Theresa Harwood-Xie is originally from the UK and came to China to teach at an international school in 2012. After she came, she met her husband, got married, and has lived here ever since.

With a master’s in art history from the University of Sydney, and a fervent love of art, Theresa, or Terri, as she’s more affectionately known, founded Civillita as an art studio in 2020.

As a qualified teacher of art and design, Terri offers short courses on drawing and painting, helping to develop students both young and old into confident artists. She is also deeply passionate about art history, specifically Chinese art history, which she says “reflects two millennia of human history.”

If you or your child are similarly interested in art history you’ll be glad to know that starting Jun 4, middle schoolers between the ages of nine and 12 who have a thirst for art knowledge and culture can join Terri’s Western Art History course. The online course will be conducted on ClassIn and is limited to only eight participants. At the same time, Terri will offer another course suitable for teenagers and teachers who want to learn about key issues in the context of art history.

Aside from art history, Civillita is offering an online academic drawing course suitable for anyone from 11 to 90 years old. The only requirement of the course is that you want to learn to draw! If you have always wanted to draw but don’t quite know where to start, such as how to make objects appear three-dimensional on a 2D surface such as paper, then this is the course for you. You’ll even find out what terms such as “directional hatching” and “scumbling” mean, so you can really impress your art-savvy friends and teachers! In Terri’s own words, “It is bizarrely addictive. Additionally, these courses are very useful for cultivating the skills necessary in IB Visual Art.”

These courses have limited spaces and are often sold out quickly, so do book your spot soon!

KEEP READING: With E-Learning Comes E-xercise! Online Workouts To Stay In Shape

Images: Unsplash, Theresa Harwood-Xie

Juan Manuel Delgado, an artist and native of Costa Rica, swears by acupuncture and credits the therapy with allowing him to walk again, even after countless doctors were all but assured of his lifelong immobility.

Delgado’s love of art began early in life. Born in Costa Rica, his family moved to Canada when he was 3 years old. There, he studied with Peter Schwartzman, a renowned Russian artist and architect. Following in his mentor’s footsteps, Delgado pursued an architecture degree and later returned to Costa Rica where he continued practicing art, refining his skill under the tutelage of a master portrait artist.

Delgado presenting Pope Francis with a portrait

A couple of months before coming to China, Delgado was diagnosed with a serious condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis, a rare type of arthritis that causes pain and stiffness in the spine. It’s a life-long condition that generally begins in the lower back and gradually makes its way towards the neck, often damaging joints in other parts of the body. Due to this condition, Delgado was told he would never be able to walk again and would have to rely on a wheelchair.

“Crimson Lips”

Unable to move, or so much as pick up a paintbrush, Delgado was in agony, and the thought of being wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life weighed heavily. Determined not to be defined by the disease, he began researching a well-known staple of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture. Incidentally, this wasn’t Delgado’s first foray into the treatment, having used it earlier in his life.

“Interlaced Fingers”

After deciding that acupuncture outweighed the side effects of all the medications prescribed by his doctors, Delgado sought out treatment in China where his father still lives and works as the ambassador for Costa Rica. Needless to say, his recovery wasn’t easy, however, Delgado is living proof that the power of the mind is greater than we think.

Portrait of Keylor Navas

I had the opportunity to interview Delgado. His story is fascinating and his artwork breathtaking, to say the least.

How do you think acupuncture has helped your recovery?
The beauty of acupuncture is that it focuses on the radiance of the human body as a whole. For example, if you have shoulder pain, the doctor will not inject your shoulder. The doctor might go for your hip or some other body part in order for the body to line up to itself whereas Western medicine only focuses on the individual part of the body. And the beauty of it all is that acupuncture is one of the best techniques that has been practiced for thousands of years here in China to alleviate pain, inflammation, and so many other factors. I opted towards that because I felt it was less harmful in terms of taking the harsh medication for my body, and to be able to have a long life, and I guess following my intuition played a big part.

