高艺德 gāoyìdé | Make connections Build bridges

This is a collection of sights, creations, experiences and reflections. Tune in if you are curious and keep an open-mind. If you have got any questions or feedback, please contact me by email at darrylwestley@hotmail.com

🟡 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 🦁

25/12/19

0.0%

The first beer in five years.

It is Christmas afterall.

17/12/19

Integrity

This Series is my interpretation of the Core Socialist Values. The twelve values are in categories: National, Social and Individual.

Individual value: Integrity 诚信 chéngxìn

As a disclaimer I've personally got a positive view of these moral principles and my interpretations are not to defame or undermine them but to arouse curiosity. I have tried to illustrate Chinese characters but I am not an expert at writing and I might not be following the correct stroke order. I need to spend more time to learn.

My art and the rest of the Series is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

17/12/19

🔖

A bookmark that I made during Middle School.

15/12/19

Kung Fu

I remember what I learned and now I've got the time to continue. I'm grateful for the introduction to Wing Chun, the community and for having a training partner.

Renyi Kung Fu Website: http://www.renyi1893.com/kungfu/kungfu181_en.html

14/12/19

Aspiring rapper

I've been going through some old belongings and seeing some connections. I'm really appreciating this time to reflect and find the seeds that helped sow my life experience.

Here is a rap that was submitted to a newspaper when I was 10. My father gave me this opportunity as part of a bicycle ride he was doing for charity. Captain Cash sponsored him £35 for the 35 miles bike ride.

13/12/19

高艺德

Thank you for the thoughtful gift. A seal of my Chinese name: gāoyìdé

10/12/19

Special gift

This notebook is so beautiful. 📓 It's difficult to make the first mark. ✍🏻

09/12/19

💭

'By three methods we may learn wisdom: First by reflection, which is the noblest; second by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.' - Confucius

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

05/12/19

1000 origami cranes

These paper cranes were a gift from my father's Japanese pen friend and her family to wish my recovery while I was ill. These remain a caring and considerate offering. They almost certainly influenced my interest in origami.

After I had recovered I sent this book I designed called Life Cycles as a return gift to show gratitude for their selfless act. The Limited Edition book was a project at University.

30/11/19

☝️

I read this book: So you've been publicly shamed by Jon Ronson.

29/11/19

A dawn to fear

I finally got to see Cult of Luna live after a difficult clash between them and Morbid Angel at Hellfest in 2007. All of the bands were top notch. A.A Williams had a female lead, haunting vocals and a strong opening act. This quote from Brutus' stood out: 'Your hate will always be my guide'.

28/11/19

Happy Thanksgiving

There's a lot to thankful for. Photograph taken outside the School of Arts, Singapore.

25/11/19

💭

'You never know what someone is dealing with behind closed doors. You only know what you see or what you think you see.' - Mackenzie Phillips

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

23/11/19

💡

Quotations have offered a lot guidance over the past few years. This book: Great Quotations by The Times is a useful reference.

20/11/19

Where is this?

A range of Chinese products being sold at Coventry Market, UK.

17/11/19

🤫

I read this book: Quiet by Susan Cain.

05/11/19

Diverse creatures

Stuffed animals at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, UK

04/11/19

💭

'The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake.' - Meister Eckhart

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

01/11/19

There is light in the darkness

Browsing metal music in HMV and watching Cattle Decapitation live in Bristol, UK.

Guilty pleasure. This is theatre. This is art.

29/10/19

🐢

I read this book: Slow by Carl Hanore.

27/10/19

🔍

I bought this book as a reference: The Power of Inquiry by Kath Murdoch.

'Great teachers... inside their hearts and heads as part of their deep inner core, have an enduring set of principles by which they teach and lead. Such principles offer guidelines against which to measure the worth of external resources. They promote a holistic or big picture for all of us to work towards.' - Dalton and Boyd

24/10/19

The perfect souvenir

Memories of travel in Singapore captured in this common place book. Written reflective notes, illustrations of sights and receipts of purchases.

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

22/10/19

Converge

I remember it was a friend that first passed me a copy of Jane Doe back in the University days. That time I'd developed an appetite for Hardcore music. After listening to this it set me on a path

Thank you to another friend for this recent gift of a metal mug with iconic image from Jane Doe. It takes me back to engage with their music again. Jacob Bannon is such an inspiration. Consistently writing thought provoking, heart wrenching lyrics. His distinct artwork adorning all of their albums. The silk screen prints are incredible when seen up close. Then there is the music! A listening experience that can take you on a rollercoaster and leave you exhausted. Jacob is a true artist transcending mediums.

