Chch Blown Away by Suzhou Embroidery Grandmaster

Against all odds, Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery South Island has managed to continue exhibiting Yao Hong Ying’s Embroidery Exhibition for the past 5 months, allowing Christchurch people to witness high-standard, breath taking embroidery works.

Through the thoughtful arrangements by FGY Head-curator Venerable Ruchang, Yao Hong Ying and her friends and family were flown t o Auckland on 22nd July to visit Fo Guang Shan North Island. In addition, Yao Hong Ying and her companions travelled down to FGS South Island, in the company of Venerable Abbess Manshin. Upon her arrival, Ms. Yao was warmly by BLIA South Island members. At the Temple, Venerable Abbess Manshin warmly introduced the guests to the concepts behind the Temple building.

On 23rd July, Yao Hong Ying presented live embroidery demonstrations at FGY Art Gallery, and due to her presence, well over 300 people visited the Art Gallery on the day. Visitors were all shell shocked by Yao Hong Ying’s surprise visit, and many immediately picked up their phone to pass the news of the artist’s presence to all their friends so that they can also share the special moment with Yao Hong Ying.

Through her demonstrations, Yao Hong Ying introduced to everyone present the required equipment and apparatus for embroidering, and demonstrated the techniques and skills of her needle work. Ms. Yao explained that some works of art only require a short time to complete and that some required a longer time to complete, with some taking nine months to a year to finish.

Ms. Yao reminisced on the time she began embroidery, confessing that she constantly pricked herself with the needle. Nowadays, with no shortage of experience and skill, her needle is where her heart is. She has become at one with her needle, and feels that the needle is just an extension of her fingers! In fact, her embroidery works take on the concepts of Chan meditation.

Those present were moved by the experience, and several people asked questions which had been lingering in the back of their minds. Their curiosity was satiated with Ms. Yao’s informative responses, as she patiently attended to each and every question. Visitors expressed that her artworks have brought everyone unlimited happiness.

At the conclusion of the demonstrations, many people requested a group photo with Yao Hong Ying, while some even thanked her with a warm hug. Everyone was reluctant to part with her artworks, and expressed that they would seize every opportunity to see her works again, if they ever have a chance.