BEIJING -- Printing an old two yuan metro ticket, as well as ancient items such as an iconic iron vacuum flask or a taxi receipt, on T-shirts may seem strange to local people, but for a young Englishman living in Beijing, he has become fairly popular doing just that.
At his store selling original T-shirts called Plastered Eight among some non-descript, low-rise dwellings in South Luogu Lane, Dominic Johnson-Hill, whose Chinese name is Jiang Senhai, is self-proclaimed "creative dictator". In his view, the unique point of his T-shirts are that the images printed on them depict "Beijing from a foreigner's eyes".
Johnson-Hill is not serious about formal design theories. Neither is he restricted by traditional thoughts. He liked to catch those images that locals took for granted, relying on inspiration that flashes across his mind.
Living in Beijing for 14 years, the London native can speak fluent Chinese, although he knew little about the written characters. "I left Britain when I was 17. It is almost as long as the time I stayed in Beijing by now."
"When I got here in 1993, I couldn't speak any Chinese and had no time to look around the hutongs (alleys). All I could see was the Soviet-style buildings in the suburbs, so I did not feel much beauty in this city."
Then, through contacts with locals, he gradually fell in love with this "energetic" city. "The roads are wide and straight, and people are candid and easygoing. I love to chat with them. In my mind, Beijing is just like a big art museum, and there are creative ideas everywhere."
He started to design his own T-shirts two years ago with an idea of capturing something familiar.
"I was afraid of selling them then, because I put my heart on the T-shirts and worried that no one would accept them," he said. "But now, most of the customers are local young people. Although 80 yuan (10.89 U.S dollars) for a T-shirt is still a little bit high for them, as long as they think the idea is good they will take it without caring about whether is an unknown brand.
"My T-shirts are Beijing-born street culture, and people here give me confidence and a self-identify," he said
Johnson-Hill thought that hutongs were the soul of old Beijing, and creative ideas were the characteristics of the developing modern city. Combining the two has been the cultural symbol of South Luogu Lane.
Acting on his proposal, the antique alley held its first Creative Market this past August. At the market, people could find things that they thought were interesting, such as traditional handicrafts, original cartoons, personal-style clothing and pop music. Many people also used the street as a stage.
"Bands came to perform on their own accord, and played for nothing," Johnson-Hill said. "One boy suddenly jumped onto the road and began singing and playing guitar. I love this kind of feeling."
Although the local management officials of the street were not pleased with some of the impromptu performances, the local residents expressed their understanding and support for the market. "It wouldn't be a festival without the wonderful performances," Johnson-Hill said.
"This Creative Market was very successful, and I hope we can keep it on. Many children here, growing up in a world of Disney and McDonald's, would now find a new interesting place in Beijing."
In his eyes, the upcoming Olympic Games will be like a big party, and people all over the world will be here to share a happy time together. However, the Briton was looking far beyond that. "After the Olympic Games, life will continue. I will also go on to find new ideas of Beijing."
As his T-shirt business increased steadily, Johnson-Hill and his Canadian wife wanted to do their best to give back to the society.
"About five percent of the store's profits is put aside to help needy children," he said, pointing at a glass donation box on the store's counter. "That is for a small charity performing for sick children. I will be dressed like Santa Claus for the kids in Beijing Children's Hospital."