I've dug out an old T-shirt that was a mashup of all of the bands that played at the White Rabbit in 2010. This gig bought a lot of us together. What a show! Unfortunately that venue in Bretonside Bus Station, Plymouth doesn't exist anymore. Still an awesome experience and glad to be apart of it! Many of our paths converged there (especially in the pit).

21/10/19

⚠️

There are some progressive and considerate restrictions in Singapore but these that were seen on the island of Sentosa aren't to be taken as seriously.

21/10/19

Story of the Forest

I saw this exhibition in the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore. A visual feast from the Japanese art collective. There was a lot of wildlife as part of the expansive digital landscape and the different species roamed around together in harmony. The ambient soundtrack enhanced the zen feeling that I got from this experience. I'm defintely on the lookout for more from teamLab.

18/10/19

Vegetarian choice

Ananda Bhavan Restaurant in Little India, Serangoon Road, Singapore.

One of the top eateries I've experienced out here goes to this vegetarian restaurant. Rich flavours in the collection of pots in each of these meal sets. I followed the locals by eating with my right hand, apparently the left hand is for toilet duties. Interesting educational plaques on the wall. In the current state of awareness about healthy eating and sustainability the information seems viably compelling.

18/10/19

🦄

Photograph of a colourful unicorn taken at Kampong Glam, Singapore. Thank you to a friend for posting this article about Unicorn employees through social media: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-signs-youre-unicorn-employee-ryan-holmes

17/10/19

Alive

4th bungy jump!

1st Uganda 43m

2nd Macau 233m

3rd Guangzhou 45m

4th Singapore 47m

15/10/19

The Other Wall

This was my favourite of the exhibits as part of Children's Biennale 2019. The gold environment was visually appealing and the voices narrating the stories were soothing. The folktales were engaging considering they each had a significant underlying moral. The gold cushions could be used as seats to take a crayon rubbing of each of the unique characters. This along with the other exhibits are for people of all ages. 'Embracing Wonder' at the National Gallery, Singapore.

14/10/19

Chinese pioneers

Lost myself in this incredible immersive exhibition at the Chinatown Heritage Centre. I learned about the history of early Chinese pioneers living in Singapore. The multimedia guide provides personal stories referencing the belongings and people that lived or worked in these humble living quarters. Painstaking attention to detail including lots of elements that can be interacted with and throughout the other exhibits the use of different scents specifically chosen to enhance the experience. Dwellers include a Tailor, an Apprentice, a Trisaw Rider, a Carpenter, a Hawker, a Samsui Women, a Clog Maker, a Majie, a family of eight and a Physician's family.

13/10/19

Art should comfort the disturbed

Vibrant streets of Kampong Glam, Singapore. This is a neighbourhood with a community of Malay and Arab people. Street art by: @heyitsmytheory @prettyfreakyfantasy

14/10/19

Unity

Impressive monument of unity at the War Memorial Park, Singapore.

12/10/19

🧍

Interesting stats if Singapore were 100 people. Lonely Planet guides have always been a great companion while travelling.

05/10/19

Nostalgia

Performing vocals with a band at Real Live Music Club during 6th Form in 2001.

05/10/19

😇

The better angels of our nature by Steven Pinker.

I've spent money on this book twice (paperback and digital). That's how valuable it is.

30/09/19

Happy National Day

Thank you China for giving me the opportunity to change.

29/09/19

The fun of the fair

Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre, UK. An impressive museum of items that belonged to travelling fairs and functional rides. Includes the classic Dodgems, Carousel, Ghost Train and Hall of Mirrors. An interesting, unique place to spend time with family.

27/09/19

"Originals"

http://www.ted.com/talks/adam_grant_the_surprising_habits_of_original_thinkers?language=en

25/09/19

⚙️

My father gave me this book: James May's Magnificent Machines. Worth a look. 'It may be simply that inventors are usually poor, notorously bereft of business acumen and generally misunderstood, and so forced by circumstances into sheds. But it could be that the shed environment, and some unwritten convention that says it is a place of deep thought that is not subject to the restrictive tenets of normal life, provides a unique form of inspiration.'

20/09/19

🌆

An evening with friends.

