Dragon Effects

 

As a symbol of Chinese culture , dragons have been used in millions of artwork through the history of China . For example , the gown for the emperor is embedded with patterns of dragons . So I decided to to use traditional Chinese dragon as my main feature of my design as a symbol of my heritage .

   To make it more appealing and attractive , I draw inspiration from an ancient Chinese fair tail that is “Carp Leaping Over Dragon’s Gate”.According to Chinese mythology, the Dragon’s Gate is located at the top of a waterfall cascading from a legendary mountain.   Many carp swim upstream against the river’s strong current, but few are capable or brave enough for the final leap over the waterfall.  If a carp successfully makes the jump, it is transformed into a powerful dragon.  

   A Chinese dragon’s large, conspicuous scales indicate its origin from a carp.  The Chinese dragon has long been an auspicious symbol of great and benevolent, magical power . the story can also be a metaphor for life that every ordinary guy has to take extraordinary efforts to become remarkable. 

   I choose red as the main color of my design and add elements like scales and flare to match the theme. I use laser cutter to make a 3d dragon head and several scales with the patterns of fish which locate around the scarf . Since the scarf is make of red semi-transparent material (nylon) and red wires inside the transparent material which makes the scarf like a fire ring.

   With the dragon hanging on the shoulder facing front , the scarf will sense the direction of the east and west (thanks to Lawrence Buck) . When the dragon head faces east ,the LEDs hidden inside the scarf will turn red and become brighter ,instead,turning darker when the head faces east . 

  I personally consider my craft as an art piece rather than a product or a piece of clothes(the function as a compass is working perfectly).The patterns of fish is laser-cutter all over the dragon head and red scale that shows the culture heritage of the east Asia. The red fibre combined with red lights in the night can really make a mysterious atmosphere and interesting shadows.

  All in all , it is an art that can inspire you and represent the culture of china