Would you say that your art served as a coping mechanism during the pandemic?
During the pandemic, for me as an artist, it didn’t affect me that greatly because I’m always working at home or the studio and so I’m not someone who needs to go to the office. So I think for any artist, there weren’t many difficulties stuck at home because the beauty of the pandemic in one way, is that it blossomed much more artists to explore that inner talent or passion that they had but were never able to express it. I think a lot more artists or musicians or poets came to the world because of the pandemic which urged them to focus on their inner worlds.

Portrait of astronaut, Dr. Franklin Chang

What would you say to young artists that aspire to make their work known, as you have with yours?
As an artist, you have to be true to yourself. Some artists might try to paint what people want, just to sell their work but I think it’s more important to find what brings happiness towards you, be it landscapes or flowers or portraits. And that is your own representation of how you see the world and how you’re going to express that world to other people for them to enjoy. So the most important thing is to be true to yourself. Do not give up, continue working hard and being patient, and remain positive because it is a slow career and you learn as you grow.

Images: Juan Manuel

COVID-19 Vaccine Ready in China?

In case you missed it, on October 12, state-owned China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) launched an online vaccine reservation system. Before you get excited, the system currently only accepts appointments for China’s essential workers and students living in Beijing and Wuhan. Students planning to travel abroad from November 2020 to January 2021 will also be eligible for the shot.

70 Schools, Hundreds of Families Attend Jingkids International School Expo

COVID-19 might have seen the Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) postponed, but even it couldn’t stop this annual event from taking place. Over 70 international schools were in attendance, showcasing the best that each of their campuses has to offer to Beijing’s parents and students. There were also engaging panels, where experts, educators, parents, and students alike were able to exchange and learn. This year’s JISE was certainly one for the books!

Beijingkids’ Mina Yan and Husband Welcome Beautiful Baby Daughter

It’s said that each cloud has a silver lining. And for us at beijingkids, as for most of Beijing’s international families, 2020 hasn’t been the easiest of years. But our Chief Manager Mina Yan’s baby bump became a constant source of joy in the office as the entire team waited with great anticipation for the arrival of the baby. And arrive she did, on October 19, after keeping not only we on the beijingkids team on tenterhooks, but also her mommy and daddy waiting days after she was due to arrive. Better late than never we say, and with such a precious reward after a long wait, it makes any stretch of time well worth it. Congratulations again to Mina Yan and her husband, Billy Jin, as they embark on this new adventure of parenthood.

In our October issue, the article “From Art Attack to Nurturing Creativity” included a photo of artwork that was not properly credited. The artwork is titled “Paola” by local Beijing artist Annette Golden. Beijingkids apologizes for this error.

KEEP READING: Beijing Artist Profile: Annette Golden

Photos: Mina Yan, Beijingkids, Unsplash, Annette Golden

This article appeared in the beijingkids 2020 November issue

Beijingkids was first introduced to this local Beijing artist when an art teacher pointed to her as inspiration. Annette Golden’s work really entrances and captivates your eyes on a first look, and we’re thrilled to have the chance to introduce our readers to more of her artwork, as well as her upcoming workshops.

Annette Golden running her INSIDEOUT workshop.

How did you discover your love and talent for art?

I don’t remember the exact moment and age when I discovered my passion for art, because I was way too young. But I remember myself at the age of four always having paintbrushes and watercolors around and painting billions of pictures nonstop. Jasmine, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Snow White — I think I drew and painted at least 1,000 of each as a kindergartener. If I wouldn’t finish my meal my mom would hide my watercolors and colored pencils and would give them back only if I finished! That was the best motivation.

