, which can help develop an appetite for some good local cuisine, it can be hard to resist wanting to take a bicycle around everywhere. With a variety of bike rental shops to choose from, riding around Kyoto couldn’t be any easier. Rentals are simple: after a quick deposit and signing just a few forms, you’re off – with the wind blowing through your hair.


新しい土地を訪れるたびに、私は自転車屋に足を運ぶのが楽しく感じるようになりました。自転車は徒歩よりも目的地に早く着くだけでなく、負担のかからないペースで動き回り、周りの景色を味わうために足を止めたりして楽しむことができます。さらには健康にも良く、地元のお店の美味しい食べ物が味わえるよう食欲が増します。それほど、自転車でいろいろな場所へ行きたいという気持ちに駆られたのです。京都にはたくさんの自転車屋があるため、自転車で簡単に走り回ることができます。借りるのにも時間はかかりません。レンタル料金を支払い、いくつかの保証書に署名するだけで、あとは風に髪をなびかせて出かけるのです。

There is definitely a more ancient feel to the city of Kyoto. The graceful poise and traditions of Japanese culture can be experienced on street corners and within the bustling alleyways. The manner in which a large number of people go about their daily lives seems to be a reflection of times long past, many centuries ago. As an observer, it is easy to be completely captivated by the abandonment of modernity in certain areas of the city. Gion, the famous entertainment and Geisha quarter, is a good example of this. Riding through the tiny alleyways and cobbled streets that wrap around teahouses and quaint shops unveils a different side of Japan. In this area, many tourists and visitors dress up in traditional kimonos and take to the streets. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a real geisha, or a miko making an errand run between teahouses.


言うまでもありませんが、京都は古代の空気が漂う地です。街角や賑やかな路地からは、日本文化の優美な様相と伝統が感じられます。この地の何世紀も前の様子が、多くの人々の日常に映し出されているようです。そういった様子を伺う観光者としては、街の一定の界隈で見られる現代性に捉われない様子に心を奪われます。その例として、有名な娯楽地で、花街として知られる祇園が挙げられます。狭い路地裏をはじめ、茶屋や趣のある店舗が並ぶ石畳の道を進むと、これまでには感じたことのない日本の一面が伺えます。この地域では、多くの観光客の他、伝統的な着物に身を包んだ訪問者が通りに繰り出します。運が良ければ、茶屋を行き交う本物の芸者さんや舞妓さんと出会えます。

It is roughly 12 kilometers from Gion to Arashiyama’s Sagano Bamboo Forest, depending on which exact area of the Gion district you’re riding out from and which route you take. Consisting of mostly flat roads, the journey isn’t overly strenuous. The Sagano Bamboo Forest is a magical place that has an ethereal quality to it, created by the filtered overhead sunlight that peeks through the towering bamboo. Walking further into the lush bamboo grove and past the Tenryū-ji temple entrance, you can find one of many spectacular views of the dense forest. Taking in the surroundings, it is easy to see why bamboo is so prevalent in Japanese mythology and legends. In traditional Japanese culture, bamboo is symbolic of strength and prosperity – and it is also widely used for construction, household goods, and textiles in Japan.


出発地点やルートにもよりますが、祇園からおよそ12キロ離れた場所には嵐山の嵯峨野に広がる竹林があります。ここまでの道のりはほぼ平坦で、辿り着くまでにそれほど疲れを感じさせません。ここは、高く伸びた竹林の合間を縫って太陽の光が降り注ぎ、この世のものとは思えない優雅さを醸し出す実に神秘的な場所です。さらに奥に進み天龍寺の門をくぐると、この深い竹林の中でも最も壮大な眺めが目に入ります。周りを見渡すと、なぜ竹林が日本の神話や伝説の共通項として登場するのか納得がいきます。竹林とは、日本文化の強さと繁栄を表すシンボルなのです。日本において竹は、建設、家庭用品、また、繊維製品にも使われています。

After treating yourself to a matcha-flavored soft serve, you will be ready to make your way to the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. It is just a 13 kilometer bike ride from Arashiyama to Fushimi Inari without any major inclines or declines. The relaxing ride will expose you to the raw parts of the city and the Japanese suburbs. After parking the bike at the shrine entrance, you can begin to make your way up the footpath, which is lined with bountiful carts of delectable street food. The shrine was dedicated to the god of rice and sake – and since the hike to the top takes around two hours, this might be a fitting location to replenish your energy by enjoying some local delicacies and taking a short rest.


