Norm Yip's Cult(ure) Blog

26 May 09

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:55:00 +0000

I have been thinking about the months of struggling in the business of being a photographer, teacher and artist. And I have come to realize and know who the real supporters are, although we may not have been in contact for quite some time. The people that truly have a passion for the arts remain as so, unswerving by their position in that art shall survive, and it will continue to flourish, no matter how hard or difficult it may be. My friends attest to that. In the back of my mind, I feel that I have been a bit of a cop out, that I have devalued my position as an artist, and have shifted to a more commercial realm by opening up a studio, where I shoot commercial jobs (ie: family portraits, fashion, etc.) and also teach. I am interested in publishing, and that seems like a commercial enterprise that I shouldn't be even touching, but then, I have and will be doing in the next little while. I ebb in and out of the waters from one thing to the next, with no real focus. Why can't I settle my mind? What has 2009 done to me and everyone else? Nevertheless, this year of making new and renewing old acquaintances is paramount. In this time of economic blues, I'm discovering new energies and ideas with people around me. I'm eager and excited, but nervous about what all this holds. I've been taken for a ride before and I don't recommend it. To anyone.

20 May 09

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:37:00 +0000

I don't know when was the last time I wrote in this blog, but I thought I would start to reinstate some thoughts in my mind, given the past tumultuous 8 months of havoc in the startup of my new studio in Hong Kong. It seemed not that long ago that I had just moved into Sheung Wan, and right during a time when the world was in strife over the September, 9-11 incident in New York. Times were really rough, and I had just moved into the flat. Now, the same thing has arisen here the move this time to Chai Wan, from West end to now East end. What a horrific time it has been in dealing with the university that I have been teaching at. I'm going to be brutally honest, and not because of the university itself, but the people that I have had to work and cooperate with, namely, a certain middle management personnel has taken me and my business partner for a ride, a ride that cost myself frustration, aggravation, financial strife (right during a time when the economy is in a downturn), and headache. Picking up the pieces has been an ordeal. Unpaid invoices dating back to 2006 and unresolved contracts for models and such, it is a fiasco. Regaining ground was all a bit too late, but it's better than never.

The 9 of Swords and The Devil in a dance...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:11:00 +0000

About two months ago, I took out a Tarot deck, the Thoth deck, one that I didn't use that often, to try to delve into the future of my life/existence. I used a new spread that I was unfamiliar with, that was on the pages of a book that accompanied the deck. The layout itself was fascinating to unfold, as much as the cards were. The Thoth deck is drawn in a very rich way, with complex colors, symbols, and imagery that are right for the more involved reading and interpretation. A few days ago, I decided to pull out that deck, after a night of feeling lost and of not knowing what lies ahead of myself, and decided to use a common spread called the Celtic Cross. What surprised me (which should not be a surprise really), was that the cards that I pulled out were nearly identical to the ones I had drawn a few months ago. I remember them, as I was reading the same information over again. It was as if a clear message or indication was being sent to me.

The Tarot is a mystical thing, allowing me and anyone else that cares to listen, to explore the situations and influences affecting the human psyche. What it revealed to me was something I had already known: that it was time for me to stop being so critical of my work, and to just do it. The few cards that surfaced both times were plenty, but the ones that were the crux of my situation was the 9 of Swords, which usually points to cruelty to oneself. All artists do it. I admit to it. The other dark card was The Devil card. And if my memory serves correct, it was the outcome card both times. In the Rider Waite deck, it is a very intense and not a good card to have, but in the Thoth deck, it is rather is different. It is actually quite beautiful, with a lot of sexual energy and release. A smiling goat is centered in the card with a phallic symbol (in the form of energy rising from the ground to the heavens) is behind him. The goat is Pan, devoid of desire (a form of imprisonment) and as such, is content and happy. I have been desiring many thing of late, thereby creating my own unhappiness when I do not 'have' it. It's something I have to deal with. How the 9 of Swords and The Devil Card cross each is fascinating, as the first card reveals how I am now, and The Devil card is what I want to move towards, if I was to change my way of thinking. The interpretation can be quite varied, but it seems clear that my situation is that I am the only person that can pull myself out....

