One of Hong Kong’s many unusual features is the trees growing from old walls. Most of them have existed since before World War II. The artistic shapes and endurance of these trees won appreciation from nearby residents, which transform into an indispensable part of the collective memories of the community.

To overcome the hilly terrain with limited flat land for development, stone retaining walls of various types were built by traditional Chinese masonry techniques to provide horizontal platforms and stabilize disturbed terrain. They also provide shade by the street and offer habitats for wildlife right in the heart of our urban areas.

The traditional craft in masonry wall construction is no longer present and there is no new stone wall constructed by traditional craftsmanship thus making stonewall trees unique heritage.

With the sub-tropical climate, the presence of plant species usually Ficus spp. with strangler growing habit, joints between the stone blocks, the soil behind the walls and ground water seepage have permitted plant growth and stonewall trees have established on vertical surfaces on the retaining walls.

The surface roots also fuse together at interactions to form a distinctive root network enhancing the grip on the walls. For species with aerial roots, these roots provide additional support to improve stability of stonewall trees when lignified, particularly if they can reach the soil to become prop-like supports.

About the Artist and Stamp Carving:
“Roots” exhibit a series of beautiful images which were made with rubber stamps carved from rubber board. The technique of rubber-stamping involves sketching, transferring, carving and printing.

Alice Yeung has received the rubber stamp carving instructor’s certificate in 2011.
In collaboration with Alice, SOIL will host a stamp-carving / printmaking workshop.

At beginners’ level, participants can pick up basic techniques of knife control and carve simple motifs. Alice will share how to use carving tools for simple detailing, and acquire basic stamping and overlay stamping techniques. Participants will get to bring home the carving knives, a rubber stamp carved out of a Japanese rubber carving block, and an inkpad.

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Website: www.craftbysoil.com
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