Haotian

HAOTIAN

HAOTIAN DONG MERGES STORYTELLING WITH METALWORK, CRAFTING EVOCATIVE NARRATIVES THROUGH copper, gold leaf, AND brass. EACH CREATION INVITES INTROSPECTION AND WONDER, EXPLORING unrequited love AND cosmic symbolism.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Behind each of my metal art pieces lies a story waiting to be told. Whether real or imagined, each creation is born from a narrative, woven with threads of inspiration and imagination. As I work, I envision these pieces as integral parts of a larger tale, each one playing a unique role in the unfolding drama. Some may become the treasured jewellery adorning the protagonist, imbued with symbolism and significance, while others morph into essential props, pivotal in shaping the plot's trajectory. It's this belief— that art is inherently narrative— that drives my creative process and infuses my work with a sense of storytelling. For me, crafting metal is akin to writing a story, with every strike of the hammer and twist of the metal wire contributing to the narrative's progression. Each piece becomes a character in its own right, with its own backstory and personality, waiting to be discovered and interpreted by those who encounter it. By visualising my creations within the context of a larger story, I aim to imbue them with depth and resonance, inviting viewers to become part of the narrative journey and find their own meaning within the tale.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

It's on a blazing planet where the sun never seems to set, where one day seems like an eternity, and you're stuck in this perpetual daytime waiting for the sun to set. Because you made a deal with him that you would get a call from him when the sun finally goes down. You don't know what you'll say on the phone or if he will actually make the phone call. You just wait so foolishly. You don't know how much time has passed, but the sun is still high in the sky, not moving a muscle. Beside you by the sun shining golden flowers also began to slowly mottled, above the gold foil slowly fall off to reveal the flowers themselves by the sun-baked black colour. You looked up at the sky again, and it seemed like the sun would never set, just like he would never make that phone call.

This project is a visual presentation of the feeling of unrequited love that will never get a result. Just like the never-set sun, never-coming phone call. I made this tiara two years ago and intentionally did not put any seal over it, so as time goes by, the metal and the gold leaf on top will gradually get darker and “withered”. Just like the space junk forgotten in the vastness of the universe, also like that you who thinks of him but being forgotten in his mind.

As a multidisciplinary artist, you've delved into various creative realms, including brand identities, editorial content, metalsmithing, typography, art direction, and motion graphics. How do these diverse areas of expertise inform and influence your approach to metal art?

The biggest difference between metal art and graphic art is the tangible nature of metal works. I've always believed touch is a vital sense, it brings a sense of reality from fingers to the viewer's brain. This tactile experience is vastly different from interacting with a computer screen. When designing graphic works, I constantly consider how to bring them into tangible existence. Simultaneously, graphic design offers versatility, it's not bound by physical materials and leverages the capabilities of computer processors. Combining both mediums enhances creativity synergistically. Using real materials enhances the connection between graphic creations and people, while computer technology pushes the boundaries of metal creations.

Your design philosophy emphasises extensive research, experimentation, and the development of captivating stories. How do you translate these principles into your metal art practice, particularly in crafting visual narratives through your pieces?

In my metal art practice, I approach each piece as though I am narrating a story. Throughout the creative process, I maintain focus on the story I aim to convey, stiving to craft pieces that captivate the eye and ignite the imagination. Whether it's a necklace, bracelet, or sculpture, each work serves as a chapter within the broader narrative of my artistic journey, encouraging viewers to delve into their own interpretations of its meaning.

You mentioned that each of your metal art pieces is born from a narrative, whether real or imagined. Could you elaborate on how storytelling influences your creative process and the significance of narrative within your work?

I've always enjoyed thinking nonsensical stories in my mind, though I'm unsure if it's just me or a shared experience. When a story forms, I visualise the characters' faces, outfits, and accessories as if a projector in my mind continuously unfolds endless tales. Often, I draw inspiration from these characters, considering their dialogue, attire, and jewellery. This process mirrors the revival of story props through metal art. As I finalise each piece, I meticulously refine the storyline to align seamlessly with the narrative. Thus, every work represents a crucial prop in the worldview of the story I envision, essential for the story's completeness.

Your collection "Before the Sunset, Please Call Call Call" conveys the feeling of unrequited love through visual presentation. How do you use metal as a medium to evoke emotions and convey complicated themes such as longing and anticipation?

Crush gives me the feeling like a hot sun shining on cold metal, the seemingly scorching light reaches the ground cold, the only effect is to lay a layer of golden light on the metal. Underneath the seemingly golden exterior, the kernel is actually always the dark cold heart of the other person. Because all your mental activities, in your heart no matter how passionate, the outside world is not felt. And your warm heart is for the other person's cold heart in your mind laying a layer of golden light. It's like a filter. Underneath this filter is still as uninterested in your heart as it was in the beginning. Because a crush is not a pursuit, you are not making any substantial moves. It's like the sun will always be in the sky not far away, not a bit closer.

The description of your project evokes vivid imagery of a blazing planet and perpetual daytime. How do you translate these conceptual elements into tangible forms through your use of materials and techniques, such as copper, gold leaf, and brass?

Copper stands out as the primary material for newcomers to metal art due to its affordability and oxidising properties, yet its enduring trait is its tendency to darken over time, evoking a sense of chill and decay. In contrast, gold leaf is like the sunlight dancing on water's surface. However, gold leaf is deceptive, it merely conceals the truth beneath a thin layer of paper, destined to gradually peel away. Yet, the genuine gold hue persists, shining through. In parallel, one's affection for another can be likened to gold leaf— beneath its guise lies the same cold copper and iron that personified the relationship from the outset.

The intentional ageing process of your tiara, allowing the metal and gold leaf to gradually darken and "wither," adds another layer of meaning to your work. How does the concept of impermanence and transformation manifest in your artistic practice?