抹茶味のソフトクリームを片手に、次は伏見稲荷大社に向かいます。嵐山から約13キロ離れた伏見稲荷までの道中に大きな坂道はありません。清々しい気分で自転車を進めると、素晴らしい街並みや郊外の様子が見えてきます。神社の入口で自転車を停めて歩道を進むと、美味しそうな食べ物を売る屋台が立ち並ぶ様子が目に入ります。伏見稲荷は、お酒とお米の神様を祀るために建立された神社で、頂上までに徒歩でおよそ2時間かかるため、途中で地元の名物を味わったり、小休止するなど、英気を養わなければならないかもしれません。

The stunning shrine gardens and seemingly never-ending torii gates that repeat in alluring patterns overhead guide visitors up the mountain. The vibrant orange torii tunnel, made up of over 4,000 torii, is the perfect visual backdrop for the kimono-wearing locals and tourists who are making their trek up to the top of the peak. The shrine also features many foxes, which are considered to be messengers for the god of the grains, Inari Ōkami. Standing in the tranquility of the gardens and experiencing the sheer number of torii, you cannot help but be filled with a sense of awe and wonder. It was the perfect ending for my bike tour around Kyoto.


うっとりするような庭園の他、見上げれば、美しい模様を描いて延々と連なり、限りなく続くように見える鳥居が、訪れる者を山頂へと導きます。鮮やかなオレンジ色で彩られた4,000本以上の鳥居のトンネルは、頂上へと向かう着物姿の地元の人や観光客にふさわしい絶妙な景観です。この神社は、穀物の神様の使者とされる狐の神様・稲荷大神を祀る地としても知られています。庭園の静寂の中に佇み、無数の鳥居に囲まれると、畏怖と驚嘆の念に駆られるに違いありません。それは、私の京都自転車巡りの最高の終点でした。

Contributor & Photographer: Mireille Paul


寄稿者&カメラマン: Mireille Paul

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Leather & Ride

August 24, 2016 2016年8月24日

 

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French brothers Ben Barras and Guillaume Barras have always been fascinated with motorcycles. They started riding at the early ages of six and nine. But their interests weren’t limited to motorcycles; they started surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding. But after moving to Hong Kong, while also working in the extreme sports industry, the Barras brothers continued to improve and refine their skills in designing and manufacturing motorcycles.


Ben Barras和Guillaume Barras這對法國兄弟一直迷情於摩托車。他們於年僅6歲和9歲時就開始摩托車騎行了,而後這個興趣漸漸泛及到衝浪、滑板和滑雪。搬到香港居住之後,在極限運動行業工作之餘,Barras兄弟在設計和生產方面持續拓展著他們的技能。

It was their unrelenting passion for motorcycles that inspired them to open Angry Lane in 2012. Initially, they only sourced and sold parts for bikes, but as time went on, they noticed that Hong Kong had a developing niche market for custom-built bikes. Having custom modifications on motorcycles is one way for many riders to express their individuality. Everybody that visits the shop is seeking something unique – a customization that can express their individuality in such a large city.


正是對摩托車那種持續不斷的激情,讓他們最終在2012年開辦了Angry Lane。最初,他們只收集和銷售摩托車部件,但是隨著時間推移,他們注意到香港的定制摩托車市場有著越來越壯大的發展空間。對摩托車進行改造是騎行者對自己的個體特點的一種表達。所以到店的客人都在這裡看到獨特的一面,那就是在茫茫大都市人海中,他們可以通過定制來表達自身的個體特質。

People interested in custom-built motorcycles can range from bankers to students, but a unifying middle ground is that all of their customers lack the time, tools, and expertise to complete the motorcycle themselves. “In places like the U.S., there are common spaces or garages where people can rent tools and work on their bikes. Custom bike building is still a relatively new thing in Hong Kong and people here just don’t have the space to do things themselves,” says Guillaume.


從銀行業者到學生,對定制摩托車感興趣的人群甚為廣泛,但是他們的共同點都是缺少時間、工具以及相關的專業知識去親手完成這樣一輛摩托車的製作。 “在美國這樣的地方,人們可以在公共空間和自家車庫租工具,自己動手做車。摩托車定制在香港還算一件新新事物,只是這裡的人們沒有空間來操作這個事。”Guillaume說道。

Riding apparel is an integral part of the motorcycle subculture. Leather has always been synonymous with riders, and are designed for both protection and fashion. “It was a natural progression for us to move towards apparel production. Drawing from our expertise in design and manufacturing, Black Needle creates pieces that are timeless and of high quality. We use only the best quality fabrics and leather.”


騎行服是摩托車亞文化不可分割的一部分。皮革一直就是摩托車騎行者的代名詞,在設計上也是型格和功能兼具。 “對我們來說,開始著手於服裝產品是個很自然的事。有著我們在設計和生產方面的特長,Black Needle創作出來的單品都是高質的,不會隨著時間流逝而遜色。我們只用最優質的布料和皮革。”

Angry Lane and Black Needle are located in the super trendy and burgeoning suburb of Wong Chuck Hang, an area popular with the creative community and fashion designers, and full of art studios and large industrial spaces. Their studio houses a range of custom-built bikes and speciality bike apparel that visitors are welcome to peruse. Since the two moved into this area a few years ago, they have watched the rapid progression of the creative industry within the neighborhood. Ben says, “This is a good place and we don’t see ourselves moving – unless it is into a bigger space in the area.”


