Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lai Lam’s fascination for textiles and all things fibre dates back to her early years. Stories about her grandfather selling pre-wound warps in 1940s China; watching a neighbour spin hair-fine sewing thread, or her mother demonstrating how to extract fibres from wild ramie plants in Hong Kong, are some of her archived childhood memories.

Lai’s fibre journey began after her family moved to New Zealand. A series of spinning and weaving workshops and many playful experiments saw her falling into the world of plant fibres: linen, ramie, and muka from the harakeke plant have captured her heart ever since.

In her solo exhibition at Masterworks, Lai presents a collection dedicated to the world of fibres. Where have all the flowers gone? has emerged from long periods of experimentation with ideas, techniques, and botanical fibres, especially those found in her immediate environment.

Influenced by artisans who practise traditional and heritage crafts, even after years of backstrap weaving, I still find it mesmerising to see weaving done with such simple tools and concepts.

Join Lai to celebrate Saturday 22 November from 2-4pm. All welcome.