The lost meaning of blogs and the lost meaning of art

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 12:47:00 +0000

It has been a number of months since I last posted here. The reasons are varied, mostly due to the fact that my mind has been battling the realms of commercialism, of blogging, of marketing of my artwork, creation of the artwork and of sales, so it's a mish-mash of different thoughts and directions.

In an blog I submitted to my alivenotdead.com profile, I said that blogging was becoming a form of self-marketing, self-promoting vehicle to toot one's own horn, and the that original 'journal' or diary was getting lost. I felt that there was no where for me to pour my guts and my Soul to. I remember the days when I would be at home with my pen and book writing out things that only I would read and later recall. I then later started to write these thoughts into a personal journal. Back then, it was my geocities homepage that I created. It felt 'right'. My boring outpourings of grief and loneliness felt private and I still have those pages saved in my original html. Then, this thing called blogs came into the picture. Personally, I am not sure if it's really such a good thing, because now people can respond to them. But in a sense, I am not sure of the reason why. I just want to record my thoughts throughout the day. Good and bad. What I notice about the alivenotdead blog, is that it is for artist promotion, so I feel I have to write things in it that promote my work, my art, my aspirations. But do people want to hear about my sorrows and griefs as a human person. My gripes on the art industry? I think not. So here I am back on my personal blog, to an audience of a lesser number, moreso: me.

Independent artists are popping up everywhere on the map, especially here in Hong Kong. I remember when I first started up Meli-Melo Artist Alliance back in 1999 that we were one of the first groups to create a grassroots artist community wanting to do something creative in super stressful Hong Kong. And now we have an enormous number of young individuals both here and in Asia making it's wave. There is this bandwagon feeling about the art and about the production thereof. So I began thinking that maybe I'm just one of them? With nothing that particularly interesting to offer. What will make my work relevant or meaningful. I did some rather perculiar drawings made from pencil and a scanner, and photo manipulation. It was almost 'meaningless' to me, although intriguing and colourful to the eye. I also created some drawings made from scans of high fashion jewelry in a Christie's catalog. I call it appropriation and manipulation. It's kitchy art. I hate it in a way, because it feels so UN-meaningful. What is going on with me? Remember DADA art? Well, my name of the artwork is KIKU.

No ordinary city for no ordinary people...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 03:02:00 +0000

I have been trying to think about what it is about Hong Kong that I like so much. The heat and humidity is nearly unbearable, the streets have cockroaches, the people generally rude, fake and obnoxious, people butt ahead in cues, and the mentality of most are oriented to money, self-gain and image. People judge you on your looks and what you wear, where you live and if you're sporting the latest technotronic gadget. To survive here is probably one of the hardest and toughest of cities in the world. It is not forgiving. My cousin had a secret bet that when I moved here from Canada, that I wouldn't make it past one year. As of this year, I have been in Hong Kong for 13 years. I still find this city one of the most energetic and exciting places to live and work as an artist. No, I don't have a harbour view out of my flat and I don't earn the big bucks (that I'd like). I took a major drop in revenue after making the shift from architect to artist-photographer. What's more, I started working as a bar-tender and did Tarot readings on the side-line. Do I have any regrets? and did Hong Kong let me down? The answer of course is no. Hong Kong in fact gave the opportunity to do things I never would have done if I were in any city. So long as you're willing to give it a shot? and do your best, people will give you chance at nearly anything. I tell this to anyone I meet now that has a passion for something. But here is the underlying problem with many people I meet: they don't have a clue as to what they are passionate about. They ponder the street and wonder why they can't find a job. I don't know if it's because of lack of ambition, or no need for money. But it is true, I know some people who do not have any need for money because their taken care for. Perhaps that is the clincher. For me, and here I digress a bit. One of the primary reasons I create what I create and photograph what I do is because I see the VALUE of what I'm doing not just from a creative point of view, but also from a financial point of view. I see my work as also a dollar sign. Without the drive to see it's inherent returns, I don't think I would be doing it. I'd be pursuing other avenues to create things for money. The main difference in what I create however, is that I find personal reward from the creation of the photograph, drawing or painting. And in addition, I fine personal satisfaction when I see that someone who has purchased my work, happiness and elation. I recall my first sale of a graphite drawing when a man came up to me and asked for permission to have my drawing. It was the most strange request. I said, do you mean, buy it? He nodded. It was no ordinary purchase, from no ordinary man, and no ordinary drawing. The drawing was entitled ONE, and remains the most pivotal piece of artwork to date. It was pure unequivocal Spirit. So where, where does this creative energy surface from? True, it does come from within, in my mind, my Spirit, my energy, but it also derives its energy from the surroundings, from the people, from the mountains and waters that flow in the Fragrant Harbour, from Hong Kong. The energy is not quiet, and it demands release and attention. The city can vivify or it can suck it from you, leaving you dry and vacuous.

