Nurture Nature
This piece embodies the essence of nurturing nature and represents my life goals, not only as a human being but also as a designer. My aspiration is to utilize my talents and gifts to make a positive impact on the planet, both environmentally and in terms of helping humanity. Additionally, as a future university professor, I aim to impart knowledge to the next generation of designers, guiding them away from the pitfalls and challenges I've encountered and enlightening them about the potential of design.
With this artwork, I've delved into the semiotics of nature, crafting a visual metaphor using plant life as a symbol of our connection with the natural world. The choice of cut paper as a medium is deliberate, symbolizing my communication with trees to convey my message. The act of nurturing is symbolized not only by nurturing plants but also by nurturing people's intellectual growth, reflected in the imagery of plants and growth elements.
In the bottom right corner, you'll find an acorn, symbolizing the idea of nurturing something small to grow into something mighty, like an oak tree. I've incorporated sinuous line work, maple leaves, root structures, knots in trees, pine trees, and various foliage to add depth and dimensionality to the piece.
The layers of cut paper serve a dual purpose, representing both the educational philosophy of scaffolding—building knowledge step by step—and creating a 3D effect to enhance the visual experience. This artwork aims to float and engage the viewer's senses.
The script used in the piece is inspired by humanist hands, drawing inspiration from artists like Charles Richard Clary, a SCAD alumni, and paper artist, as well as Jessica Hische, and Dana Tanamachi. It blends these influences into a unique expression.
In summary, while I may not have fully expressed my voice in this piece, I believe that my life's pinnacle won't be achieved through fame or recognition but by positively influencing the lives of those I interact with daily, be it students or fellow designers. I strive to be a source of warmth, encouragement, and light through design and contribute to making the world a better place. This artwork also reflects my appreciation for fantasy works like Lord of the Rings and Wheel of Time, infusing a touch of whimsy and storytelling into my design. Ultimately, it represents the chapters of my life that I hope will be remembered as a reflection of nurturing both nature and the human spirit.
