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Designing with the moon as inspiration
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Designing with the moon as inspiration
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Content
DESIGNING WITH THE MOON AS INSPIRATION
by
Sharon Wang
A Thesis Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE USC ROSKI SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
MASTER OF FINE ARTS
(DESIGN)
March 2023
copyright 2023 Sharon Wang
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... iii
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter One: The Associated Meanings of the Moon in Western Culture .................................... 3
Chapter Two: The Associated Meanings of the Moon in Eastern Culture .....................................9
Chapter Three: Moonchild ........................................................................................................... 15
Chapter Four: The Man and The Moon
Project Inspiration and Research ..................................................................................... 22
Falling .............................................................................................................................. 25
Alive ................................................................................................................................. 28
Chapter Five: Lunar App ............................................................................................................. 32
Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 37
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................ 38
ii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Sixteenth of September .................................................................................................. 6
Figure 2: Appreciating the Moon ................................................................................................. 13
Figure 3: Gazing at The Mid-Autumn Moon ............................................................................... 14
Figure 4: Moonchild .................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 5: The Man and The Moon– Falling ................................................................................. 27
Figure 6: The Man and The Moon– Alive ................................................................................... 31
Figure 7: Lunar App ..................................................................................................................... 35
Figure 8: Lunar App ..................................................................................................................... 35
Figure 9: Lunar App ..................................................................................................................... 36
iii
Abstract
Growing up in Taiwan, I often accompanied my parents to temples where we sought
guidance for important life events using “moon blocks” and daily consultation of the lunar
calendar. The moon’s significance in Chinese culture and its spiritual power captivated me,
inspiring me to explore its various meanings across cultures. As an artist and designer, I find
incorporating the moon into my creative work meaningful, and I enjoy sharing its cultural and
aesthetic influences with others.
Through my acrylic paintings, “Moonchild,” illustration series, “The Man and The
Moon,” and mobile app design project, “Lunar ,” I have explored the moon as a source of
inspiration in various forms and mediums. In this thesis, I conduct a comparative analysis of the
moon in Eastern and Western cultures, exploring its impact on my design thinking and creative
processes. My goal is to demonstrate how the moon has been incorporated not only as a spiritual
characteristic but also as a design element in my work.
iv
Intr oduction
Since the dawn of civilization, when the world was steeped in mystery, humans have
gazed up at the sky, marveling at the celestial body that takes on new shapes each night. The
moon's magical allure has sparked the imagination of people throughout the ages, inspiring them
to explore and discover more. It has woven its way into the worldviews and beliefs of nearly
every civilization and religion.
Throughout history, the moon has been a backdrop to science, technology, culture, and
art. As the most prominent and brightest object in the night sky, it has provided scientists with an
early glimpse into the cosmos, leading to deeper research in astronomy and technological
advancement. The moon has also played a significant role in the evolution of Earth. In the realm
of culture and art, the moon’s interpretations and associations have evolved over time, influenced
by the diverse perspectives of different regions and ethnicities.
Growing up in an Eastern culture, the moon held a special place in my life and influenced
everything from daily routines to societal practices. We burned incense sticks as we asked for
blessings, folded joss papers to worship our ancestors, and threw moon blocks to seek answers to
our questions. These experiences were an integral part of my upbringing and instilled in me a
deep appreciation for the cultural and spiritual significance of these practices. One popular
method of fortune-telling is the use of “jiaobei blocks” ( 筊杯), also known as “moon blocks”.
These crescent-shaped wooden divination tools are thrown in pairs to provide a “Yes” or “No”
answer from the divine. When I visited the temple with my family, we held the moon blocks in a
prayer-like gesture and stated our full name, birthday, and other details to identify our unique
energy signature. Then we asked our questions or made wishes. I always found this experience to
be calming, with a gentle power guiding us from afar.
1
I am an artist, designer, and illustrator who draws inspiration from the moon as my muse.
