F our young applied artists reveal a glimpse of their dream world. Their imagination takes us on unique journeys of cultural exploration and craftsmanship.

Christina Wong 蛋糕之城

Truffle Cake & Pastry takes architectural cues in crafting their delicious cakes. Visually stunning, Christina’s dream world reflects the hard work that is required to reach success.

Stepping stones 步月登雲

Recognizing the countless steps it takes towards reaching one’s dreams, this handcrafted cake reflects conquering all challenges to success.

Journey 指日可待

This masterpiece reflects the dreamworlds of imagination where the full picture is yet to take its full form, but ideas are already sprouting.

Through The Cracks 好學深思

From conceptualizing to birthing an idea, this piece showcases a brilliant gold foil interior waiting to be revealed.

Transformation 如花似錦

This cake reaches new heights with fondant flowers to other ricepaper floral details at the top.

Serena Zheng 寶玉花園

Jade is reimagined through nature. The precious stones are presented by Stay In Your Heart’s curator, Serena. Celebrate the magic of its material as the jade illuminates

a world full of light and clarity.

Cammie Chan 長衫文化

The traditional art of knot-making captured in innovative shapes that inspire. These unique designs showcase the craftsmanship behind every knot and the elegance of traditional Chinese cheongsam detailing. As if floating on water, these objects exist in the dream world of those who love the feminine Chinese culture.

Vivi Hou 新女性的花花世界

On the left, Vivid Floral Boutique reimagines the world in the famous Chinese novel, The Plum in the Golden Vase, published in the 1930s. Reflecting a new world where femininity, as represented though the flowers, can branch out and share new cultural values. The classic Suzhou-inspired lattice design frames the mirror that showcases female empowerment.

Below is a floral arrangement that represents the protection offered by family and mentors through the large leaves. It highlights the community that brings one’s dreams (symbolized by the central flower) into full fruition.

Asian Heritage Month is a fitting time to celebrate authors from the Asian-Canadian community, and new to the scene is immigration lawyer Nancy Lam. Her debut novel, The Loyal Daughter, is loosely based on her mother’s journey from China (Hong Kong) to Canada, spanning from the 1940s to present day. Told through the perspectives of a mother, daughter and grand-daughter, the story speaks to the myths and realities of the immigrant journey in North America which include complex relationships and generational challenges and trauma.

May 10, 2023

May 1, 2023

Remembering Ju Ming 朱銘, Sculptor and Artist

May 1, 2023

On April 22, 2023, the art world was saddened by the passing of sculptor Ju Ming 朱銘 who was aged 85. He was an internationally-renowned Taiwanese sculptural artist best known for his abstracted, blocky bronze and steel sculptures that masterfully depict human forms with unexpected sharp-edged shapes and a modern palette. A large number of his works are on permanent display in public areas around the world.

May 1, 2023

Apr 24, 2023

THE REINVENTION OF: CHEUK KWAN 關卓中：以生命影響生命

Apr 24, 2023

For 4 years, Cheuk crossed the globe, travelling to 13 countries, venturing behind kitchen doors to feature the journeys of 15 émigrés he found in each place. From Madagascar to Israel, from Brazil to South Africa, the real-life stories he uncovered along the way were more riveting than any work of fiction could ever be. Some were running from war, many from political oppression, a few from religious persecution; some were highly educated; some were farmers — yet all were forced to pick up a wok and a spatula — not because they loved Chinese food, but out of necessity.

Apr 24, 2023

Apr 17, 2023

A SENSE OF PLACE: JENNY YUJIA SHI 施雨迦：漂流成長記

Apr 17, 2023

Halifax-based, multimedia artist Jenny Yujia Shi talks a lot about growing roots. This is probably because her life has been uprooted almost too many times to count. Not surprisingly, much of her creative output centres around themes of displacement and dislocation, which she attributes to two defining moments in her life: the demolition of her childhood neighbourhood in downtown Beijing and then, the decade she spent navigating the immigration process here in Canada. Shi’s work is as poignant as it is beautiful.

Apr 17, 2023

Mar 27, 2023

Art, Food & Family Ties: Don Kwan 關日安：尋找我那遺失的美好

Mar 27, 2023

This year marks a major milestone in artist Don Kwan’s family: they will be celebrating their 100th anniversary since settling in Canada back in November of 1922. One of 8 children, Kwan is part of the third generation of his family and a proud descendant of his paternal grandfather who immigrated to Canada at just 11 years of age. Part of the first wave of Chinese immigrants, his grandfather was affected by the discriminatory Chinese Immigration Act that would charge every Chinese newcomer a $50 head tax (an incredible sum in the 1920s). Like so many of that generation, his grandfather would later go back to China to marry and have children there before his family could fully emigrate to Canada after the Second World War.

Mar 27, 2023