Random Art Workshop (HK)
Tucked away in the hustle and bustle Causeway Bay and in the very popular building Island Beverley (home to a myriad of little boutiques popular amongst Hongkongers), is a new concept store called Random Art Workshop. Their mission is to 'create an outlet for people to uncover their passions by bringing art into their daily lives'. Whether it is scrapbooking, photography, jewelry making and accessories and even makeup - you can be sure to find a variety of events and products that bring out the designer or artist in you.
The 1000sq ft space on the 12th floor has been decked out with a kitchen, video games and a big TV screen (very handy for the boys while you browse the showcased products by emerging designers), and oh-so-comfortable sofas. RAW held a very successful handmade art and crafts fair for the summer in August, which featured budding and established designers showcasing everything from handmade jewelry, clothing, bags, shoes, photography and art.
Following the success of their last Summer Fair, RAW will be holding a Christmas Fair this weekend. Details for Marketplace: A Festive Affair is as follows:
Venue: 1203, 12/F, Island Beverley, 1 Great George Street, Causeway Bay. Hong Kong.
Date: Saturday, 28th November 2009
Time: 2pm - 9pm
Date: Sunday, 29th November 2009
Time: 2pm - 7pm
Joyce Yung, one of the founders of RAW, was kind enough to sit down and be grilled by TiC:
1. Tell us a little more about RAW and the inspiration behind it
These days, what people truly want to do often gets buried deep within ourselves, covered by emails, spreadsheets, errands,... the idea came from the need to find a place that provides a change in pace and a space for everyday creativity. I have taken various collage and jewelry classes before in New York and I loved the feeling of just learning new techniques and apply to a project at hand. I do not have an art background, but through these classes I really felt I can be creative and make something that represents me. I also find the process of creating art to be very theraputic and peaceful, which is a nice escape from the busy day-to-day schedule. I decided to start this concept when I realize that there is a serious gap in the market for such an outlet especially in the heart of the busy city, Causeway Bay.
2. You are one of the few organisers of such events here in Hong Kong, what gave you the idea to hold the Summer Fair?
RAW's concept is to build a community where we inspire each other to create and share and to bring local artists and designers to the general audience. We have a very diverse and talented set of instructors teaching drawing, collage, paper arts, photography etc. and we also have local designers displaying and selling their works at RAW. So it is a natural extension to start a RAW Marketplace to dedicate time and space for everyone to come together and appreciate the work and have the opportunity to purchase something much more unique than the standard brands and products.
3. If this proves to be a successful event, what will be your future plans for it?
We are looking to hold regular RAW Marketplace events, starting with quarterly fairs and perhaps expand to monthly events with different themes of focus. Our next schedule Marketplace will be a Christmas holiday fair.
4. What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade means the product is unique and one of a kind. It also means that the product is made with special thought and care. This is especially meaningful as a gift item since the design, color, pattern are all tailored for that one special person in mind. There is also a level of luxury with handmade products since it is tailored and fitted for the one person's specification. And handmade art or products always represents another level of creativity where the design is improved or improvised along the way and the product reinvents itself.
5. Does handmade have a place in Hong Kong?
Yes absolutely! People living in Hong Kong are always looking for the next unique item, concept, or experience. We are surrounded by manufactured and cookie-cutter goods and brands but I see that people are looking for ways to bring out their individuality. I think there are more individuals willing to break away from the mold and just do something different. Arts and crafts are not only for children but for all ages to apply creativity to everything you do. 
6. What are your favourite handmade/vintage shopping destinations in Hong Kong?
I don't actually have particular favorites. I quite like what Chocolate Rain has done with their concept and products particularly in merging the concept of arts and crafts. Art Jamming has definitely leverage canvas painting and opened the path for encouraging creativity and fun through art at all ages.
7. Who are your favourite designers/artists?
I have always been very intrigued by Salvador Dali's works. I love the fact that a lot of his paintings have so many different layers and subcontext embedded within one main piece. There is so much to see and so much to wonder about when looking into his works. I just love the fact that it makes you really think about the meaning and appreciate how he actually came up with the concept. As a photographer, Annie Leibovitz is definitely an inspiration. She has amazing portraits and her photos truly captures the subtle characteristics of her subjects from a simple expression to a dramatic photo setting. The true emotions and personality of the subjects always shine through.
