My grandpa has dedicated his entire life to creating temple art. As an all-around artist, he is well-versed in drawing design plans for temples, creating stories and characters that decorate both the temple interior and exteriors and painting walls and doors. Of all his talent and skills, it is his innovative cut-and-paste techniques that set him apart from his fellow tradesmen. He went to great lengths studying different materials, tools and style of presentation, in an attempt to break from conventional practices.  His innovative approaches have secured him a  unique place in Taiwanese temple art. He spent the first half of his life reinventing temple art and dedicated the second half to the mission of renovating historic sites and preserving cultural arts and crafts.       

 

The work features a female warrior that has become a prominent figure in grandpa’s cut and pace porcelain art. Throughout history, women in the East and West have always been bound by traditional etiquette and teachings. The only male was able to speak up and fight for their rights. Until now, most women still struggle to ignore social stigma and stay true to themselves. I aspire to not be fettered by tradition and live for myself. That I will have lots of courage to face unknown challenges and encourage contemporary women to follow the footsteps of famous female warriors throughout Chinese history bravely speak their mind. 

 

Work toward the goals that they deem worthwhile and pursue the future that they want. The work is inspired by the armour worn by traditional warrior figures in the cut-and-paste porcelain decoration, combining temple structure with armour. It features Jiamao and Gongchuei as the main design elements. The two pieces represent a marriage between traditional materials and metal; the juxtaposition of the new and old.

 

It takes immense courage to break away from traditional mindset. In contrast to Item No. 1, which features more traditional elements, Item No. 2 has a modern undertone.  It retains only the traditional openwork designs alongside Jiamao and Gongchuei, as the centrepiece of a geometric corset, aimed at a more clear-cut and modern style. The masculinity of metal lines, coupled with chains that swing as the body moves, conveying a charisma that is assertive and gentle at the same time.