Dong Han

Interview with Dong Han

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I liked to draw and make sculptures since I was a child. For me, the process of making art is an expression of happiness and vitality. The joy of art is unmatched by other things.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I like natural materials, shells and wood, from them you can feel the signs of life. I am most creative when I feel alone, In order to create a lonely atmosphere, I will listen to some music to get myself into this state.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

During the design process, I pay most attention to the visual language and emotional aspects of the design.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

The quality of the design depends on whether the overall intention is clear, many parts often neglected by people are actually the focal points of a design. By neglecting one seemingly unimportant area or angle, you are affecting the overall design.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

Artist's influence on society is like a positive sunshine and tenacious vitality, letting everyone realize that we must fear nature, because nature is the only source of our survival and creation.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

The future of design is the reintegration of nature, just as seen in primitive art.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

My last exhibition was a solo exhibition in Beijing on February 21 of this year. On May 18th, I participated in a joint exhibition with other artists, at the Rose Garden in Beijing. I hope to hold a solo exhibition sometime this year.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

My work is inspired by my love for prehistoric culture. I hope that I and my work will blend with nature like the primitive peoples.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

The style of my works are a result of the pursuit of a primitive style. Most people nowadays live in the city, further and further away from nature, and emphasize a subjective concept of the individual. When I explore ancient art, I feel happiness and lasting love, so my style aims to hide the techniques used by people as much as possible, so that the works feel simpler and closer to nature.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live in Beijing. Sculptures from Chinese prehistoric culture have had a great influence on me. I often say to my friends; I am an apprentice of primitive people. China is one of the oldest ancient civilizations, and it brings me infinite inspiration to create. Today, the blue-and-white porcelain and various works of art that the emperors of the past dynasties loved heavily represent Chinese craftsmanship, but I think that the art of Chinese prehistoric culture is a much better representation of Chinese craftsmanship. This generation often only pays attention to the material value of art and ignores the most essential aspects.

Can you describe a day in your life?

Im often in my personal studio, my time is relatively free. I get up at about 9 am, go to the studio at 10 o'clock, and go home around 6 pm to 7 pm to accompany my two daughters, 5 and 8 years old, to eat dinner, play, and tell them stories, At about 10 o'clock after the children go to sleep, I work at home, or while watching a movie, chat with my wive and we talk about the events of our day, at about 2 to 3 o'clock in the evening we go to bed.

Who are some of your clients?

I don’t have many clients, they are mostly close and respected friends, some freelance or senior executives of companies.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I would like to put more time into creating new works and move further along the road that is my life as an artist. In the exhibitions to follow, I hope to express my artistic concept more clearly and confidently.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

In the past I have only designed and created art myself. As others continue to recognize and like my work, I hope that in the future there will be opportunities to collaborate with other artists.

How can people contact you?

Contact information, in Beijing 798 Art District I have my personal studio, called Han Dong Studio, and there is a Spanish international art jewelry website online where my works can be seen.Email: iaja1970@sina.com

Extended Interview with Dong Han

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I was advanced study in the department of decoration, Beijing Institute Of Fashion Technology. In 2005, I served as the director of Michael jewelry research center of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. I founded own studio in 798 in 2006 and has been engaged in the creation of artistic jewelry and sculpture ever since.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

take a lots of focused, and then emotionally invested in the materials that you're using, turning those materials into signs of life.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I like artifacts from prehistoric cultures very much, and I was inspired by the modern sculptor Henry Moore.

Who is your favourite designer?

My greatest works are jewelry "mother and child", and the sculpture "cave man" I just finished. I feel happiness when i watching them.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

My mother, who died, and my wife, who is with me now, is my biggest supporter.