The Asian Male 2.AM Video...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:37:00 +0000

In case anyone cares to see, this is my attempt at making a video using my imac. I used images from my book to create the video. Here it is: http://www.normyip.com/2AM/2AM%20slideshow-web2.mov

I don't think I'm a mastermind at this, but just something to play with...

hong kong police and the angry brothers...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:35:00 +0000

Most of the time, I find myself meeting very optimistic people in Hong Kong, whether they be locals or foreigners. But today, I bumped into a couple of guys, brothers actually, near my Sheung Wan pad when I went out for some food. We decided to have dinner together and headed to the nearest food market nearby. What puzzled and annoyed me was the dinner conversation. The two of them were complaining about the legal system and about how the police harass everyone, and without right/due cause. Frankly, this was my 4th or 5th time seeing the one brother, and eac time, he was in trouble with the law/police. And it appeared that he was not at fault for anything, but that he contagonized the police. He simple loved to argue against authority. Loud and obnoxioius, the guy was phased by how I was being accepting of the fact that the police could request my ID and question me on my whereabouts. Personally, yes, I have been stopped by the police here on a number of occasions. I admit to being rather perturbed by the entire process and feeling like a criminal when being interrogated on the streets. But I just answer and they let me go. Harmless. But for these two guys at the dinner table, they just went on and on about what is fair and unfair. I give it to them for being so 'just' in their thinking, but it dawned on me that these guys are really just loud and obnoxious individuals that need to listen to themselves talk. Bad energy in a major way. I said to one of them, that it would be better to leave it be, and to move onto doing something constructive and creative, than to harp on something that was rather insignificant. At least in Hong Kong, the streets are safer than most other cities, just because of the police enforcement. I'm not saying they are perfect either, but they do pretty good for a city of 6-7million inhabitants.

Pre-screening of 'Sketches of Frank Gehry' by Sidney Pollack

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:28:00 +0000

Today I had the pleasure and privilege of seeing the new Sidney Pollack documentary on Frank Gehry. Done in a very raw hand held-style whereby Sidney Pollack himself became part and parcel of the footage, this films reveals much about the inner working and inspirations of an architect whose architectural buildings have all but won him International acclaim. Through straightforward questions, Frank answers back. No high brow intellectual jargon that architects are all to eager to impress. Pollack films Frank creating and designing using simple tools: paper and sissors and human miniatures to give the buildings a sense of scale. To the architect in me (I have an architecture degree from the University of Toronto), I relate completely to what he doing. No doubt the public might gasp at how primitive it appears. Having met Frank at a lecture when I just finished my studies in Toronto, I felt he was just an okay architect at the time. But as the years passed, I began to see his work taking on a greater and even more experimental side. I began to see his art and creativity blossom. This documentary is somewhat timely for me, as it reveals to me that artists have to take risks, but only for what is his own set of limitations and moral belief. I believe that Frank is truly genius. His pencil sketches are videotaped up close. I mean, really close to the point we can see the graphite texture etched into the paper. Sidney realizes and understands that these are his first tools to realizing a concept. The energy contained in them are priceless, as they directly come from Gehry's creative mind. This documentary may not dazzle the ordinary layman, but to anyone that has visited the Bilbao Museum in Spain, you will find this a fascinating account of a brilliant and master creator.

