Description

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The album, Winds of the East is inspired by Shirley's Chinese and Vietnamese heritage, her grandfather who was a distinguished painter and poet in China, and her recent travels in South East Asia particularly in China and Vietnam. Growing up, Shirley was greatly influenced by his love of the beauty of nature and the world, and her aspirations to capture and show this beauty in the form of art. 

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• Emerald

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This piece is about freedom, a fundamental human right, and was inspired by Shirley's solo travels in Vietnam where she gained deeper insights into the brutality of the French occupation and the Vietnam War. She really admires the Vietnamese people's resilience, strength and unity. Vietnam has many lush emerald forests filled with singing birds. The forests line many limestone mountains, on land and in the sea. 

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Birds sing in their hundreds and thousands,

The calls from golden cages cannot be compared to the sounds of freedom heard from the emerald forests. 

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• Blooming Lotus

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In many places, the lotus symbolises purity and commitment where it rises above the muddy waters – we can all learn from this flower. The lotus is Vietnam’s national flower.

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• Plum Blossoms

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As one of the first flowers to bloom before spring, plum blossoms represent the promise of new beginnings. Shirley admires the plum colours, delicate petals and graceful appearance. Growing up, her grandfather used to paint plum blossoms in Greenwich Park near where they lived, plum blossoms are transient, they don’t last long so he only had a few opportunities in the year.

 

Blushed in plum, they greet the light

A fleeting bloom, so pure and bright.

Softly fading with the breeze

Whispers of beauty that never cease.

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• Magnolia

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Magnolias have long been associated with purity, perseverance and dignity – during the dynasties, Tang and Song for example in China, they were planted in royal gardens as symbols of prestige and honour.

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Magnolia blooms in soft repose,

With petals bright, a fragrant pose.

A timeless beauty, pure and true,

It whispers peace in morning’s hue.

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• Harmony

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In Chinese and many other cultures, harmony is a central concept that reflects balance, peace and the idea of unity.

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• Sacred Mountains

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Shirley was very lucky to have been able to climb some incredibly stunning mountains this year including Mount Hua, which is considered to be one of China’s 5 sacred mountains, ZhangJiaJie, known as the Avatar Mountains and others in Vietnam, all which bring deep cultural and religious significance particularly in Buddhism.

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On top of the mountain peaks, spirits dwell

In mist and stone, their stories swell

Sacred mountains, old and wise

Whispering truths beneath the sky.

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• Bamboo Forests

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Shirley's grandfather loved painting bamboo forests, created with black ink and watercolour which beautifully conveyed the tranquil and resilient spirit of the bamboo.

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In bamboo forests, tall and strong

Whispers of resilience hum along

Through wind and storm, they bow but stand

A living strength within the land.

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• Lantern Wishes

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Lanterns are important in South East Asia as symbols of light, guidance and hope and are used in festivals and religious ceremonies to bring good fortune, celebrate unity and illuminate spiritual paths. Shirley will always treasure her memories of being in Taiwan’s Shifen district where she watched many people excitedly light up their lanterns - most wished for good health, wealth and fortune.

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Lanterns rise on winds so free

Carrying whispers, hopes to see.

Each glow a wish, a dream takes flight.

Lighting the dark with soft delight.

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• Blue Dragonflies 

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Shirley absolutely loves watching blue dragonflies in the lakes and ponds when she travels to South East Asia, given the warmer climates, one sees a lot of them.

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Blue dragonflies dance in the air

Wings aglow, without a care

In rivers and streams, they glide so free

A fleeting symbol of harmony.​​

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• Sacrifices

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This piece is inspired by Shirley's parents who work hard. They have immigrated from China and Vietnam with little English and have started a great restaurant business. Their hard work ethic continually inspires Shirley and she admires their resilience. 

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Through countless sacrifices, family have paved my way,

Giving their all, each and every day.

With love and strength, they shape my dreams.

Grateful for their endless care, unseen.

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• Eternal Peace

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Growing up, Shirley's grandparents taught her Three Hundred Tang Poems. One of the poems that particularly stuck was Song of the Lament by Li Bai, China’s most famous poet. The poem’s most famous phrase is ‘we are born as the same seeds, so why should we make war?’ In the news, there is a lot of warmongering at the moment and she hopes for eternal peace.

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The world feels dark and cold

Many voices are silenced, truths untold

Yet hope remains, a light to see

For eternal peace to rise and set us free.

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• Kashgar Ancient City

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Shirley visited Kashgar Ancient City in Xinjiang, China being the heart of Uyghur civilisation. Xinjiang has been and is subject to lots of negative media attention, which prompted her visit there to find out how the Uyghur people are living, one of China’s 56 ethnic groups. Shirley has had a very positive and warm experience in Xinjiang and encourages people to visit there rather than relying on media reports.

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In Kashgar’s ancient city, the bustle hums

Where Silk Road traders’ footsteps drums.

Spices, silks and stories blend.

A vibrant pulse that has no end.

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• Desert Sands

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Another piece of Shirley's inspired by her recent travels in Xinjiang China, this time at the Takla Makan Desert a vast desert of Central Asia. It is the hottest part of China. She tries to convey the mystery of this beautiful desert.

 

In the desert, sand winds sweep

Endless dunes in silence sleep.

Beneath the sun, so harsh, so bright

A quiet strength in golden light.

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• Lunar Fantasy

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The moon is associated with family unity – just as the full moon is whole and complete, it represents the reunion of loved ones.

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The yellow moon lights the night

A symbol of love, pure and bright.

In myths and dreams, it whispers deep

Of longing hearts and promises to keep.

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