Hong Kong Inspiration
Living in Hong Kong for two decades led to numerous creative discoveries that inspired Jean's artwork. A favourite arts and crafts style was the Chinese blue and white batik textile designs that still fill our house as soft furnishings. Here's an example of Jean's batik patterns in a cushion-filled painting (and beloved dog).
Angel on the Cushions I by Jean Tori
Here's an example of Jean's batik patterns in a cushion-filled painting (and beloved dog).
Hong Kong was filled with lots of cultural traditions, such as the tea house ceremony. Jean was often inspired creatively by the many shapes and decorations of the Chinese ceramic teapots. This is Jean's version of a painted teapot with a Ching Dynasty poet from 2005.
Another source of inspiration came from the palm trees that grew everywhere in Hong Kong, from the botanical gardens to up at The Peak. Here's a tropical garden painting by Jean.
There are 250 islands surrounding Hong Kong and we have many fond memories of magical views. The outlying islands are still often found in Jean's ocean paintings.
Here's an illustration by Jean from our children's book, "Elliot and the Perfect Wave".
Hong Kong was always a feast for the senses with an incredible blend of colour, culture and creative ideas that inspired Jean.
The Chinese Zodiac Animals still feature prominently in her artwork, although with Jean's unique and original perspective and humour. Here's a painting from 1981 with a dragon, dog, ox and rat having tea.
For more about Jean's artwork visit www.jeantoriartwork.com