The Controller of Undesirable Publications...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:02:00 +0000

My body is aching...after all the hustle and bustle of the book launch last Friday and the weekend. I delivered copies of 2.AM book to Page One and HMV, two vendors that supported me 2 years ago. But who would have ever thought that HMV would place a hard-cover book such as mine on their shelves? Anyway, I'm happy that the book is there and I hope that it does just as well as my first book, if not better.

Now here is the real question: will Singapore allow my 2.AM book to be sold in their city? I sent a copy to the government's MDA (Media Development Authority). And I'm waiting patiently now.... If they say okay, then I'll have a book signing/launch thing there. If not, then....well, sorry Singapore, you'll have to order online or fly yourself over to HK to pick up a copy. And in case you didn't know, my first book. 1.AM was banned. I mean, what for? My work is artistic, tasteful, and meaningful. Oh, but then, this is my interpretation. My Art is political by the very nature of what is NOT allowed in the country. The letter didn't say why my book was banned; they offered no explanation. And at the time, I was very sick from sciatica and couldn't be bothered to write back and argue the case. But what was intensely disturbing was from whom the letter was written from, the "Controller of Undesirable Publications"....

2.AM book launch was a success...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 07:19:00 +0000

One of the things about being an artist and self publisher is the amount of shameless promotion that I have to do let people know who I am. The last few weeks has been actually a bit crazy, with me going out to the bars and clubs to talk about my latest creation, 2.AM, my second photography book. In addition, I have been caught much too drunk for my own good, cause I remember staying out so late one night that my friends convinced me to go have dim sum with them at 6am in the morning. Fxxx!

Anyway, the book launch was a blast. I had tons of fun, although moments before the launch, I was scrabbling around in shorts and a smelly sweaty shirt tugging my trolley cart of books to Billy Boy Cafe on my own. My assistant miscalculated the time, turned off his phone -- so there I was on my own. Luckily, he called and apologized profusely and got himself over to the launch pad in 30 minutes. I think about a 100 or so guests showed up, including a few of the models. Do you want to see the images? Check it out at my picasa album: http://picasaweb.google.com/nypstudio/2AMHongKongBookLaunchPics

For your info, if you are interested in getting a copy of the book, just go to my website at http://www.theasianmale.com and order online. Of course, you can also pick one up in Hong Kong at HMV or Page One. I just delivered the books to them yesterday....so they should be on the shelves by the weekend.

2.AM Finally Arrives on June 15th here in Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Mon, 28 May 2007 17:38:00 +0000

Finally, it is going to happen. My second 'baby' is about to arrive in only a few weeks from now and here I sit nervously thinking if anyone is going to show up at the Hong Kong book launch. I've been to the printers for the press check and everything seems okay, although the images never quite turn out 100% of what I want them to look like, it's quite close. I'm happy that I've taken the leap into the unknown once again, albeit a bit more familiar now than the first time around. Luckily, my health is staying good this time, as when I published my first book, I was horribly sick with tonsilitis and then the flu following that. I was so weak. Luckily, my mother was here from Canada and had to be, well, mom, all over again. She was a life saver. This time, she won't be here to see the second one come off the press althought it would be nice to have her around. I'm sure it will be a great night. Here are the details of the launch:

The Asian Male - 2.AM -- HONG KONG BOOK LAUNCH
Photography by Norm Yip

June 15th, 2007
6:30-9:00pm
at Billy Boy Cafe (behind Rice Bar)
19 Mercer Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

After-party to follow at Volume
83-85 Hollywood Road
Central, Hong Kong
10-12midnight will be happy hour drinks
Some models will be in attendance

For more information, contact +852 25406267 or +852 68388948
info@normyip.com

When is a photograph a work of art?

