My friend, Michell Lie, is an artist and overall just wonderful human being. Specifically, she’s a contemporary Ink Artist and Candlemaker who donates a sizeable chunk of sales to various NGO’s in Hong Kong devoted to the improvement of lives of the elderly and those who are hungry. People always dream about helping the less fortunate or always try to find a way to give to the community- but Michell really works at creating not only this kind of purposeful life, but makes sure that this life manifested is supported with passion; passion in her art, in her craft, and the people with whom she works with in donation and time.

“Purpose Fuels Passion.” - Michell Lie, Artist

Michell Lie at Gallery HZ, November 2020. Photo by JJ Acuna.

Michell and I met when she initially approached me and the studio to collaborate on several projects with the restaurant group she consults with (she’s a superbly talented and trained as a branding expert)- but over time we were able to grow a friendship where I’ve been able to witness her transition to an expanded life where by day she works as an internal consultant for this restaurant group, but by night and early mornings- she’s back to doing her ink works and candle production for charity. This week, Michell was gracious enough share her story with us down below, as we all celebrate the completion of a new series of brush ink works now on display in a group show at Gallery HZ.

Michell Lie at Gallery HZ, November 2020. Photo by JJ Acuna.

JJ: Michell, tell us a little your background, for example what it is you do and how did you get to do what you do in Hong Kong.

Michell Lie: Well, I work as a brand manager, ink artist, and candle maker. I was born and raised here in Hong Kong. In my work, I tend to collaborate with creatives of different disciplines such as designers, chefs, photographers, entrepreneurs all learning about their passion and vision and helping tell their stories.

I studied in the States with a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Business Administration. Then I returned to Hong Kong to start work in Finance but detoured to pursue a new career path in advertising at an agency and eventually evolved towards a career in the branding field. Then after nearly a decade of working in a boutique branding agency building brand identities for clients, I got into wanting to understand how a brand should manifest its spirit beyond design so I nurtured my vision by working within a restaurant company, also a previous client, helping them go through the whole cycle of developing strong businesses and brands.

Four years ago when my mom fell ill, I decided to dedicate a majority of my after hours work just to be with her, which got me to spending more time at home. At home I got a chance to be a bit more crafty. This is when I picked up a brush and pen and started to draw. Slowly I accumulated drawings and posted them on social media to share. Seeing positive comments and kind remarks about the work that got me going to grow my work and style, and actually be an ink artist in addition to my day work.

JJ: You do so much- kind of like how I feel sometimes. Do you remember how we met, and ended up working together with JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio?

ML: We met because I was constantly on the lookout for interior designers hoping to find new interpretations for the restaurants I work for. You caught my eye because of your use of space, designing with different materials, texture and colours. Your aesthetics are modern, clean and young, that and a profound architectural knowledge is very essential to restaurant builds which are needed during the process of design. What we are persistently seeking is not something that just looks pretty on the outside but also practical in use. Good design should be good looking and easy to use- something that improves daily life, and you’ve achieved that for our projects.

JJ: Well that said- we love collaborating with you too. I think you’ve got a great eye and a great knack for where the trends are regarding what people need and what people do in restaurants, and what they are looking for, and then combining this with a business sense. So we’re learning from you as well! To pivot back to your art, this month you are part of a group exhibition with Gallery HZ- tell us more about this show, your work, and your process.

ML: The title of this group of three artists exhibition is called "Stains of Time". The show is an opportunity for us to share with the audience the creative interpretation of ink as a medium that is reflected in each of our very unique styles. Through ink, we contemplate the concept of time and temporality telling a story of what time means to us. For me, I am into Chinese inks creating strong and bold brushstrokes, and mixing different color mediums such as watercolour, pastels, and acrylic, and wrapping the work with massive fine dots that I create with 0.03 or 0.05 fine liner to build details that add dimension and depth. Predominantly I draw abstract but from time to time I also draw landscapes and nature.

JJ: Overall how do you come up with an idea? Do you know what to paint before hand or do the subjects just come to you on the spot?

ML: I am a weekend artist and most of the time I do not plan my art. I just wave my brushstroke on paper wherever my hands guide me to. It's really super impromptu and ad hoc. Nothing is pre-sketched or drafted, it's all in my mind before I dash my brush onto the paper as I want to let me emotion and feeling flow where it likes to at that moment to feel liberated.

