MAX CHENG
SCULPTURE
The Transformation of Bamboo
2013
Bamboo, Metal
Size Variable
In general, a creative process can be kicked off from two different aspects - concept and properties of material. For processing bamboo, I choose the latter procedure in order to explore the possibility of bamboo. Throughout the processing bamboo, I am familiar with its features of growth and physical changes against environmental changes. Usually people will remove the outer layer of bamboo to make new products such as rattan, but I tend to adopt a different approach. The form of bamboo would be preserved so that the final product can be returned to a natural bamboo strips.
Untitled
2013
Bamboo
Size Variable
When processing bamboo, I realize that the shaving pattern looks like a traditional Chinese painting of countryside view. I stop making changes and decide to keep its unique pattern.
Untitled
2010
Epoxy Resin
Size Variable
Untitled
2010
Plaster, Branch and Newspaper
Size Variable
Inspired by the Chinese poem “Drinking alone in the moon beam” by renowned poet Li Bai, I used newspaper, tree branches and plaster to create two “Treemen” which are b lue or red in colors respectively. These two “Treemen” can stay with me and share every bittersweet moment.