Synthesis of Eastern and Western Reflections (from Traditional to Digital Dynamic Graphic) in relation the Four Guardians of the Sky

: Dragon, Phoenix, Turtle, and Tiger

Abstract

The Introduction sets out to explain the fundamental nature of the four Chinese mythological creatures of Dragon, Phoenix, White Tiger and Turtle, their link to Chinese myths, and their origins in ancient Chinese philosophy in relation to the Taoist principle of Yin & Yang. Chapter One reflects on the artworks associated with the four spiritual creatures and their meanings and symbolism (mainly) in Chinese culture, comparing them with similar entities in Western and Middle Eastern cultures throughout history. It also discusses, within the context of Eastern and Western approaches to woodcut printing, the designs, symbols and motifs used in creating images for artist books and other artworks. Expanding on the derivations for each animal, and their etymological evolution in Chinese writing (including ancient Oracle bone script characters and pictographs), as well as Arabic calligraphy. Chapter Two describes and discusses my practical experiments using different materials and approaches to paper marbling. These have revealed that widely varying results in patterning can be achieved by using different solutions of fresh water, salt water, seawater and size. Additional manipulation can be achieved by varying the manner in which colours are dropped and dispersed during the process of marbling. Synthesising Western and Eastern (Japanese) techniques of marbling has enabled the development of two ways of masking that allows for stencilled marbling to be achieved. Chapter Three introduces paper cutting and laser cutting and engraving techniques from both Eastern and Western perspectives. It demonstrates how my own extensive practical experiments of cutting has developed from the humble scalpel to laser cutting, and then have culminated in intricate laser cut and etched designs for the artist books and stand-alone artworks, using and testing out a series of different types of paper and wood.
Additionally, it suggests that laser etching on paper can be achieved that is comparable to the fundamentals of printmaking (in terms of registration, laying up the tones, and making editions).

Date of Award	2014
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aberystwyth University
Supervisor	Robert Meyrick (Supervisor), Paul Croft (Supervisor) & Philip Garratt (Supervisor)