My creative practice is informed by a variety of sources, including historical traditions from both
Asian and Western cultures, as well as astrological, symbolic, and spiritual knowledge that I have
gained through personal experience. I have developed my own artistic language and
interpretation, which I have used to create a series of digital illustrations, a traditional painting,
and design an app. I aim to investigate its associative meanings and analyze how it is portrayed
in my design and artistic works, both traditional and digital.
2
Chapter One: The Moon in W estern Cultur e
Female & Love
In our world, there are many natural opposites— life and death, day and night, male and
female, and of course, the sun and the moon. It is widely believed that while the sun represents
the energetic, masculine side of nature, the moon represents the feminine and tender side. The
feminine qualities attributed to the moon can be summarized into three elements: compassion,
gentleness, and sensitivity. In Western culture, the moon has often been depicted poetically as a
goddess or a lover.
Many well-known mythologies feature a moon goddess, for example, the Roman goddess
Luna. In ancient Roman religion and myth, Luna is the divine embodiment of the Moon. She is
often depicted as a pale woman riding in a silver chariot and a patroness of charioteers. Luna,
together with Diana, the Goddess on Earth, and Hekate, the Goddess in the Underworld, form a
triad. Three forms of moons represent them: Luna is the Goddess of the full moon, Diana is the
Goddess of the half-moon, and Hekate is the Goddess of the dark moon. Throughout history,
various cultures have associated women, femininity, and childbirth with the phases of the moon.
In this belief system, the half-moon represented new beginnings, virginity, and rebirth. As the
moon grew to full size, it represented fertility and the nurturing mother, pregnant with life.
Finally, the dark moon represented healing and transformation. Women worshiped the Goddess
as the giver of fertility and easy births.
1
Compared to the warm and powerful fire of the sun, the moon’s coolness and pallor
appear more pronounced. Western art often coordinates female beauty with pale, light skin. In a
sonnet sequence Astr ophil and Stella, written in the early 1580s by Sir Philip Sidney, an English
1
James, Jackie. “Luna, Moon Goddess.” The Vindolanda Trust, October 6, 2021. https://www.vindolanda.com/blog/luna.
3
poet who is remembered as one of the most prominent figures of the Elizabethan age, addressed
the moon directly, seeing it as a corresponding spirit in his loveless state:
With how sad steps, O moon, thou climb’st the skies;
How silently, and with how wan a face.
What, may it be that even in heavenly place
That busy archer his sharp arrows tries?
— Sir Philip Sidney, Astr ophil and Stella, Sonnet 31
The ‘busy archer,’ in this poem, represents Cupid losing his arrow at the unfortunate
lover. To associate the hunter and the moon, Diana in mythology was not only the goddess of the
moon but also of the hunt. It thus leads to the term “Hunter’s Moon,” which is traditionally used
to refer to the full moon that appears during October.
2
Since the moon often symbolizes females and reproduction, this impression is engraved
in human cultures that the moon is associated with the passionate love between men and women.
Something is fascinating about the moonlight. It is like a soul that has lost its body, pale but with
an unguessable mystery. In the West, it was once believed that the full moon’s light could cause
madness and confusion and control people’s minds. Similarly, nothing is more confusing to the
mind than falling in love with many people’s experiences. To sincerely love someone is one of
the few things that feel close to eternity in people’s short, ever-changing lives.
From Shakespeare to any countryside poet, all mention a lovely romantic moonlit night in
their works.
2
Tearle, Oliver. “The Curious Symbolism of the Moon in Literature and Art.” 2020. Interesting Literature. December 4, 2020.
https://interestingliterature.com/2020/12/moon-symbolism-poetry-mythology/#:~:text=From%20a%20symbol%20imbued%20wi
th.
4
How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!
Here will we sit and let the sounds of music
Creep in our ears: soft stillness and the night
Become the touches of sweet harmony
— William Shakespeare, The Mer chant of V enice, Act V , Scene 1
3
The moon as an element to romanticize the ordinary has shown in Sixteenth of
September, a Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte painting. In the painting, a crescent moon is
painted in the top center, and behind it is a tree. The moon is the light source of the image. Its
gentle light softens everything around it, reflecting a comfortable grey-blue color evening.