Angry Lane和Black Needle位於時下廣受追捧並猛速發展的黃竹坑,這裡聚集著大批的服裝設計師、藝術工作室,並擁有寬敞的工業空間。他們的工作室裡收藏著各種定制的機車和各種特製騎行服裝,並歡迎來訪者細細品究。二人搬至此處已有些許年數,他們見證了這片區域創意業一路的發展。 Ben說: “這裡很好,我們不打算再搬動了,除非還是本區域內搬到一個更大的空間裡去。”

Websiteangrylane.com
Instagram@angrylane

 

Contributor, Videographer & Photographer: Mireille Paul


網站angrylane.com
Instagram@angrylane

 

供稿人、視頻與圖片攝影師: Mireille Paul

This is Craft, Bru

August 12, 2016 2016年8月12日

 

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HK Brewcraft was established out of a mutual love for beer in 2013 by Chris Wong and a group of seven other home brewers. Chris, who has always had an affinity for wine, was intrigued to uncover the mysteries of craft brewing on a trip to San Francisco. The ease and great taste of home brewing would inspire him to pass this knowledge on to others; and soon after, HK Brewcraft was born, an intimate brewing space, workshop, and bottle shop that would stock over 150 different craft beers, nestled in the bustling city streets of central Hong Kong. Chris proudly and excitedly says, “Beer culture in Hong Kong is the fastest growing in Asia. This is because our clients in the city are very sophisticated in all matters beverage and having this group of consumers helps to push the market up.”


2013年,出於共同的愛好,Chris Wong和其他七位自釀啤酒家在香港成立了HK Brewcraft。 Chris一直對葡萄酒有所摯愛,一次的舊金山之旅,開啟了他對手工釀製的探索熱情。自釀啤酒絕佳的口感和過程中悠閒的氛圍讓Chris忍不住希望與眾人分享,HK Brewcraft也由此誕生。這家集小型釀造空間、啤酒作坊和瓶裝酒商店(匯集150多種不同的手工啤酒)於一體的店面位於香港中環繁華街區一隅。 Chris既驕傲又激動地表示:“香港的啤酒文化在亞洲地區發展最為迅速。我們的顧客對於所有飲品相關的品味都非常老道,正是這樣一群顧客推動整個市場的發展。”

There is a broad range of foot traffic coming in and out of HK Brewcraft. “The demographic is expansive. We see young, old, male, female, local, expat, lawyers, artists, teachers, musicians, house wives, security guards and bankers,” says Chris. There is a very large base of local female wine and food enthusiasts in Hong Kong. Contrary to the preconception that Chinese palates prefer lighter beers, these groups actually prefer strong beers over boring lagers. These groups also tend to be more adventurous when trying new things, lending itself well to the quickly developing craft brew scene.


HK Brewcraft的每天客流量很是龐大。 “這里人氣越來越旺。我們的顧客囊括男女老少,不分地域,律師、藝術家、教師、音樂家、家庭主婦、保安和銀行家等從事各行各業的人都可能出現在這裡,”Chris說。在香港,有不少會飲酒的女性以及食客。很多人都會習慣性地認為中國人比較喜歡口味偏淡的啤酒,但其實前面提到這兩個群體剛好相反,相比於無趣的瓶裝酒,他們更喜歡烈性啤酒。這些群體更樂於嘗試新鮮事物,於是他們選擇了手工啤酒也就算是情理之中了。

“There are two segments to the Hong Kong market: locals and expats. Expats usually have more experience with craft beer and have been waiting for this kind of thing to arrive in Hong Kong. Whereas the local guys have not been as exposed, but are so sophisticated that it is almost like turning on a light switch when you introduce them to craft beer. You don’t have to tell them how to taste a beer. You just need to show them the choices that are available,” says Chris. The workshops are aimed at getting more people to brew at home. A one gallon brew in a bag process is run at the workshops enabling the brewers to continue the fermenting at home with ease.


Chris說:“香港的市場分為兩個部分:本地市場和外籍市場。外籍人士通常對於手工啤酒更為熟悉,並一直在等待香港這一市場的引進。而當地人對此接觸不太多,但接受度卻相當高,當你把手工啤酒引進這裡,彷彿就像打開一盞燈,人們瞬間接受並適應了它。你不必告訴他們要如何去品嚐手工啤酒,你只需要向他們展示各種品種即可。”Chris的啤酒作坊旨在讓更多的人了解手工啤酒釀造。在HK Brewcraft的工作坊先對一加侖的釀造量進行袋中處理 ,這樣可以讓釀造者們輕鬆貸回家繼續等待發酵。

Even though craft beer is relatively new to Hong Kong, the fact that there are no import taxes on beer has allowed HK Brewcraft and other craft beer retailers to expand on their supply. Chris reckons that Hong Kong has the best selection of craft beer in Asia because of this. The long term goal for the team at HK Brewcraft is to educate and uplift the local Hong Kong market. Chris says the ideal scenario will be the day when people of this city see home brewing as being as simple and approachable as baking a cake at home.


