Spotlight on YAFies: Zara Asa

Zara Asa
Flow Arts Artist
Awardee of Standard Chartered Youth Creative Industry Employment Scheme - Seed Funding

What are flow arts? 
Flow arts is a broad term used to describe a variety of movement-based art forms including body movement, physical exercise and prop manipulation. Flow arts artists explore the relationship between the body and props. With constant practice, the techniques used to control the props are no longer tricks, they become an extension of body movements. In the process, artists attain the mind-state known as “flow”.

Flow experiences can occur in different ways for different people. While every artist’s definition of flow arts may vary, in many cases the essence is to help people relax. In fact, flow arts correlate to the Taoist practice of exploring yourself and facilitating personal growth through exercising the mind and body.

How did you learn about flow arts?
I encountered fire dancing out of curiosity in college. Enjoying the process of practising with friends, I started to learn about different art forms around the world and became passionate about flow arts. I would describe flow arts as a sea of infinite change, calm and turbulent. In the journey of exploration, you will get enlightened. However, to enter this ocean, you must first hone your swimming skills.

What are your favourite flow arts props?
Poi is my favorite flow arts prop. You swing two small weights around on cords. It’s simple yet flexible and has numerous possibilities. There are many ways you can play with poi, such as spinning, winding, tossing and hitting or stalls and flowers. It can also work with other props like flames, lights, shadow, silk and so on. You can do all kinds of things with Poi. 

Other flow arts props include long staff, double shorts staff, hoop, contact ball, dragon staff, contact staff, flow-wand, buugeng, meteor, 8 rings and rope darts. All of these props differ in operational skills and fluidity. Even though props play an important role, the essence of flow arts is self-exploration rather than object manipulation. While we control the props, we bring more of our awareness to our bodies and reflect on the relationship between the objects and ourselves.

What made you want to design your own props? 
When I first started practising, I didn’t want to order props online because of the high exchange rate, handling fees and shipping costs. Since I majored in product design in college, I decided to design my own props. My aim is to add an artistic touch to the props, which can also be used as decorative items in our everyday life. With these artistic props, I hope to connect art to our daily lives.

The concept of "everything flows" is integrated into my props. Poi can be made from various materials with different lengths and weights. They can also exhibit different properties. We believe that personalised props are just like flow arts. Both have endless variations and possibilities.

What challenges do you face as an emerging artist? 
I think it’s a big challenge to introduce a new art form to Hong Kong people. Flow arts is relatively broad and difficult to explain so we hope to raise public awareness. Flow arts is not just a form of performing arts, it can also be a form of self-discipline exercise, spiritual exploration, physical exercise, or leisure activity. It’s hard for me to explain the full depth of flow arts in simple terms. I hope that with more life experience and more exploration I will be able to explain its essence.

Why did you apply for the Standard Chartered Youth Creative Industry Employment Scheme – Seed Funding?
Flow arts has been popular around the world for a while, but there are no organisations promoting this art form in Hong Kong. That’s why I quit my job as an arts administrator and hope to promote flow arts by making props. As I wasn’t sure how to develop my business, the Standard Chartered Youth Creative Industry Employment Scheme – Seed Funding was a beacon in the dark.

How did the Standard Chartered Youth Creative Industry Employment Scheme – Seed Funding help you to get through the challenges?
The success of my application for the Standard Chartered Youth Creative Industry Employment Scheme motivated me and gave me courage to promote flow arts in Hong Kong. The seed funding helped me purchase equipment and organise promotional activities. I’m very thankful for the support this scheme has given me.

Do you have any advice for other young people hoping to develop their own creative business? 
Don’t forget why you started. Creating and executing a new idea is difficult. If you always remember the initial spark, it will guide you, keep you going and lead you further.

What was your most unforgettable performance experience?
In the past, most of my shows were performed in a stage setting. During my travels to Australia in 2020, I tried my first street performance. The most interesting thing about street performance is the reaction of the audience. Unlike the audience in a theatre, the audience on the street just walk away if they don’t find the performance entertaining. I was blessed to receive encouragement and find a generous audience. There was one time when an audience member came to tell me that he had no cash on him, and then ran into the bank to withdraw money. What surprised me was not the monetary reward but the recognition of the artistic value, and the audience’s willingness to stop by, have a look and appreciate the busking experience.

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
My current goal is to find a suitable venue for workshops and regular practice with like-minded friends within a year, and hold a performance every year. Then I’d like to build a community where flow arts lovers can share their experiences and skills. I also hope that, in ten years’ time, this community will strive and more flow arts artists will perform in Hong Kong and around the world; that more well-equipped venues will be available; that channels selling props will be more prevalent; and that there will be more flow art festivals. Most importantly, I hope that I never forget why I started and continue to share my passion with the public.

Who is your favourite artist?
​My favourite artist is Taiwanese yo-yo street performer Yang Yuan-Ching. For most people, a yo-yo is just a toy, but for Yang, it’s his dream, hobby and career. His performance is highly captivating and fully demonstrates his love for yo-yo. Besides giving wonderful street performances, he reintroduces yo-yo to the public, gives speeches at schools to encourage students to pursue their dreams, and hosts seminars to promote street art in Taiwan. The achievements he has made have demonstrated the spirit of his belief: “It’s not about being the most powerful, it’s about being irreplaceable.”