Designer brings solar calendar to life

Resource: Chinadaily 2017-04-21

Shi Changhong [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 24 solar terms, a complementary calendar system invented in ancient China, has been brought to life thanks to a creative designer from Southwest China's Guizhou province.

On the eve of this year's Qingming Festival, Shi Changhong released his version of re-produced and packaged characters for each solar term in the form of "moving art" or gifs.

Since their initial release on Zcool, a professional website for design insiders, on March 29, the gifs have won great acclaim among the general public and quickly engulfed social media with millions of hits during the festival period.

"In my mind, the 24 solar items represent a complicated social practice system that is formed through observations of the sun's annual motion, and understanding of the year's changes in season, climate and phenology. But this definition comes from the textbook. After taking a closer look at the gifs, I can understand them in a clear and more direct way," Sina Weibo user Wang Xiaoqian said.

To maximize publicity, Shi released his work in three forms: video, animation and picture, while, the background sounds add to the brilliance.

"When I watch the short video, I can strongly feel the Chinese-style elements hidden in them. And it is really cool to rejuvenate Chinese traditional culture in such a unique way," WeChat user Xiao Feifei added.

"It is really a comfort to me to see so many people like my latest work. To be honest, it would really surprise me if the work does not arouse a sensation among Chinese people," Shi told China Daily.

Three solar items pictures: the Beginning of Spring (left), Grain Rain (middle) and Slight Cold [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The 24 solar items is a deeply rooted concept that encapsulates the essence of Chinese wisdom. However, only a small portion of people know all the names or the correct order of those terms. My intention is to increase Chinese people's self-awareness to learn more about our traditional fine culture," he said.

Last year, the 24 solar terms was added to UNESCO's world intangible cultural heritage list. And many people have asked Shi if the UNESCO listing inspired him to design the group of gifs.

"Actually, the 24 solar items work is only a part of my whole design program ‘Charm China', which I started over a year ago. However, the success of being added to the cultural heritage list really gives me the confidence to continue the work," Shi said.

"I grew up in a small village and had a special feeling towards the solar items. When I was a child, I noticed that my family would do farm work in accordance with the solar items, which really means a lot to Chinese rural people. Therefore, designing the items also helped recall happy childhood memories," Shi added.

Shi Changhong and the China's regional logos [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Born in the Qiandong Village, Liping county of Guizhou province, Shi is a member of the Dong ethnic group. When he was a child, everything around him, from hats and shoes to daily necessities and embroidery, was embedded with strong ethnic flavors. Heavily influenced by what he constantly sees and hears, Shi developed his interest in designing pictures and was responsible for updating the school notice board during high school.

In 2004, he was admitted to Guizhou Normal University and majored in graphics design as a college student, laying a theoretic foundation for his future career. After graduation, Shi chose to join the Guizhou Sunshine Brand Design Company and became a professional designer.

In 2011, he created two artistic Chinese characters "Guilin" for the city of the same name in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region to win a competition. His initial success prompted him to produce many other Chinese regional logos in following years.

He first gained public attention in September last year, when he released the full set of Chinese regions to celebrate the Chinese national holiday.

The experience of rising to internet fame has delivered some golden business opportunities.

Shi said that with investments from other business partners, he could have more ability to choose what direction to go in the future. The 12 zodiac signs and China's 56 ethnic groups are potential future projects.

"But I will not yield to the market and forget my original will," Shi said.

Nowadays, the idea of becoming an online celebrity has become popular in China and many normal people long to be part of this elite group, but Shi has his own priorities.

"I would like to be known as a persistent designer rather than an online celebrity. This is a controversial word for me as I am not gaining the attention by good luck, appealing outlook or media hype. My work is the best spokesman. In the future, I will continue to let them speak for me. Cease the struggle and cease life," Shi said with a smile.

Shi Changhong focuses on the work with his colleagues. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]