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 10:57:00 +0000

Someone I hardly know via the internet sent me a honest question regarding my photography, asking me if there was a difference between a hot guy and a work of art. It made me think of why he asked this, as I thought they were so two very different things. To me, a hot guy is a hot guy (and may be himself, a work of art). It has nothing to do with photography. If I photograph one of these guys, then I'm privileged and honored. When I go through the contact sheets after a photo-session, I am usually trying to find images that I find outstanding in some sort of way, something that says something to me. Usually, I find that only a few images really do it for me. It is not to say that the model is not beautiful or gorgeous -- they are very much so. But what I am talking about is photography, and the art thereof. So in a hundred or so images of one model, I might be able to find just one to four images that could be considered a very good photograph, and this has to do with not just the model, but the composition, lighting, texture, mood, expression. It's difficult to say exactly in words.

As I begin the journey of compiling my photographs for the next edition of The Asian Male (2.AM), I know I will have many comments comparing it to the first book. It will not be the same, yet it will not be dramatically different. It will be an expansion, an extension. If the first book was the foundation and first floor to a language of De Stijl, then the second edition is the second floor with perhaps an added swimming pool to the main level in the same language thereof. There is something different and new, but there is something of the same that is revisited.

Annoying emails, pics, rendevous and chatting...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 19:43:00 +0000

Lately I have found myself quite irritable with some internet chatters. I have found myself at odds as to whether I am trying to pick fights and to create a more difficult world to live in. Has the internet created an animal in me. I get irritated by people emailing me and asking me for personal information about the models that I have photographed. And I have to kindly explain to these people that I am not a dating service, nor am I allowed to simply pass on other people's contact information. It's happened so many times, and not from young infactuated kids that don't know any better, but from full grown adults.

What else? Well, last weekend, someone sent me an email indicating that they are flying from out of town and in Hong Kong for a few days. I find they have a nicely written up profile but no photograph of themself. Innocently (or should I say foolishly), I give them my number to contact me. So later on the weekend, I get this sms saying he is arriving in that evening, quite late. It's near midnight that this person gets to his hotel and I get an sms again, subsequently a phone call. I ask for a face picture and he responsd that he can't remember the password. I decide not to meet based on the fact that this guy hasn't the decency to provide a photo. It doesn't matter that he's staying at the Four Seasons. The next day, I get another sms asking about my whereabouts, and then the day after. This guy doesn't give up easily. I decide at that point in time to send him my reason for not meeting him, and that it's based on the fact that he doesn't offer to provide a photo of himself. Afterall, why was this guy so interested in meeting me? Based on my written profile? Very unlikely. I don't claim to be a super hunk, but I don't believe he would have bothered to send me an email as based on my written profile.

Now my question is, how do I access anyone over the internet without a photograph (let's not even talk about those that post false images of themselves -- they are not worth discussing). Should I just continue chatting and talking to them? Anyone can be interesting and charming and helpful right? My gripe about guys that have no photo is increasingly becoming a frustration. I feel it is simply rude not to have a photo nowadays. No more excuses. If you expect to chat and have conversation with me? Then a face pic is a must; body pic is optional.