19/09/19

❤️💛💚💙

I read this book: Surrounded by idiots by Thomas Erikson.

18/09/19

May peace prevail on Earth

I've never seen this monument before in Plymouth, UK.

13/09/19

Flow

How craving attention makes you less creative: http://www.ted.com/talks/joseph_gordon_levitt_how_craving_attention_makes_you_less_creative?language=en

10/09/19

👁️

Finally I get to listen to Tool's long awaited album: Fear Inoculum.

09/09/19

The Ocean Collective

Throwback to another era by listening to some music again and looking through the lavish packaging. The Ocean were a German collective that really went to town with their presentation along with the resurgence of vinyl records. I was fortunate enough to see them live on three occasions minus the full orchestra. Their relentless barrage is too much for some but if you give them time the tracks ebb and flow into each other revealing melody and thought provoking lyrics. The concepts behind their work are fascinating.

Precambrian is an album about the origins of the Earth over a period of time beginning with Hadean and ending in Proterozoic Neoproterozoic.

Helliocentric is an album about the development of astronomy and the viewpoint that the Earth revolves around the sun. There are references to astronomers and ambassaders. Underlying themes of conflicts between ideas based on religious belief and contrast with scientific discovery.

Anthropcentric is an album that is paired with Heliocentric focusing more on different belief systems about the origins of the Earth. Exploring the role of Human beings in the universe.

I've still got a great deal of appreciation for this group's ambition to tackle challenging ideas and present them with such quality.

01/09/19

Building, always building

This Halloween model stayed with our family for many years but no one braved the challenge to make it. I've now finished it during my downtime. The dark theme and the skill required isn't for the faint hearted but really satisfying once underway. In total there was over 20 hours of cutting and sticking but the result is amazing. Soon it will be October and this will look great on display.

01/09/19

Hot Pot

As there hasn't been the opportunity for us to meet in China then why not bring Chinese cuisine to my family in the UK? Fortunately there is an Authentic Sichuan Restaurant in Plymouth that serves Hot Pot!

29/08/19

🚴

I'm feeling privileged to be back in peaceful Cornwall. Today my father and I cycled 22 miles along the Granite Way Trail: Okehampton to Lydford, Tavistock, UK.

29/08/19

Tool

'Art takes time - Monet grew his gardens before he painted them.' - Atticus

13 years since 10,000 Days. Awaiting Tool's new album Fear Inoculum. Free from expectations, reading this article in Revolver magazine and waiting to hear what you give.

'We're really hard on ourselves so we don't pay much attention to people's expectations.' - Danny Carey (drummer in the band).

24/08/19

The big picture

Over the last two years while living in Guangzhou I consumed various takeaway meals. I had a habit of saving the recyclables to use as resources for creative projects. After realising the sheer volume of waste I decided to cut the amount of takeaways I was eating. Although on occasion I would still request a food delivery and despite asking not to include chopsticks or cutlery these items were still sent with the food! Only by laying these items out can I see the big picture of the waste that was generated. All of these items will now be recycled.

17/08/19

Doors

Doors exhibition by artist Tango Gao 任意门漫画展, Shenzhen, China, 深圳. A lot of wit on show! Digging the simplistic tongue in cheek doodles.

Support the artist!

Instagram: @tangosleepless

Website: https://tangogao.com/

10/08/19

Weekend escape

Failed attempts escaping AI and Night of the Museum at Xcape! After numerous puzzles we were getting our cooperation going. Thanks to the team for this shared experience. Thanks to a friend for the heads up about this place. The English version wasn't completely accurate so Chinese translation is definitely required. It's worth checking out.

Xcape 异时刻密室逃脱(花城汇店), No.74 Huangpu Avenue, Section A B1/F, Huachenghui, Guangzhou, 510000, China.

Website: http://www.xcape.cc/

03/08/19

One last hoo-haa!

Board Game Day! @Board Game Station, Guangzhou, China 广州市天河区黄埔大道中309号羊城创意园3-09背面2楼.

What a session! Thanks everyone for coming out and playing board games! Those that have been apart of the Hobby Lab Group for years and the newcomers for showing an interest in the hobby. I really appreciate your support. I've taken great pleasure teaching and moderating for you all! Keep it going! Thank you to a friend for capturing the memories that day.

