July, summer distilled YOCHA STUDIO |
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In a previous newsletter we summed up the main features of a Swedish July so we won’t bore you by regurgitating them here, (for those who weren’t paying attention first time around a quick refresher is available here – bonus points and a free tea for whoever first spots the rather unfortunate typo). Suffice to say that summer here, and particularly the month of July, involves old American cars, empty offices, RVs, country cottages, ice-cream, trips to Thailand and Spain, bare-chested joggers, tourists, barbecues, and motorcycles – in no particular order. |
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This year, at least in Uppsala, July started with an abrupt end to our June drought. More typical Swedish summer weather of bright sunny days mixed in with plenty of rainy ones replaced the previous three weeks of unbroken sunshine, which was actually quite refreshing. So, while many less fortunate parts of the world literally burned as they experienced never-before-seen record high temperatures, here in Uppsala, our customers could comfortably sip their tea at our outdoor tables in quite bearable conditions in the low to mid-20s. And even if a summer shower did threaten, the welcoming tables of Yocha Studio laden with Asian snacks, design items and tea ware were a mere step away. Just one advantage of living in the frozen north - at least in summer. |
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At the tail-end of this month Yocha Studio held another Ink Painting Workshop hosted by the multi-talented, prize-winning artist Elin Zhuang. This time the title of the workshop was “Ink painting on fan”, which, while it sounds quite innocent in English could be a construed as a little rude in Swedish, but honestly, no offence intended. Elin explained how this particular variety of ink painting, using that most Chinese of items, the paper fan, as a canvas came about. She also coaxed sixteen eager participants to establish contact with their muse, unleash their inner artistic spirit, and have a go themselves - with varying results. Fun (or should that be fan?) was had by all would be an understatement! |
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And we have further cultural activities coming up next month starting with our first ever international collaboration Tea Workshops. Intriguingly entitled “A Sip of Origin” (it wasn’t me, honestly!), these unique tasting events will focus on teas grown in the Guangxi region of China. Organised by the Sanjing Dong County Tea Association, similar workshops will also be held at the JIAN Tea and Art Culture Space in Berlin and the CHAxART Intercultural Hub in Amsterdam. Here at Yocha Studio the first sitting on Aug 6th is sold out but if you are interested in attending on August 20th contact info@yochastudio.se or call in to see us. |
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Before we finish, some news of a slightly less international nature as Yocha founder and CEO, Fang Danrui, aka Zoe Thompson, once again made the pages of Uppsala’s ‘Gray Lady’ and paper of record, Upsala Nya Tidning (and no, there is not a ‘p’ missing, it’s the archaic ‘classier’ spelling). In a wide-ranging interview covering everything from Asian snacks and the intricacies of Kung Fu Tea preparation to the original idea behind Yocha Studio and how to avoid cultural misunderstandings, Zoe explained why she and everyone involved in Yocha Studio feel it is so important to help break down cultural barriers and promote cross-cultural understanding, now more than ever before. Unfortunately, the article languishes behind a paywall, but for Swedish speakers or the merely curious, Upsala Nya Tidning have a very special, cancellable subscription offer of 2 SEK (c. 20¢) per month for two months. If enough of you sign up, they might even be able to afford that second ‘p’. |
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And finally, whether it’s because you’re relaxing outside a summer stuga or lounging on a Phuket beach; driving a 1950s Oldsmobile, unfeasibly large RV, or even riding a Harley Davidson Fat Boy; cruising the Stockholm archipelago or firing up the barbie in your backyard; or if you’re simply the unlucky one who lost the draw and is manning the office solo… whatever the reason, remember if you aren’t able to physically make it to Yocha Studio in Uppsala, you can check out our website www.yochastudio.com or social media channels for the latest news on all our Asian design products available for purchase online – all with delivery to your door. Till next month, enjoy those July holidays (while they last.) The Yocha Team. |
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