Making an exhibition of herself

Burlesque: The strong use of red is one of the themes of her work

Chrissy Lau was born in Cleethorpes and grew up in Hull.

A new cafe bar in the city is showcasing her work, with a permanent exhibition of her drawings.

As well as the walls, the 25-year-old artist's illustrations also grace the menus, flyers, T-shirts and other promotional items.

Her love of art developed as a young child as she recalls:

"I have always been an avid artist ever since I can remember. It wasn't a conscious decision to be arty it was simply a part of every day life.

"Drawing is what I enjoyed as a child and still do to this day; it is a form of relaxation and also a way to interpret things I see around me."

Despite her artistic leanings she went down the pathway of a career in law; training to be a barrister.

However, she abandoned her studies and tried to make a living from her art, initially helping with the management of a gallery in Bridlington.

Her drawings feature stylized images of people, animals and landscapes in black and white with splashes of vivid colour.

Ms Lau acknowledges that her Chinese background shapes her art: "I would say it has a strong influence on my work.

"I am intrigued by Chinese brush painting and its loose style. I use red a lot in my drawings and it is a colour of good luck in Chinese tradition."

Chrissy Lau: Now based in Sydney

As well as traditional artwork, her illustrations have graced clothing, bags and have featured in an advertising campaign for a mobile phone network.

Many examples of her work are hanging on the walls of Koo Bar on Newland Avenue in west Hull.

The newly opened establishment is owned by a long-time collector of her work who decided to incorporate the art into the interior design.

Chrissy now lives in Sydney but is planning to return to the region: "East Yorkshire has a great influence on my style, because of the people and family I have there.

"I have a strong connection and sense of belonging to East Yorkshire and it greatly influences my work in terms of emotions."