Capture Spring | Selina You Portfolio

Capture Spring

2022 Innovation from Chinese Shadow Puppet

Inspired by traditional Chinese shadow puppetry, I create a scene of contrasts static and dynamic and highlight a simple expression of happiness.

ROLE

Illustration

Handmade

TIME

2023. Jan

CLIENT

Self-interest

TOOL

Procreate

Handmade tools

MY MOTIVATION OF THIS WORK

The "Capture Spring" series draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese art of shadow puppetry, bringing one-dimensional figures to life in the real world. My grandmother taught me the entire making process by hand when I was a child. From conceptualizing characters and scenes, designing figures and key joints, to cutting, carving, and final assembly, the process transforms flat materials into lively, animated forms.

Through these works, I used the most simple tools and reflects the key to the principle of character movement. I believe the movement of objects is the beginning of telling a story. I named it "Capture Spring", because the word capture expresses action, and spring represents the beginning, hope, and joy.

SHORT INTRODUCTION OF CHINESE SHADOW PUPPET

Shadow Puppetry is a traditional Chinese folk art that dates back to the Han Dynasty, with a history of over 2,000 years. It combines carving, painting, theater, and music, using light to project shadow puppets onto a white screen to bring stories to life.

The puppets are typically made from cowhide or sheepskin, meticulously carved, hollowed out, and painted with vibrant translucent colors. During performances, puppeteers manipulate the figures using bamboo rods, accompanied by storytelling, singing, and musical instruments such as gongs and drums to narrate historical tales, folklore, and opera plays.

More than just entertainment, shadow puppetry carries deep cultural and folk traditions, often regarded as the precursor to Chinese animation. In 2011, Chinese shadow puppetry was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, recognizing it as a treasured part of world heritage.

https://www.chineseshadowpuppetry.com/

DEMO

This piece was created during the Chinese New Year, showcasing people's anticipation and joy for the upcoming spring.

MAKING PROCESS FROM SCRATCH

01 - Setting and Character Design

Sketch character drafts on paper and computer.
Break down the character into components.

02 - Preparation

Prepare materials including a printer, papers, a scissors, a craft knife, painting tools, steel wires, wooden sticks.
Notes: Traditional silhouettes were made from animal skin. To ensure the objects are sturdy, I chose cardboard for environmental protection.

03 - Print and Carving

Print character components and cut them out.
Use a craft knife and carving tools for precise hollowing, creating various patterns and details.

04 - Colouring and Reorganizing

Apply water colour on the papers.
Organize and glue components on cardstocks.

05 - Assembling

Use steel wires to connect all movable joints, including the head, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
Attach wooden sticks to the back of the puppet for easy manipulation.
This is the hardest part, be careful of when using tools.

CHECk MORe

MY ARTS

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Book cover mockups

Fairy tales illustrations

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