Experience the charm of Daxi: Capture culture through sketches

Recently, I was fortunate enough to partake in an art residency at the Daxi Wood Art Ecopark, a magical oasis perched on a hillside and fringed by a tranquil river. My residency lasted from February 27th to May 7th, and throughout this period, I resided in a historic Japanese house that once functioned as a dormitory for Japanese law enforcement officers.

From the first day, I was captivated by the unique charm of Japanese architecture. The harmonious balance and refined intricacy of the designs sparked a sense of awe within me, stoking a deep admiration and affection for the aesthetic elegance inherent in these buildings.

Throughout my stay, I frequently strolled through Daxi, armed with my sketchpad, with the intent of capturing the city's essence. This collection of sketches is a tribute to the diverse personality of the city. The dichotomy between the peaceful allure of its historic streets and parks, and the lively vigor of its modern city life was a captivating subject. Each sketch serves as a snapshot of Daxi, a city of contrasts that I've grown to cherish deeply.

One of the most memorable aspects of my residency was getting the chance to sketch the workspaces of Daxi's master craftsmen. These workshops, buzzing with creative energy, are where beautiful works of art come to life. I spent hours in these spaces, not just sketching, but also observing and absorbing the atmosphere. Sketching these workshops allowed me to capture more than just a physical space. It allowed me to capture a snapshot of the artistic process itself, the heart and soul of Daxi's craft traditions. Each sketch is a visual narrative, telling the story of a master craftsman at work. It was an immensely rewarding experience, both as an artist and as an observer of Daxi's rich craft heritage.

One of the most memorable aspects of my residency was getting the chance to sketch the workspaces of Daxi's master craftsmen. These workshops, buzzing with creative energy, are where beautiful works of art come to life. I spent hours in these spaces, not just sketching, but also observing and absorbing the atmosphere. Sketching these workshops allowed me to capture more than just a physical space. It allowed me to capture a snapshot of the artistic process itself, the heart and soul of Daxi's craft traditions. Each sketch is a visual narrative, telling the story of a master craftsman at work. It was an immensely rewarding experience, both as an artist and as an observer of Daxi's rich craft heritage.

Currently, my sketches are showcased at the Craft Exchange Hall in the Daxi Wood Art Ecological Museum, where they will remain until October 2023.