Category: Unit three

Secondary research on the traditional crafts movement in China

For research on the traditional arts and crafts movement in China, I consulted the largest literature site in China, Zhiwang. Through my research, I found that China has not produced an Arts & Crafts movement like the British one due to the political system. In addition, in the early 20th century, the British Arts & Crafts movement was introduced directly to China through the writings, translations and articles of a number of Chinese artists, designers and cultural and artistic scholars. The introduction of these literary, artistic and cultural etc works complemented the spread and influence of the British Arts & Crafts movement in China.

Modern Chinese art and design was less influenced by the Western Arts & Crafts movement, i.e. it did not give rise to this movement, the modern design movement or trend of thought that countries such as Europe, America and Japan were influenced by.

Li jun Zheng

So can a similar movement be generated now in China? One could argue that this movement would have to be politically led, because in China only a government-led movement could really be generated on a large scale. The reasons why it is difficult to spread among the people are, firstly, limited funds, secondly, government control, thirdly, the lack of resources, etc.

# AC Knowledge

Bibliography

lu, Zq., 2014. The influence of the contemporary western arts and crafts movement the revibal of Chinese contemporary crafts. Contemporary handicraft,(01),24-31.

Zheng, Lj., 2012. Transmission and Impact of¨The Arts and Crafts Movement¨
in China in Early 20‘h Century. CSSCI, 128(5), pp.195-196.

Slef reflection of David’s tutorial

David gave the following advice.

  • The subject of my research question, we （How can we….). He argued that the process so far did not strong related with the subject, and it seemed like I was doing it all by myself and didn’t see where we were.
  • The current question does not match my current process，it need evolve.
  • The priority of my research question needs to be considered, whether embroidery or technology takes precedence.
  • The new methodology for my research question seems to be technology only, not reflected in other methods.
  • He currently see a combination of technology and embroidery in my project, but at this stage I need a specific purpose to be added to it, such as education, toys etc.
  • I need to clarify my own position in the project, what role I am to play as a pioneer, intervener, embroiderer, etc.

Based on David’s advice about my research questions, I thought I’d wait until I’d done all the interventions in UNIT 3 before I sublimated it. Under this, I’ll try as many different types of interventions as possible.

My next step will be to add a specific purpose to my current project, I will try to see if I can incorporate an educational purpose on an embroidering. As well as whether this can be achieved by making interactive embroidered toys, toys where it has to be clear why it has to be embroidered, and if it is not embroidered, whether it can work or if it can achieve the same purpose.

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Self-reflective of Zuleika’s feedback

Ctitiques from Zuleika

Suggestion:

  • Conduct a larger intervention with the Chinese tranditional embroiderers
  • Do more secondary research on the tradtional crafts movement in China
  • Refining research question in unit 3 and conducting more intervention with stakeholder groups
  • Further research into the very well established field of conservation and preservation

What can I do for these traditional Chinese embroiderers? I need to do more in-depth research for this issue, such as asking people who in the embroidery industry, to avoid falling into the trap of a saviour mentality.

DO more secondary research on the Chinese traditional craft movement. As well as investigating some secondary research on the preservation of traditional embroidery.

These studies will provide me with a deeper and broader understanding of the industry and may also provide sufficient background for my next interventions.

# AC Process # AC Knowledge # AC Enquiry