Embroidery Grandmaster Ms. Yao Shares Her Story

Yao Hong Ying’s embroidery works at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Sout Island have received an enthusiastic response from Christchurch people. More so, the magnificence of the artwork has left visitors with a good impression of the art gallery itself. On the evening of 24th July, BLIA South Island members and Temple volunteers had the privilege of witnessing an up-close-and-personal demonstration of embroidery by Yao Hong Ying.

Those present to witness the magic of Ms. Yao’s artwork included BLIA Vice-president Mr. Jack Liu, other BLIA members and 20 volunteers. Artist Yao demonstrated the techniques and process of embroidery, while the Temple staff and volunteers gazed in awe at her extraordinary skill as her nimble fingers weaved as though they were a sewing machine.

Yao Hong Ying did not hesitate to share her experiences of the time she began learning embroidery at the tender age of eight years old. Not only did she share with everyone the process of developing her embroidery skills, she also mentioned her spiritual and psychological journey with embroidery. Ms. Yao now acknowledges that embroidery has become a part of her life.

Venerable Abbess Manshin’s brief commentary on Yao Hong Ying’s journey of embroidery contributed to the warm atmosphere of the heart to heart session. Everyone was keen to ask Ms. Yao about her feelings and experiences of the few days she and her family and friends had spent in Christchurch. As the demonstration concluded, the Temple staff seized the opportunity to have their Embroidery Exhibition memorabilia signed by the artist herself. Finally, everyone thanked Artist Yao for making Christchurch a part of her embroidery tour.