6/19/2022 Debbie Bailey - the art archivist, Hong Kong's memories' preserver, story-teller, ultra-marathon runner and a life enthusiastRead NowDebbie BaileyDebbie preserves memories and emotions of people. Not only through art but also through a significantly important connection and emotional intelligence. Her journey is full of stories and learnings that seek balance, peace and harmony. It was absolutely delightful to chat to Debbie about her values, purposes, the way she enjoys spreading the joy onto others and how much she cares about people’s impact and preserving their memorabilia not only through art. You started working in hospitality previously…. To begin with, I studied musical theatre. Unfortunately, the opportunity was scarce at the time because the local musical theatre scene had not matured. Hong Kong relied on many overseas musical productions, such as Cats and Guys and Dolls, so I was not sure what the future held. I am half Chinese and half English and speak Cantonese fluently; learning scripts was challenging as reading was a weakness, so I had to work twice as hard. There was also this classic stigma of not making a career in arts. After consideration, I decided to change. I thought about being a cabin crew, but Chinese reading was a hurdle. I then decided to join the hotel industry. To me it was like musical theatre, with no scripts, no singing but lots of improvisation. I fell in love with It because it was about being compassionate and creating exceptional experiences with the people I connected with. ….and maybe a lot of patience too! Yes! the art of patience and the art of reading the emotional cues of others. In those years, I worked hard and progressed quickly up the career ladder. Again, I was lucky to have a wonderful mentor. When The Ritz-Carlton was about to close its doors in Central, I was approached to become a hotel consultant. The offer was fantastic, it would allow me to travel extensively across the Asia Pacific Region and see the world. After 10 years of travel, It was getting a bit too much, and I knew it had to end for my well-being. I began to feel I had more to offer than working in the corporate world. I was wondering if you had a chance, even during all of this travelling, to be able to stay creative? The creative journey started after I stopped working. I just did not have the time in the past. My late brother (Derek Bailey), an artist, inspired this new journey. He built and designed the Big Buddha (The Tiantan Buddha) and the Tsz Shan Monastery Kwan Yin buddha (Tai Po) - his work. His masterpiece is in Singapore at Foo Hai Monastery - the Thousand hand Buddha. That sculpture is exquisite and what I feel is his masterpiece. I flew to Singapore after he passed away to see this work for myself. I am not religious, but the value of compassion is important to me. After his death, it inspired me to get creative as a tribute to him and as part of my healing. The creative aspect of my life happened accidentally. Oh wow, and tell me more. One morning, I was walking along the beach in Cheung Sha and found a clam shell. It was a sombre period after my brother's death, especially for my Mum. No Mother should have to endure such pain. I was never as talented as Derek, but I thought maybe I could paint a shell as a gift to her. So - I thought to myself, "this is amazing, she smiled". I'm going to do that again! It all started from there. Coincidentally I got in touch with a Marine biology professor and wondered what the impact of removing the shells from the beach is. The answer is to leave them there as microorganisms, and other things thrive from this. It's amazing that you also took the time to reach out and discover more about sustainability! I took her advice immediately as I did not want to encourage others to do the same. I decided it had to stop, shortly after I was out for lunch at Sam Shing Village in Tuen Mun one afternoon. I came across some seafood vendors and found these beautiful scallop shells. I asked her what they do with it? "We throw them away." That was the light bulb moment!! And the beginning of a journey. These seafood vendors collected over 500 shells for me. I painted a few with them and added a message on a shell. I wanted them to know the intention was positive and uplifting and how important they are in the collection process. At the time, I felt people needed some optimism. So perhaps finding a shell I randomly hid would offer hope, positivity and a way to uplift another person's day. These shells have now travelled to many countries and will be a lifelong project. I also call it messageinashellhk, adding "HK" to represent its origin from Hong Kong. How has this evolved? I started looking for local artists to collaborate with, and the intention was to be able to share their work. I would give them two shells. One is returned; another they place out. Then, I would write a short feature and have the artist share two personal creations. I guess maybe a way to rebel. I just felt that so many artists struggle, and you don't really make it unless you are dead or backed by a reputable gallery. So, it became a way to share and the action was inspired by my brother, who I felt never got the recognition he deserved. I enjoyed the process of meeting artists and understanding the stories and emotions behind each artwork. We have since featured about 22 artists and exhibited works and shell creations at Pause Cafe in Mui Wo. It sounds incredible - it's such a shame that such tragic events led to such a creative trigger. In tragedy, you must find hope; otherwise, sadness devours you. What I have loved about messageinashellhk is that it never started with a plan, and with time it's taken on its own little life. The next turn of events was gifting shells to random people. I remember this old lady I would visit on my daily runs to Tai O. We got on well, so I decided to gift her a shell I was planning to place out. My gesture was initially met with some resistance, but it made me wonder why we are not all receptive to kindness. Has society or this digital age created barriers? What if we removed it, and made it the norm, would things be different? It did prove that the action was the right one as I would always stop to chat with her; it took time to nurture; however, I was determined and we ended up having wonderful conversations. That's amazing! Relationships must be nurtured; through that process, we can learn from one another. After taking a few week's hiatus from running, I received a message on Instagram from the old lady's daughter. She was at the hospital with a shell, quite unwell, and a few days later passed