September 2013 – Jo Cheung Illustration

Hong Kong! So Far

I can’t believe it’s been more than a week since I left the UK- where did the time go? I’m slowly adjusting to the way of life, although I’m still feeling a little bit homesick. Yes, I’ve even had a little cry (on my own) and thought, ‘I’m so far away from everyone why am I even here?!?’ Lots of self-doubt as usual and negative thoughts but that’s the way I am with anything and everything (ask Sam, he keeps on telling me to be optimistic about things but I’m one big pessimist for sure!)

It’s been a weird week.

I always thought I was incapable of communicating in Cantonese; talking to relatives is different as I tend to switch back and forth from Cantonese to English. I’ve managed to ask for directions and get a new PIN number for my ATM card! I do feel a lot more confident speaking in Cantonese, which is a positive sign.

Emotionally, it’s been a tough week so I’ve been keeping myself preoccupied and doing loads of touristy things on my own. It’s nice being lost in Hong Kong; there’s no pressure for me to be anywhere and I can do things in my own time. Although I’m quite ashamed to admit this but I’ve been going to Starbucks to get my coffee fix! More like on a constant mission to find a coffee shop…

Some things are never going to change.

ByJo Cheung

September 19, 2013

Miscellaneous

0 Comments

Why It’s Ok To Take Risks

Less than two days until I go to Hong Kong and I already have mixed feelings: nervousness, fear, anxiety, happiness, and excitement. For the past few days I’ve been an emotional wreck, which I shouldn’t feel. I was feeling super pumped about going and now the reality of it has finally crept in, I’m starting question lots of things like am I doing the right thing? I’ve come to realise that fear and security holds us back from doing things. It may seem slightly insignificant to others but the two biggest steps I have taken so far was moving away from Sam and moving back to my parent’s house. Because Sam isn’t coming with me, I’m going on my own which is another scary thing. However, I believe that I’ll learn a lot about myself from this experience.

I think now’s the time to find my own feet in the world, make my own decisions, and to look after myself for a while (cooking for myself- argh!) Life is full of challenges; opportunities like this don’t often come by. I’m still a little bit sad that I’m not living in London but I know that this is only temporary and which is why I should embrace it. This is also the only time where I can be free and spontaneous, which is what I craved when I was working.

And have a fucking good time and stop worrying so much.

ByJo Cheung

September 6, 2013

Miscellaneous

0 Comments

Lately

I’ve been beavering away in my sketchbook. Not sure if I’ll develop them into a finished illustration but it was sort of fun to do something a bit random.

A Trip to Newcastle!

Yesterday my parents and I took a trip up north to visit Sam’s folks for the day. Our first stop was Dave’s pottery studio located in Newcastle Arts Centre. His studio like a treasure trove of beautiful handmade ceramics.

My mum and I had a go at making plates and they turned out alright! Bearing in mind the last time I did ceramics was at college about six years ago, which mainly involved messing around with chunks of clay. Dave’s demonstration made it look really easy… when it was our turn, er, we needed a little bit of help from him!

My mum having a go at making a plate!

Ta-da! The end results! My plate is on the far right… Kind of wonky looking! But I like the spiral shape in the middle and the circular marks around the plate as it gives it a handmade feel to it.

Afterwards, we met up with Barbara and Shoz for afternoon tea at the Jesmond Dene House. Unfortunately, there are no photographic evidence as we pretty much demolished everything.