Magritte creates a magical atmosphere by playing with the background and foreground. Instead
of seeing the moon through the tree, we see it in front of the tree. The distances between every
object in the painting are confusing. However, the painting’s unique depth and object scale make
it compelling. As Magritte liked to think about reality and the meanings of things, he
romanticized reality by presenting a surreal perspective of the moon. Through his painting,
viewers perceive reality differently, leaving the rules and boundaries of everyday life behind.
3
Bhowmick, Barsha Nag. 2016. “Why Is the Moon Considered so Romantic.” Times of India Blog. November 22, 2016.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/life-n-style/why-is-the-moon-considered-so-romantic/.
5
fig.1 Sixteenth of September (1956) by René Magritte
4
4
“Sixteenth of September, 1956 by Rene Magritte.” https://www.renemagritte.org/sixteenth-of-september.jsp.
6
Fear & Uncertainty
Every time we look into the sky, the moon is constantly changing. The waxing crescent
moon grows till it is about half full. From there, it expands to the full moon and then begins to
shrink back, waning crescent and finally back to the new moon. Waxing and waning, the moon is
a sign of constant change. It symbolizes nature, its blindness and dynamism, the changing
seasons, and regression. Interpreted into the human world, this image evokes moral instability,
changing minds, suspicions, and our often wavering determination.
In Tarot, which originated in Europe during the late 14th century, the moon card shows a
full moon in the night sky, positioned between two large towers. The moon represents fears and
illusions in the Tarot reading. It often comes out when one is projecting fear into their present
and future based on past experiences. When the moon card appears, people should be careful of
making fast decisions since they may find themselves under the influence of their subconscious
minds, which is often related to bad memories. The fear that the moon carries is a feeling deep in
one’s mind. Because the moon only appears in the darkness, it reflects the dark side of nature.
Therefore, abstractly, it is also related to the negative, shady parts of people’s minds.
Despite the moon (or the moonlight) symbolizing romantic love in some of Shakespeare’s
works, it appears as a symbol of inconstant in the iconic quote from Romeo and Juliet:
O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon,
That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
—-William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2
In the famous balcony scene, Romeo expresses his passionate feelings towards Juliet. He
is ready to swear by “yonder blessed moon” that he loves Juliet when Juliet cuts him short. As
Juliet points out, the moon is fickle, constantly changing its shape from time to time. It is thus an
7
ironic object on which to swear constancy. Instead, Juliet asks Romeo to swear by himself, as
she believes that he is constant and would never change his love for her.
5
5
“Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: ‘the Inconstant Moon.’” 2021. MyShakespeare. April 22, 2021.
https://myshakespeare.com/romeo-and-juliet/act-2-scene-2-popup-note-index-item-the-inconstant-moon.
8
Chapter T wo: The Moon in Eastern Cultur e
Lunar Calendar & The Moon Festival
The lunar calendar is a calendar that identifies years, months, and days according to
astronomical phenomena. Although modern China uses the Gregorian calendar, the traditional
lunar calendar is used for determining holidays, such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn
Festival, in both China and Chinese communities worldwide. It contains the traditional Chinese
nomenclature for dates within a year, which people use to choose auspicious days for major life
events, for example, weddings, funerals, relocations, business start-ups, etc. It is considered
superstitious, yet the majority of Chinese continue to follow these traditions for generations. It is
also used to determine moon phases because it follows the moon.
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a traditional festival
celebrated in Chinese culture. Similar holidays are celebrated in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and
other East and Southeast Asia countries.
The Moon Festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. The history
of the Moon Festival dates back over 3,000 years. It is based on the legend of Chang’e ( 嫦娥),
who is best known for stealing an elixir of immortality from her husband, the legendary archer
Hou Yi ( 后羿), and escaping to become the goddess of the moon in Chinese mythology. The
festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, with a full moon at night.