My grandpa taught me how to hold a paintbrush and how to draw lines, faces, and animals. I’ll never forget that. When I was four, he took me to the art school where his friend was teaching and they sat me in a chair, gave me paper, a paintbrush, and three fluorescent oil paints: orange, yellow and pink. Since then, those have been my favorite colors and they’re also the ones that represent my art. They are colors of happiness, of the joy of life, of my childhood. I don’t remember exactly what I painted, but I’ll always remember the smell of paint and the vibe. Older kids were really kind and curious about the process of my painting. That’s how it all started. Several years after that when I was seven, I became a student myself. Those were the longest and most terrifying years of my life!

That experience was very deep and insightful. I have an understanding of dozens of different art techniques, sculpture, sketching, charcoal drawing, watercolors, and many more. I still use lots of them.

How did you find your way to Beijing?

I was planning to come to Beijing with my best friend to travel and make some money for just six months. She got married and never joined me, and here I am living my fourth year and planning to live many more years here. I am a part of this place. It touched my heart and I’m loving it.

What themes do you tend to explore?

I’m most fascinated by portraits; I always have and probably always will be. I’ve been exploring contemporary art, but we’re way too different. People inspire me the most. Each one has a very special story, a special energy, and I try to show it the way I feel it in my art. I tend to play and explore the topic of a portrait deeper in the future, taking the cultural and spiritual aspects of it. I think of it as a “let’s see what happens” approach.

“Petal Hair” by Annette Golden

What are your favorite pieces of yours?

Every single piece of mine that I have shown to the public I truly love. My most favorite three pieces are: “Paola,” “Petal hair,” and “Tease,” but they are sold out.

What artists inspire you?

I’ve always been fond of Van Gogh and Ivan Aivazovsky. But the artists that inspire me the most are the modern ones, people I’ve found on Instagram. My favorite modern artist is Kate Tova, a Russian based in California. Her art and lifestyle inspired me and I even asked her a couple of questions when I was starting my own brand. I also love Elena York, an Armenian artist living in New York. Her art is powerful and very unique; sometimes, it takes her up to 12 months to finish one work. I love it. I also love the Shenzhen art district, you can feel the vibes of the new generation there. That place is probably my favorite art place in China.

“Into You” by Annette Golden

How did you start running workshops?

I’ve had the idea of doing an art workshop for several years. I simply always want to show people that it’s possible to create something unique and beautiful without long hours, months, and years of studying art. It’s much easier than that and really fun. I met the right people (my team) and we worked hard for several months creating a concept and developing our INSIDEOUT workshop. I wanted to create something extremely fresh and unique, and together with that, something very insightful and peaceful, a workshop I’d love to attend myself. It worked out much better than any of our expectations.

Your workshops sound like much more than a night of painting. What do you wish for attendees to get out of it?

I want my attendants to explore their sources of inner power and strength. Art is the best way to do it. I wanted to create a safe and beautiful space for women where they can feel free and where they can create without any judgments, with no limits but being inspired at the same time. Now, INSIDEOUT is growing and we will be open to a wider audience: we’re going to have mom & child workshops, all gender workshops, that kind of thing. It’s important for all of us to be able to have a little getaway from big city life and just dive into the atmosphere of art. It’s healing, it opens our eyes, horizons, and hearts. Art moves our planet.

Art photography by Yulia JPFstudio is as big a part of the workshop as the art itself.

Part of your workshop is also art photography. Why do you offer that and what can people expect from it?

I admire photography and I think it’s a very unique kind of art. I love capturing and I love being captured. I love watching women while they’re very concentrated on the process of creating in my workshops and I believe it’s necessary to keep those memories in the form of a photo. It’s art in art. My friend and my business partner Yulia JPFstudio was the one who was doing the first art shootings for me and I believe that her style and methods as a photographer are extremely feminine… She focuses on details, sexuality, gentleness. We do create beautiful memories, but it’s better not to expect anything from the workshop, to be honest. The outcome for every single person is very different and very unique. The only thing people should expect from it is joy.

You can learn more about Annette’s workshops through her WeChat: AfromtheW

How can people follow your work?

