Ages and ages ago, I was chatting via email with author Julia Jarman. We talked about this and that, then she mentioned that she had been invited to Beijing, to visit an International School, but she wasn't very keen to go. She thought it might be a little scary in China on her own, so she was thinking of turning them down. Purely as a joke, I quipped that she should ask the school if they wanted an illustrator too, then we could go together. Which is how it began.
Over a year later, Julia and I have visits booked at 6 different Beijing schools - 9 day's work - and we will be there for two and a half weeks. Quite an adventure. I imagine that it will be very hard work, a bit like World Book Day week with knobs on, but I do like new and interesting experiences, plus we will get weekends to explore. Of course, I'm hoping I'll have enough energy left over to sketch a bit too.
I have been to China before, but a very long time ago. In 1988, I back-packed around the north of China for 6 weeks, with a friend. It is probably the single most challenging, but also exciting thing I have ever done. That's when these sketches were done.
Apart from sights like The Forbidden City, I can't imagine that there will be much that is recognisable about Beijing now. Things were still very traditional at that time and there were certainly no gleaming, glass structures. It will certainly be fascinating to see the changes for myself.
We are due to fly out mid September, which I fully expect to be here before I know it. Yeehah!
11 comments:
Scary! I like to have learnt the language a bit before going anywhere - but Mandarin is beyond me. I agree that going as a twosome will be a much better experience. And hopefully we will get a "multicultural" story from you both as a result!
Yeehah! what a grand adventure ! Your art takes you to amazing places
how exciting!! i love your sketches ... can't wait to see more from your trip in September.
i'm new to your blog. i took one of your online courses last week and found it so enjoyable! i learned so much!
How amazing, Lynne!! Happy for you both and looking forward to your sketches and stories about your trip!
It's interesting to see how the way you sketch has changed over the years.
Thanks everyone. It'll be a rather different couple of weeks!
Glad you are enjoying the workshop alarmcat :-)
Make sure you hit 798, Beijing's arts district and so much more.
Oo thanks for the recommendation. All suggestions gratefully received!
Oo thanks for the recommendation. All suggestions gratefully received!
Wow, a trip to Beijing! I’m a Beijinger and I currently study in the University of Manchester. I remember that you came to two of my sociology courses and I was totally amazed by your sketches. It’s really great to know that you will have a tour to my hometown and will depict changes happening in Beijing in the form of art! I highly recommend visiting the old-Beijing-style alleys where you could find the locals are living a life of ease in a huge contrast to the fast-paced living style in the compacted communities near those high-rises. And it’s also worth trying some mouth-watering local snacks there. Wish you have a happy trip in Beijing and can’t wait to see your new sketches about Beijing!
Hi Shan Li - I love the sound of the alleys. I was wondering if you could give me a tip about where the best area would be to go and see this? I am keen to get behind-the-scenes!
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