雖然手工啤酒在香港還屬於新興事物,但香港對於啤酒沒有進口稅的有利條件能促進HK Brewcraft以及其他手工啤酒商的發展壯大。 Chris認為,這也無疑是香港擁有亞洲最佳手工釀造啤酒的原因。從長遠發展來看,HK Brewcraft的整個團隊希望打開並提升香港當地市場。 Chris表示,他最理想的場景是當有一天,這個城市的人們提起喝手工啤酒就像在家烘焙一樣方便和簡單。

Website: hkbrewcraft.com
Instagram: @hkbrewcraft

 

Contributor, Videographer & Photographer: Mireille Paul


網站hkbrewcraft.com
Instagram: @hkbrewcraft

 

供稿人、視頻與圖片攝影師: Mireille Paul

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Rockability

June 16, 2016 2016年6月16日

 

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Rockabilly is an intense, rhythm-driven music style that mixes rock and roll with country music. Other influences on this genre of music include rhythm and blues, and western swing. Many have said that the name rockabilly literally comes from the term “rock and roll”, but was renamed to imply that it was played by hillbillies. It’s easy to see how this may have offended many artists at the time. However, the term rockabilly gained traction over the years and was here to stay.


Rockabilly節奏感強,曲風濃烈,這種音樂流派融合了搖滾和鄉村音樂,此外,它也有節奏布魯斯和西部搖擺樂的影子在其中。很多人戲稱,“rockabilly”這個名字就是來自“rock and roll”和“hillbilly”,意指這是鄉下人玩搖滾樂。不難想像這樣的說法有多容易冒犯到當時的藝術家。但這些年來,rockabilly這一叫法漸得人心,並得以保留下來。

In the 1950s, rockabilly music cultivated rebellion, sexuality, and freedom, which dramatically appealed to the youth of that decade. It galvanized a subcultural revolution against authoritative figures and empowered people through freedom of expression. This slamming rock and roll style was the first of its kind, and it set off a cultural reformation that still reverberates to this day.


上個世紀50年代,rockabilly音樂堪稱叛逆、性交和自由的溫床,這對那個時代的年輕人來說恰恰具有極大的誘惑力。它掀起了一場對抗權威的亞文化革命浪潮,通過表達的自由讓人們強大起來。這種猛烈的搖滾風格成為獨樹一幟的先鋒,引發了一場文化變革,其影響​​一直延續至今。

The death of Elvis Presley, largely regarded as the godfather of rockabilly, sparked a rockabilly revival in the late 1970s. New generation bands like Stray Cats formed, and ripples of the rockabilly revival were felt as far as Asia. In Japan, the rockabilly scene was already thriving with the rockabilly boys that would congregate in Yoyogi Park. To some extent, the Harajuku fashion subcultures were also influenced by the rockabilly aesthetics.


貓王,這位被大多數人視為Rockabilly教父的傳奇人物,他的逝世在70年代後期重燃了Rockabilly之火。像Stray Cats這樣的新一代樂隊遂崛起,這場rockabilly的複興波及亞洲。在日本向來有著濃厚的rockabilly氛圍,在那裡,一群喜歡玩此類音樂的年輕人聚集在代代木公園。某種程度上,這也對原宿時尚亞文化產生了一定影響。

Felix, the guitarist and vocalist for Hong Kong-based band The Boogie Playboys, grew up listening to his parents’ records of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Wanda Jackson and Bill Haley. Later, he was influenced by newer bands like Stray Cats, which ignited his passion for the rockabilly subculture. Along with his bandmates, he runs a rockabilly festival in Hong Kong. The intimate event allows for the fashion and music of this subculture to reach those who may otherwise never be exposed to it.


香港樂隊Boogie Playboys的吉他手和主唱Felix,從小就從他父母收藏的唱片中,聽著Johnny Cash、Elvis Presley、Wanda Jackson和Bill Haley的歌長大。之後又受Stray Cats等新樂隊的影響,他對rockabilly亞文化的熱情被點燃。 Felix和他的隊友們一起,在香港開辦了一個rockabilly音樂節。這個私人的活動讓這個亞文化中的音樂和時尚走向了更多不曾聽說過它的人群。

“When we play at venues around Hong Kong, we have found that people are dressing up more and more. The girls wear the iconic pin-up style and we boogie all night,” says Barry Tam, drummer for the Boogie Playboys. The carefree and liberal attitude of Hong Kongers can be seen at their live shows where all the attendees are openly embracing the rockabilly culture.


“在香港的演出中,我們發現人們已經越來越會裝扮了。女生們穿著標誌性的pin-up style,然後我們搖擺上一整夜,”Boogie Playboys的鼓手Barry Tam這麼說道。在他們的現場,觀眾全情投入到rockabilly文化的懷抱,香港人那種無憂輕鬆和自由的態度一展無餘。

Miss Cathy, a local Hong Kong musician, says, “There are not many places to go in Hong Kong where you can experience the rockabilly subculture. There are no diners or clubs that play our style of music. But I am quite a homebody anyways – I enjoy playing records at home and dancing with my husband and daughter.” The rockabilly subculture in Hong Kong remains fairly underground and low key. There aren’t any clubs that exclusively cater to this genre of music. Even though the perseverance of this group of musicians and close friends has already propelled the rockabilly subculture in Hong Kong forward by leaps and bounds, they’re still keen on spreading rockabilly music to even more people.


