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This thesis describes how the ideation of the author’s patchwork creation relates to the author’s motivation; life memories of an individual are engraved and presented with the subject matter and the connotations of a patchwork.
The author was motived by the recollection of memories, because memories make life complete. Although the symbolic objects in memories may seem insignificant, their connotations surface with interpretations of human minds. Generally accepted images or forms are used by artists to represent subjects of commonly shared experiences. Collective memories are thus constructed and give rise to sense of identity among people of the shared experiences. Collective memories not only invoke the memories of a particular age, but also help pass on its zeitgeist.
In response to cultural changes, patchworks artists at different ages, in combination of imaginations and techniques, developed new designs characteristic of contemporary cultures. This includes incorporation of new media, applications of colors and design patterns, representative of social culture, religious belief, and historical background of different ages.
Patchwork, as a unique tool for patchwork artists all over the world, has been used to express their ideas regarding themselves as an individual, family, and society. Inspired by the artists and their works, the author is attempting to gain a deeper understanding of self-creation through recollection of the past and practice of patchwork creation.
This thesis includes the following: Chapter 1 - Introduction: This chapter describes the motivations, purposes, contents, and techniques of patchworks. Chapter 2 – Theoretical Basis: Literature review and artistic works analysis were conducted to investigate the connection between patchwork creations and cultural memory. Chapter 3 – Creation Concept, Form, and Technique of Expression: Explanations regarding creation concept with works related to daily life and the symbolic meanings of their images, and form, and technique of expression with patchwork media and skills applied. Chapter 4 – Interpretation of the author’s two patchwork series, “Childhood Memories” and “Life Memories” Chapter 5 – Conclusions: This chapter recapitulates the historical development of patchwork art, and a retrospect of the author’s patchworks. The prospect of future patchwork development is also proposed. |