Veronica Lu and I (politely) gatecrashed a conference this morning. It was held at the Folk Art Museum in Gucun Park and was organised by the International Folk Art Association (Chinese, American, Russian, Indian and African delegates).
Before we arrived, Veronica had translated “Folk Art” as “Intangible Heritage” which all seemed very mysterious, so I wasn’t quite sure what we were in for. “Folk Art” is easier to understand, but the alternative translation is more evocative… I am tempted to use it in relation to the boat piece, as the work I saw today sparked a lot of ideas.
When we arrived, we were treated to a tour of the artists’ studios within the complex. Many of the artists were there to answer questions. Although to my eyes the work was more “design” than “art”, the skills on display were breathtaking: delicate, intricate filigree work in the jewelry studio; interesting materials mixed with ceramics (eggshells, bamboo and “uranium glaze”); a large embroidery which had been made with silk thread thinner than human hair and a woman who worked only with straw, her hands and – occasionally – scissors. Many of the tools were also handmade.
Further ideas were sparked in the afternoon when we visited the Yuyuan Bazaar and Gardens. The Gardens contained a thousand year old piece of Jade that was full of holes thanks to water erosion – beautiful! – as well as lots of imported granite so that the ancient residents of the space could live near to the ideal of “mountain and water” despite the distinct lack of any mountains in Shanghai.
I can’t help but think that the work I make here needs to make use of natural materials wherever possible – they’ve been such a strong feature of everything I’ve seen and I want the work to look like it belongs here, even if it is made by a Westerner.