香港本土音樂人Miss Cathy說: “要體驗rockabilly這種亞文化的話,香港並沒有多少可以去的地方。根本沒有餐廳或者夜店會放我們這種風格的音樂。不過,反正我很宅——我享受在家播放唱片,和我先生、女兒一起跳舞。”rockabilly這種亞文化在香港還處於相當地下和低調的狀態。沒有夜店會專門播放這個流派的音樂。儘管,這群音樂人及其好友們的堅持不懈,已經推動了rockabilly這種亞文化在香港的突飛猛進,但是他們並不滿足於此,而是有意將這種音樂傳播給更多的人。

Contributor: Mireille Paul
Videographers: Mireille Paul, Andy Ngan

Photographer: Michael Chiu


供稿人: Mireille Paul
視頻攝影師: Mireille Paul, Andy Ngan
圖片攝影師: Michael Chiu

Starcrossed Tattoo

May 20, 2016 2016年5月20日

 

无法观看?前往优酷

The tattoo industry in Hong Kong kickstarted during the colonial era, when navy ships would dock by the masses in Victoria Harbour. Thousands of sailors would get inked on these foreign shores and then set sail again with their custom pieces. Tattoo legends like Jimmy Ho, whose father was one of the first tattoo artists in Hong Kong, are still tattooing today. Even though there is a relatively long history of tattooing in Hong Kong, it is only in the recent years that this city has seen vast expansion and diversification in the industry.


香港的文身行業可追溯到殖民時代,那時候大量的軍艦停靠在維多利亞港,成千上萬的水手都會在這異國的海岸上嘗試文身,然後帶著屬於自己特有的印記再次揚帆起航。像何惠民這樣的文身界傳奇們,一直到今天仍從事這個行業,其實他的父親就是香港第一批文身師。雖然文身行業的發展在香港有著相對長久的歷史,但也僅僅是在近些年,文身才在這裡有了快速和多樣化的發展。

Over the last three years, Hong Kong has held a Tattoo Convention annually in September. The convention has been one of the main driving forces behind the recent boom in Hong Kong tattoo culture. The convention gathers visiting artists and exposes the general public to the art form in new and innovative ways. The media has also played an integral role in this development. Shows like LA Ink have created a ripple effect throughout the world, even reaching the distant shores of Hong Kong. It is things like this that are taking tattooing from being something that was previously a bit lowbrow or taboo, and transforming it into a mainstream and sellable art form.


在過去三年裡的每年九月,香港都會舉辦國際文身大會。這個盛會成為了近年來不斷促進香港文身文化繁榮發展的一大動力。大會吸引了眾多文身藝術家的到訪,並以一種全新的方式向公眾展示這一種藝術形式。媒體的參與,也在這個發展過程中發揮了必不可少的作用。像《LA Ink》這樣的電視節目,在世界範圍內如漣漪擴散一般傳播來,甚至得以激盪到香港這般遙遠的海岸。正是由於這些多方的努力,文身才從曾經帶著低俗或禁忌的標籤逐步轉變為主流和走俏的藝術形式。

Hong Kong will always be a dynamic community as it continues to be one of the world’s most transient international cities. Tourists, short-term contracts, cruise ships and mini stopovers all promote a random flux of diversity into the tattoo market. Rich Phipson, co-owner of Starcrossed Tattoo, said that it is due to this that their shop doesn’t have a particular client base. They indulge a very wide variety of customers from all over the world. It goes without saying though that Starcossed Tattoo has a large group of regular clients who have a particular preference regarding the artist they use.


作為一個移民性的世界都市,香港社會永遠充滿了流動性。旅客、短期工、遊輪和小型中轉遊船……所有這些都為這裡的文身市場增添了一種隨機的多樣性。文身店Starcrossed Tattoo的老闆之一Rich Phipson表示,他們的文身店沒有特定的顧客群,取而代之的是來自世界各地各種各樣的人群。自不必多說,Starcossed擁有龐大的常規客戶群,這些顧客對文身師都有自己的偏好。

Starcrossed currently has four artists: Ross Turpin and Rich Phipson from South Africa, who own the shop; Jack from Hong Kong; and Michael, who has been an apprentice for a couple years and is now tattooing clients. Each of the tattoo artists has his own unique visual style but a unifying quality in their work is their bold use of colour.


