Floriography
Floral imagery is more than decorative art or a symbol of femininity. For example, in East Asian culture, some flowers are regarded as powerful and noble rather than fragile or delicate. The meanings of flowers go beyond the field of botany, becoming rich cultural semiotics and spiritual ballast. Looking at flowers through the lens of Sinitic literature, performing arts, and my own horticultural experience, I try to express the floral motif beyond face value.
Prunus mume
Narcissus tazetta subsp. chinensis
Camellia japonica
Paeonia spp.
Malus spp.
Magnolia denudata
Jasminum sambac
Nelumbo nucifera
Rosa rugosa
The Journey of Metamorphosis
I chose Lee Alexander McQueen (1969–2010) as my “Medici” for his dramatic expression and melancholic aesthetics. McQueen is renowned for his sophisticated tailoring and unrestrained imagination. He masterfully hybridized fabrics and techniques to convey the juxtaposition between femininity and masculinity, tradition and modernity, strength and lightness, intensity and serenity. Rebirth or metamorphosis is one of the motifs he frequently referenced in his fashion creations. Inspired by McQueen’s romantic narrative and the metamorphosis of the butterfly, I created my manifesto drawing to explore the experience of seeking light in darkness.
Crafting the Terrain
Model-making is the artful process of crafting terrain, blending beauty in form with precise attention to detail. It unites precision, elegance, and intentional design, transforming ideas into tangible creations that showcase both artistry and skill.
