Bingqing Hu

“YuanGuang” is another work inspired by my journey in Greenland. During the process that I have developed, the high temperature acts as an element heating the ice, which represents the iceberg in Greenland. Both the heat and the ice work in unison to create the texture of nature on the surface of the clay. I use the traditional glaze and vase shapes, combining them together to make reference to the loss of tradition, which also draws attention to the loss of the ice-covered landscape, as a result of climate change.

I chose to base a series of works on the simple traditional ice building block. These have been cut from natural ice to form structures, for centuries to form shelters and artworks. I have formed the rectangular shape by cutting the ice, and then the process that I have developed makes use of heated wax to further erode and texture the surface. This creates an interesting aesthetic but also references the erosion of ice giving the work a deeper significance.

“The last iceberg” is inspired by Olafur Eliasson’s note “how the artists’ imagine our future?” and his response to this symbol of our fragile planet. Large scale 3D scanning of the landscape also offers the possibility of capturing the disappearing Icebergs and holding onto them as data. This can then be printed out so that the natural forms that are being lost can be remembered, held in the hand and admired. 3D printing has also allowed me to further consider the relationship between handcrafted objects and new digital technologies.

The 'Island’ works are one of a series of ideas inspired by my journey to Greenland. The melting iceberg symbolizes changes to our planet. I have tried to capture the moment where our beautiful landscapes slowly disperse due to changing temperatures. This work serves to show my respect for the natural environment and also to emphasize the sadness and regret of the loss of natural beauty. The first 'Island’ shows the moment a crack appears signifying change to the ice sheet. The second 'Island’ is a lone iceberg in the center of the ocean expressing loss and isolation.

I use Ice as a modeling material and then cast over it with hot wax. This causes the ice to melt and erodes the surface with a texture that I relate to the erosion of polar ice through global warming.