Starcrossed目前有四個文身師:來自南非的兩位店主——Ross Turpin和Rich Phipson;香港的Jack,以及經過幾年學徒生涯,如今已成正式文身師的Michael。他們每個人都有自己的文身風格,不過這幾人有個相同點就是他們在用色上都非常大膽出色。

In current society – and especially in a place as diverse and vibrant as Hong Kong, people have the freedom to construct their own sense of self. Identity is less likely to be wrapped up in things like one’s profession, social status, or race. Freedom of expression and tattoos contribute to the creative composition of the modern day individuals’ identity.


在當今社會,尤其是像香港這樣多元和充滿活力的地方,人們都可以自由地進行自我意識構建。每個人的身份構建不再完全由職業、社會地位或者種族等因素所決定。個人表達和文身的自由,都有助於當代人群創造屬於自己的個體身份特徵。

Websitestarcrossedtattoo.com
Instagram: @starcrossedtattoo

 

Contributor, Videographer & Photographer: Mireille Paul


網站starcrossedtattoo.com
Instagram: @starcrossedtattoo

 

供稿人、視頻與圖片攝影師: Mireille Paul

A Shanghai Skate Brand

April 21, 2016 2016年4月21日

 

无法观看?前往优酷

City Hermit is a local homegrown Chinese skate brand and the brainchild of illustrators Curious Boy and Yong Yu. The two were originally from Nanchang and Jinhua respectively, but later met in Shanghai and connected over their mutual interest in skateboarding.


City Hermit是来自于中国本土的滑板品牌,它是插画师Curious Boy和于新勇的合创品牌。分别来自南昌和金华的二人,在上海相遇,并因为对滑板的共同兴趣而相识相交。

The story took a profound twist when this creative duo then decided to take their passion for riding and turn it into a fully fledged skateboard brand, and thus City Hermit was born. The illustration style that is applied to the skateboard decks takes on the elements of graffiti and street art. Most of the artwork also includes depictions of the artists themselves, presented either through self-portraits or fictitious characters.


随后,当这创意二人组决定将他们玩滑板的激情,转换成City Hermit这样一个成熟的滑板品牌时,故事就这么发生了一次意义深远的大转折。滑板上的插画风格融合了涂鸦和街头艺术的元素。多数作品,或通过自画像,或通过虚构角色,仍描绘了艺术家们自身。

In the early 80s, skateboarding in China was a very rare sight and the subculture surrounding the sport was nonexistent. Shanghai has played an influential role in the burgeoning subculture of skateboarding in China. It is home to the “Godfather” of skateboarding in China, Jeff Han (aka Han Minjie). Han developed the first skate shop in Shanghai, founded Gift skateboards, co-founded Fly Streetwear and also runs a professional skate team. Alongside him are artists and creators like Curious Boy who are helping to develop art and illustration within the growing subculture of skateboarding in China.


80年代早期的中国,滑板运动极为罕见,该运动的周边亚文化更是荡然无存。在中国滑板亚文化的兴起过程中,上海扮演了举足轻重的角色。这里有中国的滑板“教父”—Jeff Han  (亦为韩敏捷)。他在上海开了第一家滑板商店,创办了滑板品牌Gift,联合创办了Fly Streetwear,并且运营着一支专业的滑板团队。与他比肩前行的,是Curious Boy这样的艺术家和创作者们,他们帮助推动插画和艺术在日渐壮大的中国滑板亚文化的发展。

City Hermit is pushing the boundaries when it comes to the amalgamation of illustration and the underdeveloped skate culture in Shanghai and China. Every one of their decks has a fresh, one-of-a-kind design, and it is these illustrations that are the driving force behind the brand. The skateboard decks are designed and made in Zhejiang. These skateboards are available for purchase online.


City Hermit正在极力推进插画和上海乃至中国范围内这个发展中的滑板文化的融合。他们每个人的滑板上都有着清新、独一无二的设计,也正是这些插画成为了品牌背后的驱动力。这些滑板设计、生产于浙江,在线上进行销售。

Websitecuriousboy.me

 

Contributor & Videographer: Mireille Paul
Photographers: Mireille Paul, Cathy Ye


网站curiousboy.me

 

供稿人与摄像师: Mireille Paul
摄影师: Mireille Paul, Cathy Ye

The Work of Rachel Mantiri

March 14, 2016 2016年3月14日

Rachel Mantiri is a Jakarta-based mixed media artist with an affinity for the human form. Her cut and paste technique used in conjunction with an ethereal utilization of space creates emotive pieces. She begins each piece without any intentions of conveying a specific vibe, but rather goes with a more spontaneous and organic approach. Much of Rachel’s work is based simply on projections of her personal mood and feelings during the creative process. Neocha recently spoke with this talented artist about her work and inspirations.


Rachel Mantiri adalah artis media campuran yang berbasis di Jakarta dengan ketertarikan pada bentuk manusia. Teknik potong dan tempelnya yang digunakan dalam hubungannya dengan pemanfaatan ruang secara halus menciptakan potongan-potongan emosional. Ia memulai setiap bagian tanpa niat menyampaikan getaran tertentu, alih-alih ia menggunakan pendekatan yang lebih spontan dan organik. Banyak dari karya Rachel didasarkan pada proyeksi dari suasana hati dan perasaan pribadinya selama proses kreatif tersebut. Neocha baru-baru ini bercakap-cakap dengan seniman berbakat ini tentang pekerjaan dan inspirasinya.

