Prof. Shirley Yeung

Your works often combine the themes of nature, resilience, and sustainability. What first inspired you to integrate these concepts into your art?

My Chinese calligraphy technique embodies a fusion of nature, resilience, and sustainability, inspired by my master calligraphy teacher as well as my experiences at SDG x ESG conferences organized by the UN and UNESCO.

My calligraphy paintings and apparel are not merely artistic expressions; they serve as a bridge connecting intangible cultural heritage (ICH) with modern technological innovations such as AI and blockchain. Drawing on centuries-old Chinese calligraphy, I aim to deepen the understanding of life, values, and character—especially the importance of persistence, patience, precision, and the natural flow of energy (chi) in brushwork.

My thoughtful use of green, blue, and black, along with detailed strokes and a philosophical approach, reflects a deep appreciation of the cultural significance embedded in each stroke. These elements symbolize structural harmony, resilience, and the aesthetics of nature.

Ultimately, I continue to refine my mastery of Chinese calligraphy and environmentally friendly pigments to symbolize the integration of tradition and innovation. By strategically applying NFTs, blockchain, and AI, I believe education can become more personalized, secure, and culturally enriched. My artistic principles—observation, experiential learning, and patience—suggest a new paradigm of teaching and creativity, leveraging technology to unlock learners’ potential across cultural and digital landscapes.

Could you describe your creative process—how do you go from a concept related to SDGs to a finished painting or installation?

The techniques in my calligraphy—controlled brush movements, ink gradation, and spatial balance—highlight the balance between environmental awareness (for example, in the choice of sustainable materials), and social partnership, such as supporting women in arts and technology through blockchain and AI. These methods become powerful metaphors for digital innovation.

By refining and contextualizing these skills, I show how art can act as a catalyst for educational transformation and help each artist develop a unique creative identity. Feedback I have received confirms that my work inspires artists, educators, and technologists to move beyond conventional methods and explore the meeting point of tradition and modernity.

You are known as both a Life Artist and a sustainability expert. How do these two roles support and challenge each other?

Life is about experiences and invention of solutions, while sustainability is the reflection of how we live in relation to nature—putting ideas into action to create a fuller, more meaningful life.

Could you share an example where your art has directly influenced environmental or community action?

Through my project genesis-one.co and blockchain-based SDG x Carbon initiatives, I have brought Chinese calligraphy paintings and apparel (enhanced with AI models) to women, students, professors, small enterprises, and NGOs in Cameroon, Dubai, the EU, Kenya, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, and other regions, including Muslim communities. This work encourages both cultural appreciation and sustainable practices.

What was your experience like as the only Professor/Artist from Hong Kong represented at the UNESCAP project?

It was an inspiring and encouraging experience to present my virtual exhibition on Spatial.io with UNESCAP. As a Professor of Practice and Artist from Hong Kong, I focus on merging artistic expression with academic inquiry to transform teaching methods. My approach integrates art, culture, and business with active audience engagement, emphasizing experiential, reflective, and participatory learning.

Representing Hong Kong at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) allowed me to promote dialogue, cultural understanding, and sustainable development—for example SDG 3 (well-being), SDG 4.7 (knowledge transfer), SDG 9 (innovation), and SDG 16 (peace)—through Chinese calligraphy.

This project enabled me and my audience not only to experience art but also to collaborate on real-world solutions. It reinforced my commitment to lifelong, life-wide learning and to using artistic practice combined with reflective inquiry as a framework for social engagement, cultural preservation, and inclusive policy-making.

As a professor and an artist, how do you integrate art education with new technologies (Art Tech) and entrepreneurial thinking?

In education and entrepreneurial communities, merging art with blockchain, NFTs, and AI opens revolutionary possibilities. NFTs and intellectual property tokens can serve as secure, verifiable certificates of authenticity and achievement for unique works. Artists and entrepreneurs need to understand how to use blockchain and eco-friendly materials to sustain their creative process and communicate their intended message.

It is also important to document creative credentials, life experiences, and reflections in learning portfolios. AI can personalize learning, analyze engagement, and generate adaptive content for each individual.

By combining these technologies with the disciplined yet fluid techniques of Chinese calligraphy and other forms of intangible cultural heritage, we can build an innovative, holistic pedagogy. This fusion transforms education from a linear process into an interactive journey, encouraging creators to honor tradition while embracing new digital tools.

Ultimately, inspiration fosters growth, and a deep connection to nature strengthens creativity and authenticity. These values are essential for nurturing future innovators.