Changing Times, the Universe and Friends

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 06:36:00 +0000

Last Friday, I found exactly what I needed: friends to help me through some inner difficulties with life, relationship, finance and most of all, change. I used to find going to the clubs and bars exciting and entertaining, never frowning an invitation from friends. Seeing new faces and loud noise was a good thing. I am changing and more selective in where I go to and the places I like. I feel too that I am moving into a more commercial realm, where I am more keen to know that my art and photography is reaching the right audiences, the 'right' people. The notion is elitist: hate that! But it appears that that is the way it is going. Picasso once said that the most difficult thing is trying to retain the child in you. I believe that what he was meaning was more to do with creativity and always moving forward in art, in imagination, in concept. Freshness. Stagnation is exactly that, a killer. Many times, I feel as though I'm lazy, slouching around (on my newly uphostertered sofa), and just thinking. Oh, the couch potato in me is particularly strong. Mix that in with constantly feeling tired and exhausted and a guiltly mind set. At this spur-of-the-moment drinks and dinner with my friends, Irene asked me "What do you want to ultimately want to achive in life?". I answered with an explanation I heard on tv the night before, which explained that your childhood thinking (at age 7?) doesn't fundamentally change or alter in life, no matter how old you are later in life, no matter what your surroundings are. Irene understood. But she also confirmed my direction that it is going along the path that it is meant to be: art and photography. I felt better, but well knowing that my life direction flowing with the waters and the swirling of the Universe. It's all too new age. My other concern related on a financial level to which Irene just said was the easy part. Honestly, and to her surprise, I am not a financial wizard. I earn money. I spent it. I don't usually know how much I have in my account. But what sort of mystifies me is how I instinctively know I have X amount of dollars to blow my money on, as in a sub-woofer (see my earlier blog) or a computer, or a holiday to Thailand or otherwise. Oh yes, I almost forgot: I'm psychic.

Subwoofer highs...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:34:00 +0000

The problem with my postings is that I tend to return to them after many weeks or months. I'm rather inconsistent. Honestly, the past few weeks have been quite fruitful, with photographic projects coming in rather consistently and teaching a few photography courses at Open University. I think that for the first time in my few years of being a photographer-artist, that my work, social, personal and physical life has felt balanced. And although the side of love has entered and exited, there seems to be a gentler flow of things. I do not get intensely riled up inside as I find that someone or something does not happen the way I want it to.

My recent exhibition was a failure in terms of financial earnings, without having sold even one piece of art. This is not the first time this has happened. I was hoping that one photograph might sell, but alas, that was not the case. Photography is a hard sell in Hong Kong, whereby paintings fair much better. I can't help but feel a bit dejected, as much as I enjoy the creation of the artwork. Nevertheless, the consequence of not selling anything made me think of my fundamental reasons for happiness. For the past few years, I have always invested more of my time and energy to my artwork, but rarely, very rarely treated myself to some of life's simple (more normal) pleasures. And what might that be? Well, I bought myself a sub-woofer. A simple sub-woofer to compliment my 10 year old Revolver speakers. It was something I had put off long before my exhibition but really, really needed to make my stereo system sound decent. It was the missing component to achieving a full rich sound from my Arcam amplifier and DVD player. Now, HK$3,800 later, I have had beatiful sound coming from my system. To think that spending this bit of money on a set of speakers offered me MORE joy and happiness than the exhibition opening and all the accolades from friends and supporters of my work, profoundly bothers me and yet, excites me. Is it that I have suddenly become a 'normal' guy? Someone that is taken in by the consumerism that is so prevalent around us today? Or is it materialism? Why, for goodness sake, should I be so concerned about this?

Music for me has always been one of the most powerful sources of enjoyment. It was when I was young, as it is now. I love the sound of music when it is played through a great sounding sound system. It is intoxicating and euphoric. When music is recorded well, it is all the more engaging to the ears, to hear the voice become 'moist' (as my brother would say, to which both my younger brothers are pure audiophiles) and the instruments come alive in your living room. Sarah McLaughlan, Annie Lennox and Mariah Carey become live with breath. And to hear the famous Eagles "Hotel California" live recording is utterly breathtaking. James Cameron's recording of Titanic is surreallistically real. Oh, the bass is so so beautiful: thick, rich and tight.

I ponder why now that I didn't make my sub-woofer purchase much longer ago, knowing very well that I would enjoy my stereo system so much more. Why was I holding back? And not taking life to it's fullest. It was not as if I didn't have the money. I just thought it was better to put it to an exhibition. So now, after the accolades of the show, I realized that it didn't do it for me. I needed some of life's simpler pleasure of pure sonic entertainment: music at it's purest level I can find without hiring the real thing.

Inner Health

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:22:00 +0000

This is something that I wrote on another blog site regarding innner health, but felt should be included here, as this blog is more comprehensive. It was written on June 11, 2006....

