Spotlight On YAFies: Inkgo Lam

Inkgo Lam
Commissioned Artist with Beyond Environmental Arts Festival 2023

What inspired you to work with bamboo weaving?
I’ve been passionate about traditional handicrafts since I was young. In 2020 I was able to join the Jockey Club ICH+ Innovative Heritage Education Programme and study with basket weaving master Lui Ming, the last generation of basket weavers making bamboo steamers. I wanted to combine what I learnt with my own style and create contemporary pieces.

What characteristics of bamboo inspire you?
Bamboo is rigid but flexible at the same time. This limits and influences what you create. It also grows fast, which makes it one of the most eco-friendly materials in the world.
 
What processes are involved in bamboo weaving?
The first thing is to cut the bamboo. We cut it following the grain. The resulting strips are then dyed using natural pigments like onion skin. You can create colourful work by weaving light brown, red, black and gold strips together in more than 20 different ways.

What are the biggest challenges of working with bamboo?
The pre-production treatment, pest control, anti-mould treatment and storage are huge challenges. But I’ve been fortunate to work with other bamboo weavers and learn from them.

What is the message behind the commissioned artwork Bamboo Staff and Straw Sandals?
Su Shi’s poem shows us that living simply and in tune with nature is a choice that has been valued for hundreds of years. My artwork reflects on the text and the options we face and choices we make in our lives. Each doorway leads to a different path: natural enjoyment, going with the flow or mental satisfaction. Which path would you choose?

How would you describe your relationship with nature?
Nature is a huge inspiration for me. Since I graduated from college I’ve been making work with natural materials like leaves, seeds and bamboo. Nature inspires me, and I respond to it with my work.

Are there any other materials you would like to explore?
At this point, bamboo art is the main focus of my work. But I would like to explore other traditional handicrafts, like oil paper lanterns, and combine them with my bamboo work.

What advice would you give to young people who are passionate about the arts?
At one point I was confused about what form my creative work should take. But we can overcome all kinds of issues by simply being creative. We all have troubles. Creating art can be a great way to help us reflect.

Which artist do you admire the most?
There’s not one particular individual, but I admire certain practices, like Annie Wan Lai-kuen’s ceramics, Magdalena Abakanowicz’s weaving techniques and contemporary art concepts, and Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy.