We now have a number of talented artists, illustrators and designers whose prints and photography we sell at the Lion Rock Press. It's time to introduce you to some of the people behind the prints! Lindsey McAlister, aka Crafty Bitch, shares a bit more about herself and the inspiration behind the work she creates!
About you
I am originally from Southport, North West UK. I’ve lived in Hong Kong for 36 years and I currently live in Sai Kung with my husband.
In 1991 I started the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (YAF) www.hkyaf.com 30 years ago.
The Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation (HKYAF) is a charity that provides high quality, non-competitive and free of charge arts experiences for young people aged 5 to 25. Established in 1993 by Lindsey McAlister OBE, JP, HKYAF organises inclusive and inspirational projects that reach out to young people of all cultures, backgrounds, languages and abilities, and we actively create opportunities for disadvantaged and underprivileged young people. Each year, HKYAF reaches over 800,000 young people with our projects, in terms of our projects, workshops, exhibitions and performances.
I am a Hong Konger at heart... I love the energy & the ‘can-do’ spirit. I continue to work with the Foundation but have recently reinvented myself at 62 as a visual artist with “CRAFTY BITCH”
I started out as a visual artist (a hundred years ago!) making 2D…then 3D works…then I moved onto kinetic sculptures, then dancers and actors. So my YAF work is mainly in the Performing Arts; I write, direct & choreograph. My son Sam recently vacated the family home ‘to adult’ and so his bedroom became available…which got immediately transformed into my art studio within days! So I’ve gone full circle back to my roots and have launched my new brand “CRAFTY BITCH”
I have been drawn to explore mixed media creation which, for me, is the visual arts equivalent of creating a piece of theatre by layering elements and combining textures & images. Creativity is about the way in which we interpret the world. It is about how we think. And what we do with that information.
I’m a mixed media/collage artist, I blend multiple genres of visual art to produce exciting combinations of images, materials, and textures. The beauty of the arts is starting with a blank page (or stage) & filling it with ideas & creativity, by experimenting & exploring we create magical & emotive accidents.
Your Inspiration
I have lived in HK longer than the UK and feel that being here has been magical for me. The majority of the work is a celebration of the HK culture, symbols & icons. A variety of original digital art prints which celebrate iconic Hong Kong symbols. The perfect gift for someone living in Hong Kong and also for someone leaving Hong Kong who wants to take a little piece of HK with them.
Favourite thing to do or see in Hong Kong
Taking the tram to Kennedy Town…then getting off and wandering the old streets!
Favourite place in Hong Kong to get inspiration for your work
Similar to above!! I have a recent series of colour block prints which are all inspired by the streets of Sheung Wan.