Inner Health
I decided to put up a photo of myself after being sick from about may 2005 till about february 2006 with a very painful lower back pain that become exacerbated to sciatica (leg pain). I couldn't do anything it seemed. I feltI would never walk again and lived on painkillers when it was so severe that all i could do was lie and read or watch tv. I went to about 7 practitioners (including a western doctor, orthopaedic surgeon, chinese doctor, physio therapist, chiropractor and about 4 acupuncture doctors). Finally, with the last acupuncture doctor (an older man in T.S.T), a LOT of strething every day, walking, bodybalance, some yoga (have to be very careful!) classes, weekly massage (chinese accupressure but he/she MUST be very experienced), meditation and the support of a friends to talk to, I am now back near full recovery. I still have a dull pain, which can come back very easily if I'm not careful and don't excersise. so the pic I have up there now is after pulling my energy to getting my OUTER shape more or less back in order. what i realize most is that my INNER body was really out to lunch. sciatica is not something i wish on anyone... but it's been truly humbling to go through the physical pain.

'Skin Deep' --- it's coming soon....

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 02:37:00 +0000

I'm on my way preparing for my next exhibition called 'Skin Deep' and just starting to feel the excitement that goes along with the rush of showing my work to the public audience out here in Hong Kong. It will be my first exhibition this year and feels long overdue. What is interesting about this show is that the photography will move in a slightly new direction...with half of the selected images becoming more abstract. Photo manipulation techniques are used to invite the viewer to study the art pieces at a closer distance, and as such, the photographic images are large. The larger pieces are up to 5 feet high and set in light-boxes and will become the biggest pieces I have ever done. Yo! And who isn't a size queen here?

Well, I do hope that there are curious souls that want to come to this exhibition. No, there is no entrance fee for the event. A donation to The Society for Aids Care would be greatly appreciated. But hey, for those wanting to see the models I photograph, some will be in attendance. Dress code: black and sexy.

NY

I"m going 'Skin Deep'

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 02:40:00 +0000

There have been too many events and occurences in my life that I don't know where to begin, but I'll just start. Well, the time has come again for me to have another exhibition, and true enough, it will be a photographic exhibition entitled 'Skin Deep', to be held at the Fringe Club here in Hong Kong. (see www.theasianmale.com for details). I am particularly excited about this show because for the first time, I will show my work in a new way: large scale light-boxes of about 5 feet high by 4 feet wide. I just went to get the costing on one of them and it's going to break my account, but it will be worth it right? Setting me back by a few grand... I sometimes wonder why I continue to invest and spend all this money creating artwork whether it be a photograph, painting or drawing, when it is so rarely profitable. Yes, we artists do it for love, passion, the sake of creating and exploration. I can get into that too. But I wonder whether for me whether it's the need and desire to have strangers and friends alike compliment or critique my work. A secret desire to just be noticed and accepted into the public realm. People that know me well know that I am not as socical as one would seem. I'm introverted, solemn, quiet and somewhat depressed and down most of the time. Only on the rare occassion am I out there and wildly making my presence known. And for anyone that has dated me, they will know me even better. So maybe the exhibitions, the showcase of my work ONLINE -- is a form of vicarious act for the real me? Or as in Madonna's song 'Substitute for Love'? Do I need love? And this is a way for me to get it back from others? Why do I even need you? Yes, we all need love. Cause secretly I want the attention. No secret anymore now right?

My First Time: Beijing, China

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 14:54:00 +0000

Last week, I was priveledged to see and photograph young Chinese gymnasts in the cities of Changsha and Beijing, two places that I had never had the opportunity to visite before. The experience of having to see children at a tender ages of 4 and above working out in a gym with lean lithe and strong bodies was treated with a mixture of incredulity, awe, and happiness. Humbled by the rudimentary facilities in near scorching heat and humidity, Changsha offered me a rare view into the dedicated and fearless children that will one day be the possible champions of the city, province, nation, or world.

When I get the films developed, I will have a few images online on my website, but until now, you'll have to wait.

