The Tanner Hill - Life & Leisure

To acclaimed sculpture artist Mok Yat-san, also Vice President of Hong Kong Sculpture Society and instructor at the Department of Fine Arts at Chinese University of Hong Kong, sculpturing has come both the easy and hard way. "As a kindergarten student in Guangzhou, I was enthusiastic about drawing and handicrafts," recalled Mok. "I would make do with any random piece of paper or mud because we weren't very well-off." By the time he reached high school, Mok realised his interest really rested in sculptures.

Persevere In the Name of Art

"At the exhibition of internationally renowned sculptor Henry Moore in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1998, I remember being immensely impressed by his artworks, stationed by the waterfront. The indescribable shapes of the sculptures alone had me transfixed for a good half a day." So when Mok encountered the art pieces by celebrated sculptor Cheung Yee at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, he decided to learn sculpturing.

Sculpt for Peace of Mind

For Mok, sculpturing is a continuous problem-solving process, from contemplating the three-dimensional aesthetics to the use of materials for the sculpture. And since a sculpture doesn't carry much functionality, it accommodates the artist's pure pursuit of spirituality and aesthetic standards. "In my 20 years as a sculptor, I learnt with the absolute concentration it demands, sculpturing offers peace of mind as I can put all the stress of life behind. At times, the appreciation of extraordinary sculptures can serve as spiritual purification."

"Sculpture appreciation is open to people of all walks of life and ages," said Mok. "In fact, there are quite a few sculptures in Hong Kong that are worth visiting. The sculptures interspersed inside the office buildings at Taikoo Place, which have successfully instilled cultural inspirations into the office space, and the 'Flying Frenchman' sculpture by César Baldaccini, outside Hong Kong Cultural Centre, are just a few examples." If you're keen on watching the creation of sculptures in action, be sure to visit the Hong Kong International Sculpture Symposium 2012 at Quarry Bay Park in December this year, where artists from Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas will be creating sculptures with timber from retired railway sleepers, with every single stage of the process demonstrated before your eyes. Alongside the demonstrations, the symposium will also feature a series of exhibition, experience sharing, and guided tours of artworks. Who knows, you may even be inspired to learn sculpturing!

Next time when you're going for your morning exercises at Kowloon Park, or when you ramble along the waterfront promenade in Tsim Sha Tsui East, stop by to appreciate the sculptures and gain peace of mind!

Awakened Sleepers & Transformed Places – Hong Kong International Sculpture Symposium 2012
Date: 5 – 17 December 2012
Venue: Quarry Bay Park, Hong Kong
Enquiries: Hong Kong Sculpture Society, Ms Ng: (852) 9019-4281 / Ms Yuen: (852) 9381-6672.

Special Thanks:
Mok Yat-san, acclaimed sculpture artist, Vice President of Hong Kong Sculpture Society and instructor at the Department of Fine Arts at Chinese University of Hong Kong.