My daytime life is so much about project management and planning and everything is so tight and tense. So during my afterwork hours, I want to break free and let things flow, like a river or slow moving stream. Inspiration comes from everywhere: a film, a ceramic I see, works from other artists work I stumble upon on social media, a dog run, or weekend stroll at the beach. The city is so full of different happenings and that just feeds me with numerous possibilities and ideas.

JJ: Besides paintings you also do handcrafted scented soy candles- tell us what makes your candles different?

ML: I have so much desire to do crafty things after work that I also devote my time to pour soy wax candles. What differentiate my candles with the countless candles in the market is that I source special ceramics and containers to host my scented soy wax which buyers can create custom scents which is made-to-order. All the raw materials are premium and imported from the USA. Everything is handmade myself, from the pouring of the wax to the container, to the packaging which I develop myself with my own artwork. It's totally value for money because it's a non-profit project. I do it not to make money, I do it to spread love because I want to offer good quality products at affordable price.

Upon receiving my candles, my Customers are truly impressed with the quality, the amount of details I’ve put forward. People do notice the heart and feeling I pour into the candle, not just the wax and oil. I am constantly on the lookout to see what I can do to make the candle better, like trying different wicks, different wax and oil to perfect it and make it better each time. It's through constant use of that candles that I try to find out how I can make a better pour. Packaging is something I am careful about also, developing different labels to improve understanding and help trouble-shoot customers' queries. I recently have added a quote on each candle hoping to give a motivating message to those who receive the candle. When we are lighting up the candle, our energy is feeling hopeful too. And that positive energy will exude wherever you go. Candles are something quite spiritual to me, and I hope more people can experience this benefit through this project.

JJ: You work with charities, donating your time and funds from the sale of candles and art, tell me what the word “Charity” means to you, and what are the biggest issues or challenges with Charity focused entrepreneurship.

ML: To me, charity is generosity. When you throw a big thank you and smile to those around you, when you can even just hold the door for the next person, sharing what you have, not only when you have excess, with those who need it is being charitable. I have learned so much more about sharing when I was serving at Mother Teresa's Mother House in Calcutta, India. My experience there tells me that giving what you can without calculating too much is the most useful and effective mindset and attitude. People who live in the city tend to be too efficient; doubting what charity work means and what it does for them in return. Overthinking things dilute the ability to share. This volunteer work experience motivates me to not be afraid of things that are too cumbersome when it comes to giving. Our cumulative donation is now HK$220,000 and I am hoping to make the next donation before Christmas. This amount is tiny but that is absolutely not an amount I can give by myself alone.

JJ: Which charities do you work with and donate to?

ML: I donate to different charities to benefit a broader audience with a focus towards elderly alleviation. So far I have donated to four different organizations from St Jame's Settlement, Helping Hands, to local F&B units who give senior folks free meals. What I see as the key challenge to my charitable initiative is definitely my ability to allocate my time between working a full time job, creating my art, and producing the candles. It's very tiring to keep all three disciplines going properly. I have once taken a nine-month break nearly deciding to quit these projects soon after my mom passed away last year. But my desire to create something to help others turned out to burn quite fiercely inside, so I picked the project up again this year. There are simple voices and values in my heart that I cannot ignore and abandon.

JJ: If there’s any advice or tips you want to give to those who are looking to start a creative entrepreneurship focused on charity and giving - what advise would that be?

ML: My tip is don’t be afraid that your idea is too small or ordinary, or that it's not innovative, or that other people would have done it already. If you love it enough, you will excel and people will notice. And again if you love it enough, you will keep on finding ways to improve it, and the cycle and process will simply bring you the results. Be prepared to fail and see undesirable outcomes, but let's face it, align yourself, adjust your moves, and take action to make it happen.

Additionally, discipline is needed to go along with a responsible mind. When you want to be responsible for all things you do, you will be careful, serious and focused. I’ve been waking up 5:45am nearly every day to keep my after-work initiatives going, and it's tough and tiring. But I know someone will benefit and I want my life to be one that is driven by purpose. Purpose fuels passion.