Fleshbot and pornography

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 06:20:00 +0000

Who would have guessed that my photography website would appear in a rather bizarre yet cool pornographic column website named fleshbot.com? I hadnt' known about the website until a friend told me about. Take a look at it, if you care. http://www.fleshbot.com/sex/gay/the-asian-male-photography-by-norm-yip-175726.php?mail2=true
I find it cool and sort of miffed, because my photography is hardly pornographic, but I'll take it all in stride a good thing.

So I get these emails asking me to start doing some Asian male porn. And you know what? I have considered it, but only to the point of pulling back at the last moment. Is it needed? I will not lie and say I haven't made a few purchases at the local gay shop. Yes, I have purchased pornographic material. But the thing that bothers me the most about having my work appear on such media is that the images seem so 'disposable' -- never really appreciated. Magazines as such will probably end up in the trash. No one keeps them (or do they?).

beautiful disaster...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 08:05:00 +0000

Most recently, I discovered the song Beautiful Disaster by Kelly Clarkson, a song that, just by the melody and Kelly's soulful voice, brings me into a state of despair and longing for something that is perhaps better without the love of. Whatever the case may be, her live recording is supremely moving.

Heading back into the photography class that I just held, it was an interesting experience meeting with both younger and older males (why all males taking this portrait photography class?) of whom some had more and some had less, technical experience. So for the next few months, we'll all be exploring the realm of potrait photography from a very personal perspective. I asked what they wanted to get from the class, and a few of them responded by saying they wanted to know how to take a really good portrait was good. It's what I have been investigating all along, but perhaps with a mix of form and composition mixed into the photography. But the how is vitally important, as it is the stuff that you usually do NOT learn from a technical photography class, but from overcoming fears, taking chances, taking rejection, making mistakes and errors, and having the courage to be who you are.

School days...

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 12:08:00 +0000

Tomorrow I start to embark on a new adventure of teaching a photography class to students at Open University entitled Portrait Photography. I've taught some other classes such as life drawing and introductory art classes (to the complete newcomer), but never a full on photography class. It will be rather interesting as I go through the motions of teaching, discussing and sharing ideas with students that are equally eager to learn how to photograph. I guess my inner concerns is whether I will be good enough to teach them anything or will they lose interest? I think that perhaps if I sat in a room filled with a few photographers, I'd certainly have my OWN way of photographing a subject/person, that would be vastly different than the guy/girl next to me. That is the beauty of it all. Someone once asked me if there would ever be a time when pencil drawing would ever become obsolete (as my pencil drawings are not your ordinary graphite work). To that, I asked the young gentleman how many songs could one compose with the piano. I think he got the message. So to tomorrow, after all my preparation and investigating, I leave it up to Universe to determine which way the winds will blow.

Photography, models and sex....

noreply@blogger.com (NYP) — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 14:01:00 +0000

I have had a number of interesting conversations recently regarding me and my models...

Firstly, no I do not pay any of the models for their time. I consider this work like art projects, whereby I am lucky if I get anyone to actually pay for limited edition print. I pay for film, developing, and contact sheets. I offer to pay the model back by way of digital files (high res suitable for prints up to A4 size). I build the website on my own and pay for all associated costs for having it up online. Any prints, if have an exhibition and sell, usually pays just enough for all the framing and time put into the having the work up on the walls. But do the models pay me? Well, believe it or not, some of the guys that are online are paid clients. And no, just because someone hires me, does not constitute a position in the gallery. Actually, I'm behind in my work with the website, cause I have a few guys that I photographed but have not had time to put them up...and they certainly deserve to be up there. And to those fews guys that I've conversed with (mainly on msn), I do not sleep with the guys as part of the package to photograph them. Besides, it's none of anyone's business except my own. I do my work as a photographer and the model does his role of modeling. The models need to sign a model release. Finally, the guys on my website does not instantaneously mean that they are gay, nor straight, nor bisexual.

Sorry for the venting, and for putting this as my first LOG in my blog, but the questions I have been asked was just getting to me. Okay...better take a pill.