For now, the most accessible place where I share my work is my Instagram account (@annette_g_art). But I’m working on my website as well, it’ll probably be ready at the beginning of 2021.

Annette’s INSIDEOUT workshops are abstract painting workshops for women in a peaceful art studio.

KEEP READING: Exploring Beijing’s Hidden Art Walk Destinations

Photos: Yulia JPFstudio, Art: Annette Golden

As the COVID-19 Saga continues to draw out, families and teachers have committed to staying safe and infection free, much to the detriment of their social and professional lives. Fortunately, Beijing expats are a tough bunch. In this series, we asked folks to share their stories of being stirred, but ultimately not shaken, by current events.

We all gripe about wanting to have extra time on our hands, and the current COVID-19 crisis has done just that – dumped oodles of spare time on many laps. For some, this is a simple case of ‘too much of a good thing’, with many longing to go back to the regimented chaos of normal Beijing life. While for others, this bit of spare time is exactly what the doctor ordered (quite literally).

Stephen Gleadow, an artist, freelance creative director, creative consultant and designer, and father of two shares his balancing act between being a dad, artist, and husband.

Are you a Beijing Oldie or Newbie?

I have been in Beijing for 12 years. I’m originally from the US.

When you first heard about the outbreak, did you take it seriously or did you take it with a grain of salt?

Yeah, I took it seriously, but tried not to take it fearfully.

Would you say that you have cabin fever? If so, how has it manifested itself?

I really feel my best and thrive on time alone in my studio. Being separated from my workspace is its own form of cabin fever. We’ve been able to get out and about since the beginning for scenic drives and shopping, etc. However not being able to flex those creative muscles in my space has been the most cabin fever’esque for me. The rest I feel like we’ve adapted to pretty well.

How has this outbreak changed your work-life daily routine?

My life is totally different. I’m, as I mentioned, separated from my studio where I do most of my work. We are managing our kids from morning till night, leaving freelance work as a night job from home. So daily rhythms have changed a lot. We’ve adapted as best we can, but it’s definitely not ideal and we face daily sacrifices and flexibility challenges to make life work and fit in healthy, sanity-saving rhythms.

What’s a typical day in quarantine like for your family?

Up at 7.30am then breakfast time and a little screen time for kids. We’re not really morning parents. The first hour, at least, is a coffee supported chill session where the kids mostly watch some kind of educational cartoon bonanza. Keep in mind our youngest is 2 so although our oldest can quietly chill while our minds come to life, our 2-year-old basketball star runs around coaxing us into some form of play.

By 9am we move towards homeschooling projects supplied by our oldest son’s kindergarten. The rest of the day is usually filled with school projects/a rich supply of activities planned by mom, or improvised art projects/play adventures, fort building, and ruff housing usually managed by me. We gave up the parental puritanical desire to not let our kids have screen time so we adults can engage in non-childcare related things like exercise, reading, work, email, etc. My wife and I switch off and on with the kids when work responsibilities come a-callin’.

What do you most miss about Beijing BC (Before Coronavirus)?

Going to art world events like gallery openings, studio visits. Being around the creative community of artists in my hood (798, Caochangdi). Going out in nice weather to explore the ever-changing nuances and cool locales in Beijing.

What have you discovered about yourself during this time? IE: Have you discovered any pet peeves, phobias or ticks that you never knew you had?

As a parent of six years, I’ve struggled off and on with parent guilt. Time-to-time I have found myself asking the question, “Am I doing this correctly”? Feeling bad on weekends, that even though I’m with my kids all weekend long, I’m not having a ton of fun entertaining them all day. In short, feeling bad that I wasn’t a super dad always motivated to, or longing to spend more time with my kids.

Some of this, I realize, has to do with the age of our children. Just before the Coronavirus outbreak, I was enjoying them more than ever because they are maturing and there are more things we can enjoy that connect with my personality. Anyway, flash forward through Corona time and I’d venture to say one cannot spend more time with their children than we have in the last nine weeks. However not much has changed for me other than my capacity to do more.

