The Dragon Year
To write about the memory of Dragon Year. I decided to make a Dragon Headwear for my 3D Design class in SCAD. The project requires diverse recycled and found objects, so I began to take a hunt. I gathered materials such as cardboard, broken jewelry, cut-off fabrics, yarns, small cotton balls, leather samples, and hot glue to assemble them.
My goal for this art piece is to embrace the spirit of cultural festivals and history as well as for the remembrance of the Dragon Year in my country, Vietnam. This 3D artwork has brought me a lot of inspiration on how to manipulate left-over materials from thrift stores, as well as enhanced my creativity and problem-solving skills toward the process.
At the end, I truly grateful for the outcome of this project and genuinely appreciated my 3D Design Professor, Michael Flynn for this amazing opportunity for the creation of The Dragon Year.
Headwear
Moodboard
Theme and Ideation
Craftmanship Highlights
Close-up details and Texture
Overview of the headwear, full of red velveteen fabric, decorated with "remake" jewelry from broken jewelry parts, decorated cut cardboard and pompom from yarn
Top view of the Dragon, decorated with broken jewelry, found jewelry from thrift store, necklace, pearl and decorative cardboard
Right view of the Dragon, the eyes made with cotton balls, black leather fabric
Right Back View
Close-up of Pom Pom
Closure views of the jewelry and cut piece cutboard
Textural Focus of the Jewelry adorned together with pearl, crushed mosaic piece, necklace,...
Nose of the Dragon with Cut-Cardboard and Jewelry
My Purpose
Cải Lương, once a beloved form of Vietnamese folk opera, is slowly fading as modern entertainment takes its place. Its poetic music, rich storytelling, and cultural depth are being forgotten by younger generations. Through The Dragon Year, I hope to honor and preserve this beautiful tradition — reimagining its spirit in a contemporary form that sparks curiosity, respect, and remembrance for the art that once brought communities together.
My Process
Overview of Dragon Wire Structure on Helmet
Dragon outline sketch for creating wire structure
Finished Wire Structure on the helmet, with paper tape wrapped around the eyes
Dragon Sculpture fully wrapped with paper tape to make sure the form is stable
Drawn Cardboard Pattern
Packing Peanut stick on Dragon to create texture
Painted Cardboard with Light Blue color
WORK
TOGETHER!
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