Various colors collectively construct our world. Lots of natural materials around us can be made into inks or pigments. This project traces specific stories of Chicago and turns representative raw materials into colorful inks and objects in a way to reflect these stories. Some typical materials embedded in stories can be made into inks or pigments to reflect certain stories of Chicago. The texture and thickness may vary due to different production methods, which makes these colors unique. Ultimately the stories, materials, inks and objects will collectively show the diversity of this city and together form a colorful map of Chicago.
Oak Grey, 2020, Natural material
Turmeric Yellow, 2020, Natural material
Coal Black, 2020, Natural material
Walnut Brown, 2020, Natural material
Design can be both commercial, that which intends to meet market needs, and emotion-driven, that which is more subjective. Designer’s personal emotion and concept is quite important especially for artistic design. After living in Chicago for two years, I found there had been a lot of intersections between this city and me. Designing something for Chicago becomes meaningful. The project Colors of Chicago reveals history, culture, even problems people might not be familiar with about Chicago. My personal emotion is embedded in this project that makes it more artistic and poetic.
Various colors collectively construct our world. Lots of natural materials around us can be made into inks or pigments. This project traces specific stories of Chicago and turns representative raw materials into colorful inks and objects in a way to reflect these stories. Some typical materials embedded in stories can be made into inks or pigments to reflect certain stories of Chicago. The texture and thickness may vary due to different production methods, which makes these colors unique. Ultimately the stories, materials, inks and objects will collectively show the diversity of this city and together form a colorful map of Chicago.