Fruitful trip from Israel 豐富的以色列之行

 

Just back from a fruitful trip to Israel for the workshop ran by master Irit Dulman in the beautiful vineyard in her country.  These are the prints done in those days with different colors and shades, all done with local plants and natural materials.

Color from purple, blue, dark...... and simple to rich prints.....

 

 Shade of prints and dye

 

The beautiful vineyard turned color in autumn made such a nice scenery with Irit's dog Sofia aroun.

 The spacious venue with everything well organised.

 Other participants shared with me some pretty flowers

 From the other side of the studio. 

 "Hey, Sofia....."

 

Prints and dyes in logwood and cochinael.

Wow, a cat around my legs seems I'm so welcome.

 Purple shades after logwood dyed.

 Another two pieces dyed in cochinael and logwood.

Prints from leaves of Melia and Nandina on different fabrics with different outcome

 Nandina prints on linen with some discharge effect.

 

 "Before & After" of prints on silk

 

 Healthy lunch of Israeli dishes.  I love soup and salad.

 

 Cheers mates!

 

 Large pieces made by others in the last two days of the workshop.

 

 I like so much other mates' prints with assorted leaves.

 

 We worked till sun set - gorgeous view every evening.

 After the workshop I managed to explore in town.  I walked to Jaffa - old port of historic buildings, galleries and alleys of interest.

 Up to a hill for the overview of Tel Aviv

 Another day leisure strolling along Nahalat Benyamin street of local made items and crafts

 While I was in the street admiring the items and a lady in my front, how lovely to bump into her, the Israeli fashion designer Shahaf Shriki whom we known from facebook.

 Colorful spices in Carmel market

  

 The long beach and soft sands in the beach

  Watching waves with toast and coffee

 

 How about seeing the city with two-wheel?

Yes "Cycling is the best way to travel" as Mike (mikeybikey.co.il) said. 

I joined him for the Mediterranean coastline tour along beaches and to the Yarkon Park.

 A fun and beautiful riding in the sands

Mike recommended me the typical local food - Pita stuffed with filafel.  I love it.

The video of our short riding just a good memory of the day.

 Already 10 days and ready to home from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport

 

My flight taking off..... goodbye to the beautiful Mediterranean coastal country Israel

 The 9-hour flight with the full moon in the sky and the rising sun in the east.....

 

I'm back Hong Kong with the newly built linking bridge to China and Macau underneath.

  

Home with lots of pretty prints and of course he - Mogi is the happier one to see me home.

 Thank you for Irit's generous teaching and Betty's kindness for my stay.

I will cherish the moment.

Souvenir for a special one 給好友的紀念品

 

These years I seldom buy souvenirs abroad for my friends but making something for my good friends on special occasions instead.

 Last year when I was in Israel for Irit Dulman's workshop I printed a few pieces with local plants. One of it was a light knitted silk jersey. The plants used were casaurina, oak, rose leaves and eucalyptus.

 In Israel we collected eucalyptus leaves in the park for the workshop with Irit

 

Imprints of assorted leaves and the silver grey background of iron mordant

 

Rather than just a scarf, recently I made it into a simple tunic

Folded in two, sewed the shoulders and sides. 

 

Voila, a simple tunic -  I call it "Silver Grey".

                 Last time when I've a chat with my good friend Amy.

 we talked about eco prints.  I  said I was so addicted to experiments but pity that in Hong Kong not all my friends like the "muddy or imperfect prints".  I asked Amy if I made something for her if she would wear, she said she would.

So this piece is special for my friend Amy. 

Be it a tunic......or a nightie for your sweet dream

                    

 or just a wrap around when you're in the ride of air-con bus 

Amy, every year around this time, we'll have a special gathering for our special days.  Years ago you made me this pretty dream house. I hope you also like this "silver grey" tunic.
每年此時我與好友 Amy 總會想著對方, 也會聚聚, 一次飯局中我說及植物移印染這獨特技巧, 我話：「香港人未必接受這 "烏卒卒" 的衣物, 如果我做了你會穿著嗎 ？」你說：「我會架！」
Amy, 特別送給你，就讓這夏日襯衣隨身吧。也謝謝你給我手作的”安樂居”！