Spotlight On YAFies: Alexis Ip

Alexis Ip
Assistant to Standard Chartered Arts in the Park artist

You’ve taken part in Standard Chartered Arts in the Park 8 times as a visual arts teacher. What drew you back?

I first joined Standard Chartered Arts in the Park in 2009, helping students run art booths and creating parade costumes and giant puppets. Years later, many of those students still tell me how the event helped build their confidence and spark their interest in the arts. I was always impressed by the artists employed by HKYAF. They’re patient and professional, and can work with students to build a 3-metre-tall puppet in just a few weeks. The students were so amazed every time they saw their finished puppet walking around campus. The programme is very well-organised and free-of-charge. Teachers simply have to follow instructions. That’s why we look forward to applying every year.

Now that you’ve retired from teaching, you’re joining Standard Chartered Arts in the Park as an artist’s assistant. What has this new role given you?

I recently retired after 39 years of teaching. This year, I’m assisting artist Jimmy Hsieh, and it’s given me the chance to go back into school and help students create artworks. I’ve admired Jimmy’s creativity and precision from past artist‑in‑school programmes, and I’m excited to learn from him. My experience means that I can help him communicate with students and manage the classes.
 
Why did you choose this way of working with students again?

I first heard about HKYAF in 2005 and was invited to collaborate on workshops in 2006. I admire HKYAF’s mission and vision to make quality arts accessible to young people, so of course I accepted the invitation to take part.
 
What has been your favourite experience with students at Standard Chartered Arts in the Park?

The students who joined me in my first year of Standard Chartered Arts in the Park, back in 2009, are all working adults now. Some have even moved on to pursue careers in the arts – for example, one is a sculptor for an international toy brand. Whenever we meet up, we talk about how Standard Chartered Arts in the Park inspired them.

This year’s theme is fairy tales. Is there a particular tale that resonates with you?

Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince touches me most. Three years ago, I guided students in a mural project and one of the paintings we did was The Happy Prince. Its message of sharing and selflessness carries values I believe young people should learn.
 

In Hong Kong’s academically driven society, what role can the arts play in the lives of young people?

Academic subjects are always the main focus here in Hong Kong, and arts education is often overlooked despite the fact that the arts nurture students’ creativity, aesthetics and teamwork. HKYAF plays an important part, offering young people the chance to develop these skills.
 

You’ve explored ceramics, sculpture, and miniature relief with Fotomo. Which is your favourite medium and why?

Ceramics is my favourite. From shaping and firing to the study of glazes and materials, the field is so rich in knowledge – you could spend a lifetime exploring a single skill and still find endless joy in the process.

Will you continue to create art now that you’re retired?

Definitely! Right now I’m preparing for a Fotomo exhibition in Tokyo this November. I’m very much looking forward to it