My time as a board game enthusiast in China is documented on Instagram: @darryl.westley #playingboardgamesinchina

31/07/19

Forest of Life and Future Park

Excellent recommendation to visit this immersive and interactive art exhibition by teamLab. Impeccable use of technology, lighting, space, mirrors and sound. The whole experience was engaging and surprisingly moving especially considering most of the elements are computer generated. Go now while it's still there!

teamLab Forest of Life and Future Park, Party Pier Culture Art Zone, Guangzhou, (广州琶醍文化创意园区).

Website: https://art.team-lab.cn/e/forest_of_life_guangzhou/

26/07/19

🪟

The window of ignorance. I spotted this as part of a building in Guangzhou, China. It appears to be purely for decoration.

24/07/19

One man's trash is another man's treasure. I publicly exhibited my art in the local community in Guangzhou, China. I invited people to take it and anyone who took a bag could potentially profit from it by selling it for recycling.

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

17/07/19

Board Game Day!

Epic gaming session at Board Game Station, Guangzhou, China, 广州市天河区黄埔大道中309号羊城创意园3-09背面2楼.

My time as a board game enthusiast in China is documented on Instagram: @darryl.westley #playingboardgamesinchina

16/07/19

♻️

Fun signs promoting recycling in my local community, Guangzhou, China.

16/07/19

📚

I read this book: Thinking goes to school Piaget's theory in practice by Hans G. Furth and Harry Wachs.

I think the most important sections of published literature are the acknowledgements and references to the people who contributed to that body of work. That appreciation for the collaborative effort opens up endless avenues for further exploration and potential discovery. Referencing is a way of valuing the lives of others.

14/07/19

💭

'True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what's right.' - Brigham Young

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

05/07/19

💭

'All growth depends on activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.' - Calvin Coolidge

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

22/06/19

💭

'Experts often possess more data than judgement.' - Colin Powell

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

15/06/19

💭

'Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.' - Aristotle

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

12/06/19

🐛🔍

Bug spotting in Guangzhou, China.

07/06/19

♻️

This kitchen waste bin was delivered for use at home. I endorse this initative in my local community in Guangzhou, China.

07/06/19

🐉🚣‍♂️

A delicious gift of Zongzi for Dragon Boat Festival.

01/06/19

💭

'It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.' - Edmund Hillary

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

25/05/19

💭

'And once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about.' - Haruki Murakami

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

21/05/19

💭

'All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.' - Havelock Ellis

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

17/05/19

💭

'Leadership is not a popularity contest; it's about leaving your ego at the door. The name of the game is to lead without a title.' - Robin S. Sharma

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

06/05/19

💭

'Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.' - Arthur Schopenhauer

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

21/04/19

💭

'No one would have crossed the ocean if he could have gotten off the ship in the storm.' - Charles Kettering

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

18/04/19

💭

'You're guilty until proven innocent. Perception is reality, that's the way it is in the world.' - Chris Webber

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

07/04/19

📃🙌

We attempted to fold some of the designs from this dinosaur origami book.

05/04/19

🌎

Eye catching One PLANET billboards raising awareness of strategies to help the environment. I spotted these in Guangzhou Metro Station, China.

Website: https://wwf.panda.org/knowledge_hub/all_publications/one_planet_solutions

30/02/19

💭

'Always make new mistakes.' - Esther Dyson

Quote discovered on this website: https://www.brainyquote.com/

My art is documented on my Instagram: @daz.darryl

24/02/19

🎁

Today was a gift.

12/02/19

🏠🍳

Home cooking with ingredients sourced in the local community, Guangzhou, China.

06/02/19

Guangzhou Sculpture Park

This remains my favourite park in the city. It's an underated, peaceful place to get away from the hustle and bustle. Wandering around here is a pleasure trying to make all the historical connections between the pieces of art and then there's even a tribute to Michael Jackson! Where's the tree joining in the chorus?

04/02/19

🐷

Happy New Year

新年快乐

Xīnnián kuàilè

All the best for 2019! 🐷

30/01/19

☯️

A trip to Huizhou, Guangdong, China. Peaceful ascent of the sacred mountain Luofushan and breathtaking descent by cable car. In this taoist sight it was interesting to learn about taoism medical theory of baicao oil and the significance of calabashes.

25/01/19

💭

Reflecting on volunteering for development in 2007. A community project in Bubugo, Uganda. Builders and teachers were needed for the Primary School, doctors were needed to help people in th village. A really worthwhile experience that stays with me.