BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Printing an old two yuan
metro ticket, as well as ancient items such as an iconic iron vacuum flask or a
taxi receipt, on T-shirts may seem strange to local people, but for a young
Englishman living in Beijing, he has become fairly popular doing just that.
At his store selling original T-shirts called
Plastered Eight among some non-descript, low-rise dwellings in South Luogu Lane,
Dominic Johnson-Hill, whose Chinese name is Jiang Senhai, is self-proclaimed
"creative dictator". In his view, the unique point of his T-shirts are that the
images printed on them depict "Beijing from a foreigner's eyes".
Johnson-Hill is not serious about formal design
theories. Neither is he restricted by traditional thoughts. He liked to catch
those images that locals took for granted, relying on inspiration that flashes
across his mind.
Living in Beijing for 14 years, the London native can
speak fluent Chinese, although he knew little about the written characters. "I
left Britain when I was 17. It is almost as long as the time I stayed in Beijing
by now."
"When I got here in 1993, I couldn't speak any
Chinese and had no time to look around the hutongs (alleys). All I could see was
the Soviet-style buildings in the suburbs, so I did not feel much beauty in this
city."
Then, through contacts with locals, he gradually fell
in love with this "energetic" city. "The roads are wide and straight, and people
are candid and easygoing. I love to chat with them. In my mind, Beijing is just
like a big art museum, and there are creative ideas everywhere."
He started to design his own T-shirts two years ago
with an idea of capturing something familiar.
"I was afraid of selling them then, because I put my
heart on the T-shirts and worried that no one would accept them," he said. "But
now, most of the customers are local young people. Although 80 yuan (10.89 U.S.
dollars) for a T-shirt is still a little bit high for them, as long as they
think the idea is good they will take it without caring about whether is an
unknown brand.
"My T-shirts are Beijing-born street culture, and
people here give me confidence and a self-identify," he said
Johnson-Hill thought that hutongs were the soul of
old Beijing, and creative ideas were the characteristics of the developing
modern city. Combining the two has been the cultural symbol of South Luogu Lane.
Acting on his proposal, the antique alley held its
first Creative Market this past August. At the market, people could find things
that they thought were interesting, such as traditional handicrafts, original
cartoons, personal-style clothing and pop music. Many people also used the
street as a stage.
"Bands came to perform on their own accord, and
played for nothing," Johnson-Hill said. "One boy suddenly jumped onto the road
and began singing and playing guitar. I love this kind of feeling."
Although the local management officials of the street
were not pleased with some of the impromptu performances, the local residents
expressed their understanding and support for the market. "It wouldn't be a
festival without the wonderful performances," Johnson-Hill said.
"This Creative Market was very successful, and I hope
we can keep it on. Many children here, growing up in a world of Disney and
McDonald's, would now find a new interesting place in Beijing."
In his eyes, the upcoming Olympic Games will be like
a big party, and people all over the world will be here to share a happy time
together. However, the Briton was looking far beyond that. "After the Olympic
Games, life will continue. I will also go on to find new ideas of Beijing."
As his T-shirt business increased steadily,
Johnson-Hill and his Canadian wife wanted to do their best to give back to the
society.
"About five percent of the store's profits is put
aside to help needy children," he said, pointing at a glass donation box on the
store's counter. "That is for a small charity performing for sick children. I
will be dressed like Santa Claus for the kids in Beijing Children's Hospital."
