In order for more people to learn about the vanishing Eastern tradition of handmade ink sticks, I decided to create a set of cultural gifts for my senior graduation project, with the title "Oriental Mystery: Chinese Ink Stick ( 'Black Soil' ?? as the Chinese title)". Through innovatively integrating the work one of Taiwan's last handmade ink masters, Chen Jia-de (???), I hoped to showcase this vital cultural asset which is gradually being forgotten. I wanted to present ink sticks, the most important of the four treasures of the study, to a wider audience as gifts which embody unique cultural elements.
As recorded in Shugu Shufa Zuan, "Xing Yi was the first creator of ink. Characters were formed from black soil, a mixture of soot and soil." Thus, I titled this project Black Soil. The invention of ink sticks was what enabled clear historical records in books, which is why these ink sticks were repackaged in six different book binding methods infused with a modern twist. "As one grinds ink, ink also grinds one down." In the past, people sought clarity of mind and spirit through grinding ink, grinding away their worries through this Zen-like philosophy. Cui Xi's Six Natural Principles were used to express six rhythms present in ink making, demonstrating an ideal attitude towards life. Handmade paper and Japanese handmade art paper were utilized as packaging materials, conveying a passion and insistence for handcrafted materials. My own artistic creations were incorporated on the interior of this packaging, demonstrating and expressing various ink forms through modern techniques. These elements synergized with the soul of the project, Master Chen's handmade ink sticks, to complete the overall design concept.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
-29th International Young Designers' Exhibition: Silver medal in Graphic Design Category and Special Judges Prize
-Interviewed by the successful graphic designer, Xiao Qing-yang
-Included in "100 Cool Designs", published by Bookzone
-Exhibited in "Design for Asia Awards, 2010" , Hong Kong