Global Advanced Research Journal of Arts and Humanities (GARJAH)
October 2013 Vol. 2(5), pp. 084-090
Copyright © 2013 Global Advanced Research Journals

Review

Transforming the ma-zu cultural field experience into design form

Mo-Li Yeh

Design College, Hsing Wu University, No. 101, Sec.1, Fenliao Rd., LinKou District, New Taipei City 24452, Taiwan

E-mail: 1101moli@gmail.com

Accepted 1 October, 2013

Abstract

This paper discusses how the field investigation into Taiwan’s traditional Ma-Zu culture was transformed into a creative design project. The study begins with a review and analysis of Taiwan’s Ma-Zu culture and the relevant field experience process next, it presents the development of a theoretical framework for transforming this experience into a creative design. Four phases of this transformation were delineated into a creative design: (a) the conceptualization abstract ideas, (b) the visualization and 2D portrayal of concepts, (c) 3D portrayal of 2D visual object, and (d) the application of 3D objects to daily life. Subsequently, these phases were employed in a design case. The abstract and religious spirit inherent in Ma-Zu culture was transformed into a physical, realistic, and experiential goddess icon incense burner by internalizing the ritual of the Ma-Zu pilgrimage and contemplating the relevant field experience. The field experience encompassed cultural characteristics that could be used as the basis for a creative design, thereby forming a distinct, emotive design as an expression of the field experience. In addition, cultural features used could enhance the creative meaning and value of the design and form a feasible reference model for contemporary cultural creative designs, and thereby expanding the aesthetics economy with significant cultural characteristics.

Keywords: Ma-Zu culture, field experience, transformation, cultural creativity, creative design.