Viewpoints 9 (Cycle 3) Challenge 4
Title of work: The Implication of Red
Theme: Interpretation of Traditional Techniques
My Feedback: Memory of Red
Tradition is not a new word to me, but when it comes to the traditional sewing techniques in Taiwan, I find myself so unfamiliar with it. I have no idea how to explain the traditional techniques to you. I have to admit that I haven't been paying much attention to it. Thank you, Misik, for giving me the opportunity to think about the subject and to find out the tradition that I am not familiar with. Here is not the complete information, but I would like to share a few images with you.
First of all, I would like to introduce the “shoulang yam”. Shoulang yam is a very important plant to Taiwanese aborigines. It is a traditional dyestuff. Why is it so important? Fibers dyed with shoulang yam are believed to ward off negative situations. It is also being used as mosquito repellents and it helps to strengthen the toughness of fabrics. Most importantly, it’s a beautiful red color. For Taiwanese people, red symbolize joy. Everyone wants to live a joyful life!
Shoulang yam is traditionally much used by Taiwanese aborigines as natural dyes. (Photo from: http://goo.gl/evjNd9)
The tubers of shoulang yam (Photo from: http://goo.gl/0cGOxS)
Next, I would like to talk about traditional sewing techniques in Taiwan. Weaving has not been emphasized in the literature, but it’s a very common technique for Taiwanese aborigines. Lots of images of Taiwanese weaving works can be found in Google. Paper mulberry, ramie and banana tree string are 3 common natural fibers. They are weaved in red or its natural color to form very special patterns. It’s an irreplaceable traditional technique.
Atayal traditional groom costume (Photo from: http://goo.gl/ibEvuZ)
The favorite color of Atayal culture is red. (Photo from: http://goo.gl/ISOMgA)
There is also a very detailed technique for celebrations- the gorgeous embroidery. Embroidery has a long history in Taiwan, but not many people pay attention to it or learn it now. Though it is somewhat a sunset industry, I have always been fascinated by its gorgeousness.
Traditional Embroidery Art by Tainan Kuang Tsai Embroidery Shop
These are some rough information about the traditional techniques in Taiwan that I know. There are some other techniques that I need to do further research. Just share some of them with you. Thank you. Enjoy creating the 4th challenge!
Artist Statement:
For women in the Chinese-speaking World, the color red is like an invisible frame. Our traditional values teach us to tolerate a variety of unhappiness for the sake of keeping happy lives for the majority. Such uncertainty stops us from pursuing dreams. Although red represents joy and happiness, it’s also a symbol of stirring emotions.
“My traditional world is much simpler than imagined, just like hand sewing techniques in traditional quilting”- this is my answer after thinking it over. Tradition might have different meaning for everyone, depending on family backgrounds, environments and personal thoughts. I’m Hoklo Taiwanese, the most traditional ethnic group in Taiwan. There are more moral rules for us to follow than other groups. But this is not a bad thing. The invisible shackle and strict education make us to face various challenges with courage and confidence and enable us to learn from previous experiences to grasp the key points quickly. In fact, in addition to enjoy the joy of red, I am even more grateful for gaining pure confidence after working hard to overcome difficulties over and over again. My challenge is about the pure white hidden in the red sea of flowers.
I chose to work on “the traditional burden of red”, though it once made me struggle. Thankfully I had 10 days to stay away from creating. I finally had some time for self-reflection. It brought me joy and vitality inadvertently, and made me complete the quilt which was once out of control. It’s a relief that I sort it out in Beijing. It’s very meaningful. It feels like awakening from a long dream. Thank you, Misik, for the challenge.
Materials: commercial cotton, ribbon, gold thread, silver thread, bead, sequin
Techniques: hand appliqué, hand pieced, hand embroidered, hand quilted
Size: 87 x 100 (cm)
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