Girls who Make in Residence! First week in Shenzhen
I can’t quite believe I’ve been here a week already.. it’s absolutely flown by and I think I’ve just about recovered from my jetlag and the whirlwind week I’ve had to sit down and sift through my already hundreds of pictures, and report back on the maker culture here in Shenzhen, China!
So one of the first places I visited was the electronics market at Huaqiang North which is world renowned in techy spheres for being an absolute hub for all things electronics; it’s made up of multi storey buildings, full to the brim of every mobile phone, laptop and anything-else-you-can-think-of part imaginable. Shenzhen is nicknamed the silicon valley of the East as well as the workshop of the world, and a wander around this place makes you understand why. There’s a real grassroots community of people teaching themselves about tech through open source software, and the market is bustling with people taking apart and putting together devices.. they really are leading the way in technology and even as a bit of a technophobe, it’s pretty inspiring.
And then there’s the totally opposite end of the spectrum in the quirky, artsy area of OCT loft. This district is made up of independent shops, galleries and maker spaces and is alive with creativity and street art. And it’s full of green spaces, and cute plant shops too which makes it feel like a little oasis of calm in the middle of the city.
OCT LOFT is home to a wide ranging creative community made up of architects, indie developers, artists, ceramicists, designers, photographers, and independent bookshops.
One of the exhibitions on at the moment featured large scale calligraphy pieces and dozens of smaller warm up pieces which were very rich in texture and mark making and made me want to rush to the nearest print studio!
One of the ceramics workshops in OCT loft where workshops are held for the public daily, from beginners to more advanced potters.
Found this amazing little shop called Little Thing, which stock this fantastic creative magazine of the same name, where they curate all kind of crafty, beautiful objects. I’ll definitely be posting more from these!
Bakeries in this country are just OTT cute; I got served green tea in an inflatable unicorn! How else would you drink it?
Another exhibition in OCT Loft; a bamboo forest with all the bamboo stalks calligraphed in Chinese ink.
Shenzhen is full of buildings higher than I have ever seen, and I especially loved these pretty metallic pink ones.
Oh the washi tape! I am in washi heaven...
Street murals and leafy branches in OCT Loft
Children’s artwork from a local primary school.
My neighbourhood is a haven for coloured plastics, and there’s something about them which is really pleasing on the eyes, in all those brights and pastel tones..
So far, there is so much inspiration and creativity to be seen and I can’t wait to post more of my findings and developments during my time out here! But for now, HAVE FUN TONIGHT LADIES! I will be there in spirit. - Rhi
