HKPPC at Cancercare and Support Unit of Queen Mary Hospital
Led by Janny, our teachers Jacqueline, Suchiu, Shirley and Cecilia started teaching porcelain painting at the Cancercare and Support Unit of Queen Mary Hospital soon after the second HKPPC Exhibition in 2001, which was held to raise funds for the said hospital. Occasionally they are cooperated by other HKPPC Members. The student enrolment has climbed to almost 30 from 10. As porcelain painting requires firing in a kiln, Janny has to carefully ensure that the students' lovely painted pieces are safely transported back and forth from her home to the hospital.
The patient students were very disappointed when classes were suspended during the SARS epidemic as they found porcelain painting therapeutic and helpful for their recovery process. When they paint, they need to concentrate. They enter into a world of colours which brighten their heart and soul. Normally patients' conversation would deal with their sickness but during the process of porcelain painting, they discuss designs and techniques which form a kind of distraction, contributing to their relaxation and diminishing their stress. This helps them to forget sickness and their 'patient' identity. The designs, like flowers, characters and pets, convey a message of life and hope. They experience new life and energy and the will to live!
By joining the HKPPC's activities, hospital patients discover a channel to display their artworks and to be admired. This helps to restore their confidence and self-esteem.
HKPPC at Hong Kong International School
May has worked on many voluntary projects at Hong Kong International School (HKIS), where her children attend school. She has conducted special projects with a group of Brownies at their annual slumber party and also on Mother's Day. The students on these occasions painted on tiles - making special mementos for their mothers.
May also taught the students the basics of porcelain painting, how to mix the coloured glazes, how to apply them on plates and tiles, using brushes, sponges and fingers and also the different techniques of porcelain painting. Most recently, May was involved in a huge project with another HKIS Mom. They organized for 6th graders of HKIS to paint a whole dinner set for auction at the HKIS Annual Ball. The students stayed back after school for 8 weeks to complete the 48-piece dinner set. It was auctioned for HK$8,000.
At the Special Needs Learning Support Centre of Bradbury School, May had the opportunity to do a project for the students with special learning needs where they painted mugs using water medium for a water colour effect.
May has over the years painted many commission pieces as gifts and house warming presents. She also made birthday plates for babies and wedding and anniversary gifts. A recent one is to paint a set of 12 serving plates; the request was bright red lobsters painted on the plates.