Autumn in Canada: Floral Design Inspired by Canadian Scenery and Chinese Culture
Written by the Fete Chinoise Team
Images: Vivi Hou
《家門口的楓葉Home！Sweet Home Maple Leaves》想念家門口的紅楓葉，想念加拿大的滿山流丹的紅楓秋蟬
I miss the red maple leaves
at the door of my house,
Miss the reddish golden forest cover.
It is officially Autumn in Canada, the most beautiful time of year when it comes to colour and leaves. Floral designer Vivi Hou, who previously exhibited at the Fete Chinoise Signature Event in 2019 and 2020, shares with us some of her recent work that is inspired by Canadian scenery. Currently residing in Shanghai during the global pandemic, she is taking part in modern Chinese calligraphy projects while in China. She reminisces the red maple leaves that would be gathered by the wind and land at her front door, and the beautiful changing colours of fall that inspires her to connect with nature every year. As a floral designer, it is both nature and art coming together in her work that brings her the most joy and fulfillment. What is your favourite part of the fall season and where will you be going to admire and photograph Canadian fall landscapes?
《秋日紅橘The Autumn Tangerines》
橘子熟了
裝滿陽光的橘子熟了
The tangerines are ripe,
Dripping with sun, the tangerines are ready.
Hou combines Chinese traditional floral arrangement and installation art techniques in her work. Her design approach is rooted in ancient Chinese culture and art, reflecting the natural realms pursued in Chinese philosophical pursuits, such as Confucian Philosophy, Taoism and Buddhism. Her work’s visual language distinctly communicates tradition, movement, the currents of culture in an elegant style that is interesting. Combining East and West is not a new concept, but to execute the visual aesthetic of this process well is a mastered art that requires passion and sensitivity to visual spirit.
《秋日賞菊 Chrysanthemum in Autumn》
菊花是清絕傲雪、高潔剛強的化身，與梅、蘭、竹並列「四君子」，是仁人賢士自許的精神象徵。
The chrysanthemum is the incarnation of pure, arrogant, and brave. It is juxtaposed with plum, orchid, and bamboo as the "
Time Lapse created by vivi hou.
About the artist
Vivi Hou 侯雨薇, Born in China. previously living in Toronto, Canada and currently in Shanghai, China. Fete Chinoise 2019 & 2020 featured artist. The founder of Vivid Flower Boutique. Member of Chinese Flower Arrangement Association.
About the writer, Deborah Lau-Yu
Deborah Lau-Yu is the Editor-in-Chief of Fête Chinoise Magazine & Platform, and the Creative Director of PALETTERA Inc. She is passionate about visual culture and design, the arts, and the Chinese Canadian diaspora.
SPONSORED BY PIAGET.