Another difference between metal work and graphic work is that the moment a graphic work is exported, it will remain in the exported form forever unless you reopen the software to make changes. Metal artwork, on the other hand, changes slowly over time due to various physical properties. That's why I usually take the oxidation effect into account when I do metal work.

Could you discuss the role of time in your creative process, both in the physical ageing of your pieces and in the narrative development of your artworks? How do you balance the deliberate decay of materials with the enduring essence of storytelling?

I've always held the belief that time has a withering effect on nearly everything, especially relationships. No matter how resolute one may be in their conviction to remember someone, such thoughts tend to fade with time. Initially, upon completing this piece, my affection for someone was fervent. The fresh copper hue and pristine gold leaf embodied the vibrant emotions of that period, symbolizing a heart akin to springtime. Initially, I envisioned this artwork as a testament to my clandestine love. However, as time passed, my feelings for him dwindled, and this piece, once a symbol of my affection, gradually lost its significance, mirroring the decline of my emotions towards him.

Your tiara serves as a metaphor for forgotten memories and unfulfilled promises. How do you envision viewers interacting with your piece, and what emotions or reflections do you hope to evoke in them?

I've kept this piece stored in a special room at home. Most days, it slips from my thoughts, but occasionally, I venture into that room and encounter it. It acts as a catalyst, reigniting memories I had thought long forgotten. Memories I once believed would fade with time flood back, accompanied by the spectrum of emotions I experienced then— excitement, disappointment, euphoria all rushing back in a single moment. As I've delved into work and relationships, emotions have become more pragmatic, focused on resource allocation. My wish is that viewers of this piece can also reconnect with their former selves, recalling moments of silent happiness, sorrow, and disappointment experienced alone in their rooms. I hope they can once again embrace the complexity and perhaps long-lost emotions of that time.

In your opinion, what distinguishes metal art as a medium for artistic expression, particularly in conveying complex narratives and eliciting emotional responses from viewers?

Metal may be inherently cold, yet the process of working with it is ablaze with fervour. However, regardless of the intensity of this process, its warmth inevitably fades. This characteristic alone serves as a compelling narrative. The durability of metal, coupled with its propensity to rust, enables it to endure the test of time. Take this crown, for instance, without metal, I would never have witnessed its gradual darkening over the years. The tactile nature of metal invites viewers to physically interact with the piece, intensifying the emotional bond. The process of moulding the metal reflects the evolution of the narrative, enriching its complexity. Ultimately, metal art's capacity to evoke both visual and tactile sensations allows it to convey narratives imbued with depth and resonance, evoking profound emotional responses from viewers.

What themes or concepts are you eager to explore in your future metal art projects, and how do you envision your practice evolving over time?

It's hard to pinpoint a fixed source of inspiration, my work often reflects the chapters of my life as they unfold. Currently, I'm focusing on a project that bridges my lettering work with metal jewelry. As I mentioned earlier, I've long believed that merging these two mediums would yield more than the sum of their parts. Incorporating tangible materials into graphic designs fosters a human connection, while leveraging computer technology enhances innovation in metal creations.

ARTIST BIO

HAOTIAN DONG IS AN AWARD WINNING multidisciplinary artist BASED IN NYC. HIS EXPERTISE LIES IN CRAFTING visual systems AND APPLICATIONS THAT COVER VARIOUS AREAS, INCLUDING Brand Identities, Editorial Content, Metalsmith, Typography, Art Direction, and Motion Graphics. WHETHER IN THE DIGITAL REALM OR PHYSICAL MEDIA, HIS design philosophy CENTRES AROUND EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, EXPERIMENTATION, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAPTIVATING STORIES THAT EMPHASISE consistency, structure, AND innovative objectives AND functionalities.

REVIEW

Haotian, a versatile artist hailing from NYC, has seamlessly woven together various creative disciplines to craft a distinct artistic identity. With a portfolio spanning brand identities, editorial content, metalsmithing, typography, art direction, and motion graphics, Haotian's work embodies a captivating blend of innovation and narrative depth.

In Haotian's metal art pieces, narratives come to life through intricate designs and tactile experiences. Each creation is imbued with a story, whether real or imagined, evoking a sense of drama and intrigue. Haotian's approach to metal art is akin to storytelling, with every strike of the hammer and twist of the metal wire contributing to the narrative's progression. Through his work, Haotian invites viewers to become part of the narrative journey, encouraging them to discover their own meaning within each piece.

One of Haotian's notable projects, "Before the Sunset, Please Call Call Call," captures the essence of unrequited love through visual storytelling. Through the use of copper, gold leaf, and brass, Haotian creates a vivid representation of longing and anticipation, evoking emotions that resonate deeply with the viewer. The intentional ageing process of the tiara adds another layer of meaning, symbolising the impermanence of relationships and the passage of time.

Haotian's work not only pushes the boundaries of traditional techniques but also challenges perceptions of metal art as a medium for conveying complex narratives. By bridging the gap between graphic design and metalwork, Haotian creates pieces that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. As he continues to explore new themes and concepts in his artistic practice, Haotian's work promises to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.

In conclusion, Haotian's metal art pieces are a testament to his creative vision and storytelling prowess. Through his innovative use of materials and techniques, Haotian invites viewers on a journey of introspection and wonder, exploring themes of love, loss, and transformation with depth and resonance. As Haotian's practice evolves over time, his work is sure to leave a lasting impression on the contemporary art landscape.

Through his innovative approach to storytelling, Haotian creates works that resonate deeply with viewers, inviting them to explore themes of love, longing, and transformation through the tactile experience of metal. As Haotian continues to push the boundaries of traditional techniques and explore new concepts in his artistic practice, his work promises to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.