(Above: Jacky Tsai alongside his work)

A few weeks ago creative director, Angie Davey, and I went to visit a young artist in Limehouse, East London. Jacky Tsai's work had been sent through to us at Eyestorm through a mutual friend and it was a pleasant visit outside of the office on a sunny Friday afternoon.

Compared to most artists’ studios, the first thing that caught our attention (aside from the art!) was how organised and tidy his studio was. When considering an artist’s creative space, one might imagine a room over-flowing with paints, working materials and sketch pads, a room of creative mayhem. However, Jacky’s studio held a tranquillity and freshness which must be productive to clear though!

With a big leather sofa in the centre of the room, alongside a coffee table and some foliage to create warmth, the room was almost a space of contemplation where Jacky could reflect on his work for hours. The ceilings were high, and the vast walls served as a tapestry- covered in his work; displaying beautiful large-scale silks with Jacky’s intricate designs printed onto them.

Various robes, scarves, dresses and gowns, from fashion collections were hanging in a corner with his designs on too, showing his cross over and influence in the fashion world. Jacky, who graduated from Central St Martin’s, is best known for his collaboration with fashion-giant Alexander McQueen, for whom he created a series of floral skull designs which were highlighted in their 2008 Milan show. Tsai’s floral sculls were also featured by Shanghai Tang, the luxury fashion brand established in China, where the artist was born. Jacky's work draws inspiration from the his homeland, depicting traditional landscape scenes in a modern style, whilst holding on to the tradition of silk-printing which China is notorious for.

We were very excited to meet the artist, and his manager John Han, and Eyestorm went on to unveiled two of his works, 'Floral Scull' and 'Wave' at our June ‘auction with a twist’. Eyestorm, and the artist alike, were delighted to see both pieces attract several admirers and to see his work so well received. Both artworks were sold and each were the last in their edition.

(Above) Detail: Jacky Tsai, Wave

Watch this space for more to come!

Posted by Anna