On the other side of that growth is the realization that I’m okay with my parenting, both the weaknesses and strengths! My kids love me, I love them and I don’t have to feel like I have to martyr myself in order to be a solid, balanced, loving parent. In the midst of all this, I have felt more confident that I’m a good dad and it’s okay to also be frustrated, tired, annoyed and a bit burnt out on your children. It’s normal and not necessarily fixed by engaging more and more and more. I’m grateful for this experience and what it’s provided.

Once all this is over, what do you plan on doing? What do you most look forward to going back to?

Date night out with my wife. Our ayi helping us out so we can have date night. Working in my studio. I’m in an exhibition coming up in Los Angeles that I’m looking forward to one day happening, as it’s been postponed “indefinitely” .

Has the outbreak changed your resolve to remain in Beijing or are you here to stay until the foreseeable future?

We’ve stayed through thick and thin for a long time. We’ve seen friends come and go and Beijing change like the seasons. However this is our home that we hold with fondness and with open hands. If we haven’t left by now, then, well, maybe I leave it there. I like a good mystery.

Photos: Courtesy of Stephen Gleadow

It’s hard to make money from art, as any impoverished creative will tell you. But can you make art from money?

Elizabeth Briel, artist in residence at YCIS Beijing, is working with a new material: banknotes. She is carving 500 US dollars and 500 one yuan notes so that they spell out words associated with money in different languages. The notes will then be assembled into a single large artwork, with video and photos of contributors from Beijing and Hong Kong. We talked to her about the project.

How did the children respond?

They were shocked at first. I explained to them that 500 dollars is the cost of an iPad, what their parents pay for them to attend one week of school, and also what I usually spend on paper in a year. After a while they began to get the idea, to start thinking about what money means to them.

Isn’t cutting up banknotes illegal?

I haven’t cut up any dollars in the US, or any RMB in China! I’ve made sure I stay within the law of both countries. I whitewash the sides with the portraits of Washington and Mao.

What are you saying with this artwork?

I’m not trying to make a statement, I’m just asking questions: about money, and what we value.

You can find out more about Elizabeth, her work and the Greenbacks project at her website: www.ebriel.com

A young woman from California was sitting behind a table displaying exceptional stippling ink handmade cards at the 3e Christmas bazaar last weekend. She confirmed that she was the artist behind the work I was admiring:  Erica J. Chen. Then, quite plainly, she told me that she also has a“day job” and only draws at night. I looked down at the detailed work in my hands and then looked up again at the frankness of her expression. This was my next thought: “Not for long!”

I didn’t buy her work that day, but I was so moved by it that I came home and looked her up. When an artist impresses me, I want to support them—especially if they’re local—but I’m not the most financially buffered artist in my own right, and I instinctively felt that the best thing I could do for this person was this:

Tell you about her.

No, even more importantly:

Show you her work!

When I went to her site, I expected the cute animals-with-attitude that I had found on her card selection. They are drawn with such personality that they seem to already be moving in the animated short film that will one day exist to support Erica’s work. But on her site, I also found three additional series that were equally animated in their own ways. 

One was a collection of drawings based on human organs. I love their thoughtful designs, the way they jump off the screen, and the idea of taking something so dry and scientific and giving it life through ink–life outside of the body in which it belongs.

Another was a series on kitchen utensils. I don’t think I’ve ever taken time to notice the shape of a spatula until Erica’s work caught my attention.

The third was a series of female faces in various elaborate headdresses. This was my absolute favorite collection. The subtlety and sensitivity of each facial contour will have you staring into these sets of unknown eyes wondering if they might not be photographs after all.

If you don’t know who Erica is, you should. And then you should commission her for a piece to hang in your home before none of us can afford to do so.
 

Photos: Erica J. Chen