away. It upset me, but I shifted that sad energy and began writing. Since then, I carry a shell with me all the time, randomly gifting it to people I meet and find interesting. With permission, I document stories - and in exchange, I would ask them to share a message they want to put on the shell. This book pays tribute to some of those people from Hong Kong whom I connected with as I explored this unique city and learned about the lives of people who have made Hong Kong their home. In these encounters, the shell became the point of connection. It's a gift of thanks for the moment we shared in this beautiful city defined by its diversity. Extending from Message In A Shell Hk, each person in this book shares their own message, opening up space to reflect on what we can learn from each other across generations, cultures and beliefs. So out of all of these stories that you connected with, was there any that truly shocked you? Everyone's story is unique and has in some way created their own way of life in the city, a place we call home. For example, I just interviewed a Maltese gentleman. He came here during the '70s to work at The Excelsior Hotel, an iconic landmark of the '70s. As a young 16-year-old Maltese contemplating life and adventure beyond the shores of his Mediterranean Island home - this is his story, one of hopes and dreams. Or our amazing Nepalese Gurkhas community who pre 1997 helped protect our borders. They welcomed me with open arms. It's very apparent in how the young engage the elder , the honour and respect are important values. Finally, Mr Chan, the fabric vendor at the Western market, refused to take his photo unless he wore his waistcoat because he wanted to display his professionalism. You were meant to do it! I don't know. It was never the plan. As I said, the beauty of this project is that it was never deliberate. It was inspired by others. I know nothing about publishing but I will write all the stories and get the photography done first. We will then have this translated into Chinese. I want this book to be a gift to Hong Kong. A reminder of our past and what we represent as a community. Our success is a result of our diversity. I kind of wanted to return to the diversity that Hong Kong has to offer as it's so beautiful. What do you think about all of those people that are actually now regularly leaving Hong Kong? I don't judge and believe everyone has their reason. It is simple: you either love it here or hate it here. Not everyone appreciates the hustle and bustle of the city or can accept the changes over the last few years. We all have a choice, and if that choice offers you something better, then we should be happy. I'd love to come back to you though - do you remember the very first time that something triggered you and you had to express yourself? I am nostalgic, so it annoys me when I see old buildings being torn down and the lack of focus on preservation. It really triggers me. I have tried to find ways to preserve it in my own way. To start, I do not see myself as a painter and have no desire to paint on canvas, but who knows, that might change one day. What inspires me is to paint on objects that other people make. I sense this energy - it's like co-creation. For example, I recently collaborated with a metal sheet artisan; he makes large metal tabletops. These tabletops fold in half, allowing you to expand your dining space to accommodate more people at dinner. This was commonly found in Hong Kong households in the 70-the 80s and used during large family dinners. For me, it represents a community collectively memorable from the past. I will then transform these tabletops to capture memories of our history. It may be collages from these iconic Hong Kong industries, newspaper clippings and fabrics. It captures a moment in time. That must've been really hard for you to observe so many changes since you had your whole childhood based in a community until now when everything and everyone are being more separated.
Change is constant and is the only permanent thing in life. We need to evolve, but certain things can be preserved, but we need to educate them on their preservation values. What is your biggest inspiration on a daily basis? Is it the people, the places? The stories? It is the complete package. The encounters with the people I engage with. I cherish relationships and get inspired by listening. I am inquisitive, and I believe in fate and that people cross paths in our lives for a reason. For example, Jon, our photographer for the book, is the co-founder of a start-up I was helping with. Just through conversation, I asked him what he enjoyed other than work. He shared that he loved photography, and then our project started. I never directed how I wanted the photos because I felt it was his creative space. He knows best; I need to honour that freedom of expression; he has since captured some fantastic expressions. How do you think that Hong Kong can immerse itself into the circle of all of the creatives and artists? I think it is happening already - You can see a strong focus on the West Kowloon district with M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum opening. In recent years, I have felt a strong sense of reminiscence in the community. Perhaps it's a grieving process for some. People might choose to cook, write, and run, but some will create art as a means to express or as a means to cope. I think we may find even more creative talent due to restricted travel. We have seen more independent galleries pop up and collaborative events. It's a healthy trend and will allow more people to appreciate the artist's work. If Hong Kong wants to be more immersive, make art accessible, and allow for independent creative collaborators to co-curate events. To begin this process of "how", we must start with self. We have an array of galleries to explore. Look at things, explore, ask questions, and just be curious! Follow Debbie on Instagram: @debbiebailey_ Follow Message in a Shell HK: @messageinashellhk Follow Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiebailey28/
1 Comment
Melanie Foo
7/11/2022 01:10:40 am
Dear Debbie, love reading through your story, absolutely inspiring and full of compassion. Continue to do what your heart tells you....the world is a much more beautiful place because of people like you. Best regards Melanie
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AuthorAlex Edwards is a founder of Creative Womxn in Hong Kong who has media and journalism background but also experience in art community development and social media management. Archives
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