Neocha: How did you get started on your creative journey?

Rachel: It all started in middle school when I was first introduced to anime. The aesthetics appealed to me and I wanted to try it out. Most of my school days were spent drawing anime and manga. I went on to study visual communications, and pursued a career in graphic design in Singapore. I also worked in publishing for a couple of years and that is where I had my first introduction to fashion. My journey then took me to Bali, where I worked in fashion photography for a couple of years. Throughout that time, I’ve experimented with multiple different art forms and aesthetics. This led to me building up an interest in various forms of art: from dark to surreal, psychedelic to minimal. Through my artistic experimentation I have learned new trades and gained interest in new mediums. Every new trade I have mastered has improved the quality of my last. For example, learning the concept of lighting techniques for photography has made me a better illustrator. Moreover, if I take the thought process that I apply as an illustrator and utilise it in my design work, I create better concepts.


Neocha: Bagaimanakah Anda memulai perjalanan kreatif Anda?

Rachel: Semua dimulai di sekolah menengah ketika saya pertama kali diperkenalkan kepada anime. Estetikanya menarik bagi saya dan saya ingin mencobanya. Sebagian besar hari-hari sekolah saya dihabiskan untuk menggambar anime dan manga. Saya melanjutkan ke studi komunikasi visual, dan mengejar karier desain grafis di Singapura. Saya juga bekerja di penerbitan selama beberapa tahun dan di situlah untuk pertama kalinya saya berkenalan dengan mode. Perjalanan saya kemudian membawa saya ke Bali, di mana saya bekerja di bidang fotografi mode selama beberapa tahun. Sepanjang waktu itu, saya bereksperimen dengan berbagai bentuk dan estetika seni yang berbeda. Hal ini membangun minat saya dalam berbagai bentuk seni: dari gelap sampai surealis, psikadelik sampai minimal. Melalui eksperimen artistik saya telah belajar keterampilan-keterampilan baru dan menemukan ketertarikan pada media-media baru. Setiap keterampilan baru yang telah saya kuasai meningkatkan kualitas saya. Misalnya, belajar konsep teknik pencahayaan untuk fotografi telah membuat saya menjadi seorang ilustrator yang lebih baik. Selain itu, jika saya menggunakan proses berpikir yang saya terapkan sebagai ilustrator dan memanfaatkannya dalam pekerjaan desain saya, saya akan membuat konsep yang lebih baik.

Neocha: How do you choose a subject or topic to illustrate? For you, is there a lengthy process of research, or are you more likely to be inspired to create in the spur of the moment?

Rachel: Somewhere in between, I think. There are times when I will do research subconsciously. For example, when I’m reading an article about mythology and then a few days later I’m incorporating some of the content from that article into my next piece of work. I guess daily life chooses my subjects for me at times too. The process is obviously very different for commissioned work. Research and development is necessary in that aspect, but not too much – otherwise it just begins to clutter my process.


Neocha: Bagaimana Anda memilih subjek atau topik ilustrasi? Bagi Anda, apakah ada proses penelitian yang panjang, atau Anda lebih mungkin terinspirasi untuk berkarya secara mendadak?

Rachel: Saya rasa, di antara keduanya. Ada saat-saat ketika saya secara sadar akan melakukan penelitian. Misalnya, ketika saya membaca sebuah artikel tentang mitologi dan kemudian beberapa hari kemudian saya memasukkan beberapa konten dari artikel tersebut menjadi bagian dari pekerjaan saya yang berikutnya. Saya kira kadang-kadang kehidupan sehari-hari juga memilihkan subjek-subjek untuk saya. Proses ini jelas sangat berbeda untuk pekerjaan tugas. Penelitian dan pengembangan jelas diperlukan dalam aspek itu, tetapi tidak terlalu banyak – jika tidak maka hal itu hanya akna mengacaukan proses saya.

Neocha: Taking photographs and including them into your illustrations creates a surrealist collage effect. How do you feel about combining media? Do you prefer to use digital illustration programs, or is cutting and pasting in real life more fun for you?

Rachel: I think it is more about which medium is suited best for getting the idea across. There are certain effects I can only achieve by doing things digitally, and similarly there are certain vibes I can only achieve with traditional cut and paste. Some subjects work better photographed, and some work better drawn. They are all fun to work on.


Neocha: Memfoto dan memasukkannya ke dalam ilustrasi Anda menciptakan efek kolase surealis. Bagaimana perasaan Anda terhadap penggabungan media? Apakah Anda lebih suka memilih menggunakan program ilustrasi digital, atau apakah memotong dan menempelkan dalam kehidupan nyata lebih menyenangkan bagi Anda?

