Zen Attitude
In the 1960s, newspaper agents in Hung Shui Kiu offered nice packages to customers. My family paid HK15 cents for two newspapers sold for HK10 cents each on our way into a tea house and then exchanged them for another two on our way out. As a young boy, I never missed the political cartoons of Yim Yee-king "嚴以敬", enjoying and learning his satire.
Decades later, I was attracted to colourful works with Zen-like messages by Ah Chung "阿虫" published in newspapers. When I wished renowned artists to support the cause of copyright protection of literary and artistic works, I suggested my marketing colleagues approach him. He kindly agreed and created two works for us for a nominal fee of HK$10.
On copyright protection, he wrote: "To create is like ploughing virgin soil, you sweat for every inch you get..." ("創作有如墾荒土,一寸土地汗一分......"). His works imprinted on souvenirs were presented particularly to visitors for the memories they brought back. I also thanked the humble Hong Kong artist in person for his positive endorsement.
Later, I learned that "嚴以敬" and "阿虫" were in fact the same person, but in different stages of his literary and artistic development. Enlightened, the stubborn negative caricaturist transformed himself into a tolerant harmony expressionist. While the perfectionist has gone to the other world, I believe his uplifting Zen attitude remains here!