The Way of Local Life

Abstract

The visual arts creation thesis entitled The Way of Local Life was inspired by The author grew up in Qiandongnan, Guizhou Province, China. The Miao people here regard butterflies as the ancestor of humanity, and the Miao farmers live a simple farming life. This study aimed to Study the agricultural life and sacrificial practices of the local Miao people, and create visual art works. The scope of conceptual creation of the study was Before the grain ripens, a sacrificial ceremony is held to pray for a bountiful harvest. After ripening, the dried grain is properly stored in the granary or under the eaves. The forms of the creation work included Use straw, fabric, or bamboo to make palm-bark rain cape, butterflies, and other shapes, and hide the local food drying and storage methods within the artwork, and the techniques were Using mixed materials as an art form to express. This creative work was conducted by the data collected from the conditions of the environment, the data from related documents, and the data about the creation of influential visual arts. The researcher analyzed the data to find the clarity of the theme, symbolic form, and creation techniques. There were 8 artistic works with unique characteristics.

The results of the study and creation revealed that, bringing people a feeling of being cared for, warm, peaceful, and full of hope during viewing, thus providing a soothing and peaceful experience to the heart.

In conclusion Through palm-bark rain cape, straw rope and other elements, the work expresses the Miao people’s protection of food resources, spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance, as well as their reverence for butterfly mother and yearning for a better life, fully demonstrating the Miao cultural characteristics in southeast Guizhou. From the depiction of farming life to the expression of faith, the work ultimately conveys the meaning of protection, shelter, warmth, peace and hope, reflecting the success of the research.

-