Rachel: Menurut saya hal itu lebih kepada mengenai media mana yang paling cocok untuk mewujudkan idenya. Ada efek tertentu yang hanya bisa dihasilkan dengan melakukan hal-hal secara digital, dan juga ada getaran tertentu yang hanya bisa dihasilkan dengan potong dan temple secara tradisional. Beberapa subjek lebih baik difoto, dan beberapa karya lebih baik digambar. Semuanya menyenangkan untuk dikerjakan.

Neocha: What is your favourite piece of work? Why is it so special to you?

Rachel: Mask – this is an image that I had retained in the back of my mind for quite some time. One that I wanted to execute in my early years but lacked the skill to complete. It is a favourite because there was no pre-planning or research involved. It was a spur of the moment piece that I did as a break between other works. Only when it was completed did I realise that this was that  piece I had always wanted to create in the past. My subconscious mindset somehow took over.


Neocha: Apakah karya favorit Anda? Mengapa begitu spesial untuk Anda?

Rachel: Mask – ini adalah gambar yang telah tertahan dalam pikiran saya selama beberapa waktu. Salah satu yang ingin saya kerjakan pada tahun-tahun awal saya tetapi saya tidak memiliki keterampilan untuk menyelesaikannya. Ini favorit karena tidak ada perencanaan atau penelitian apa pun sebelumnya. Ini adalah karya dadakan yang saya kerjakan di sela-sela karya lainnya. Hanya saja ketika karya itu selesai saya menyadari bahwa ini adalah karya yang selalu ingin saya buat di masa lalu. Pola pikir bawah sadar saya entah bagaimana mengambil alih.

Neocha: Tell us more about your photography process. How do you like to shoot, and what do you shoot with?

Rachel: My basic setup is a Canon 7D, 70-200mm f2.8 lens and two Elinchrom strobe lights. Sometimes I rely on natural light, but given the choice, I prefer to shoot in the studio because of the control I have over lighting.


Neocha: Ceritakan lebih banyak mengenai proses fotografi Anda. Dengan cara bagaimana Anda suka mengambil foto dan kamera apa yang Anda gunakan?

Rachel: Setelan dasar saya ialah Canon 7D, lensa 70-200mm f2,8 dan dua lampu strobo Elinchrom. Kadang-kadang saya mengandalkan cahaya alami, tapi jika diberi pilihan, saya lebih memilih untuk mengambil gambar di studio karena saya lebih dapat mengendalikan pencahayaannya.

Neocha: Can you recommend some places that creative-minded people would enjoy in Indonesia?

Rachel: Indonesia is rich in culture and nature. There are so many places where creative-minded people would enjoy. If I had to name just one, it would be Bali – the vibe is so laid back and the beaches are amazing. The people there are crazy creative; I discovered myself as an artist there.


Neocha: Dapatkah Anda merekomendasikan beberapa lokasi di Indonesia yang dapat dinikmati oleh mereka yang berpikiran kreatif?

Rachel: Indonesia kaya secara budaya dan alam. Ada banyak tempat yang akan dapat dinikmati oleh orang-orang berpikiran kreatif. Jika saya harus menyebutkan satu, saya akan menyebut Bali – getarannya sangat tenang dan pantai-pantainya menakjubkan. Orang-orang di sana gila-gilaan kreatifnya; Saya menemukan jati diri saya sebagai artis di sana.

Neocha: You were born in Indonesia and you’ve spent a few years in Singapore, but now you find yourself back in your homeland.  Tell us about Singapore and Indonesia’s creative community or creative industry.

Rachel: I was born in Jakarta but I spent most of my years growing up in Sri Lanka. I moved to Singapore for six years, and then Bali for three years, and I am now based in Jakarta. The creative industry varies in all the places I’ve stayed and at times it has been non-existent. Regardless, there’s always a small community of artists, designers, and photographers everywhere. Being fully immersed into the Jakarta creative community is something I’m really looking forward to.


Neocha: Anda lahir di Indonesia dan Anda menghabiskan beberapa tahun di Singapura, tapi sekarang Anda kembali di tanah air Anda. Beritahu kami mengenai komunitas atau industri kreatif Singapura dan Indonesia.

Rachel: Saya lahir di Jakarta tapi saya menghabiskan sebagian besar tahun saya tumbuh di Sri Lanka. Saya pindah ke Singapura selama enam tahun, dan kemudian Bali selama tiga tahun, dan saya sekarang tinggal di Jakarta. Industri kreatif bervariasi di semua tempat yang pernah saya tinggali dan ada kalanya seperti tidak ada. Apa pun, selalu ada komunitas kecil seniman, desainer, dan fotografer di mana-mana. Menjadi sepenuhnya merasuk ke dalam komunitas kreatif Jakarta adalah sesuatu yang benar-benar saya nantikan.

Websiterachelmantiri.com
Facebook~/rm.moodscape
Instagram: @moodscape

 

Contributor: Mireille Paul


Situs web: rachelmantiri.com
Facebook: ~/rm.moodscape
Instagram: @moodscape

 

Kontributor: Mireille Paul

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