On this day, the Chinese believe that the moon is the brightest and roundest, which means family
reunion. Consequently, this is the main reason why the festival is thought to be necessary,
coinciding with harvest time in the middle of autumn.
6
6
“The Chinese and the Moon.” 2015. English.visitbeijing.com.cn. January 5, 2015.
https://english.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/47ONFeddT9C.
9
The Moon Festival originated from people’s worship of natural signs. When they saw the
moon in the sky, with its changes of shade and roundness, they thought it was a sign from the
heavens and was the result of the existence of “gods.” With the development of society and the
change in people’s thinking, the Moon Festival eventually evolved into a unique and culturally
attractive custom called “Moon Gazing.” As one of the traditional festivals, Moon Festival has
always been valued by people. It is all about well-being together.
Homesickness & Loneliness
Despite the moon gathering loved ones all together during the festival, in most Eastern
cultures, it is a symbol of nostalgia, separation, and affection. In ancient Chinese poetry, the
moon is one of the most famous images used by poets. Throughout the ages, whenever people
face the bright moon in the night sky on a quiet night. Endless reveries and sorrowful thoughts
will linger in their minds, thus turning their feelings into “worship” of the moon and creating
related poems and art.
Ancient Chinese poetry often expresses homesickness with the image of the moon. Those
poems written on the night of the full moon or the Mid-Autumn Festival expressed the poet’s
constant homesickness, wanderings, and fragility in life. Li Bai, a Chinese poet acclaimed from
his own time to the present as a romantic figure who took traditional poetic forms to new heights,
written in his famous poem 《靜夜思》(A Tranquil Night):
床前明月光, 疑是地上霜。
舉頭望明月, 低頭思故鄉。
Before my bed a pool of light.
Can it be hoarfrost on the ground?
Looking up, I find the moon bright;
Bowing, in homesickness I'm drowned.
10
The poem writes that when Li Bai was standing in front of the window, he saw the hazy
moonlight sprinkled on the ground and remembered his hometown, which was bathed in the
same moonlight. Li Bai used the moon and the moonlight to express his nostalgia for his
hometown. It has touched the fragile homesickness of countless wanderers throughout the ages.
7
The moon in Chinese culture is not only an expression of longing but sometimes also a
symbol of sadness and depression. In the poem, 《月下獨酌》(The Little Fete), the loneliness of
the poet is exaggerated with the company of the moon:
花間一壺酒, 獨酌無相親。
舉杯邀明月, 對影成三人。
I take a bottle of wine and I go to drink it among the flowers.
We are always three - counting my shadow and my friend the shimmering moon.
Happily the moon knows nothing of drinking,
and my shadow is never thirsty.
When I sing, the moon listens to me in silence.
When I dance, my shadow dances too.
After all festivities the guests must depart;
This sadness I do not know.
When I go home,
the moon goes with me and my shadow follows me.
This poem creates a cold scene in which the poet drinks alone, with only the moon to accompany
him, guiding him to pour out his sorrows with wine. Where does the suffering come from? It is
from the poet’s loneliness, isolation, disillusionment, and inaction. The moments of the poet
praising, drinking, and achieving spiritual consciousness leave the readers wondering if he was
celebrating life or if he was nothing else but lonely.
8
In Chinese poetry, the sentiment of the moon will change in different scenarios and
situations. However, overall, it always accompanies a sense of sadness and emptiness.
8
Boyanton, Stephen. 2018. “Breaking the ‘Great Taboo’: A Translation of Li Bai’s 李白 ‘Drinking Alone beneath the Moon /
The little Fete 月下獨酌.’ Stephen Boyanton PhD.October 19, 2018. https://stephenboyanton.com/2018/10/19/
7
Zin, Brandon. 2009. “A Tranquil Night, by the Great Chinese Poet Li Bai.” Brandonzin’s Weblog. December 22, 2009.
https://brandonzin.wordpress.com/2009/12/23/a-tranquil-night-a-chinese-by-the-great-poet-li-bai/.
11
It is natural that the moon would be the subject of art in China. Over the centuries,
paintings depicting poets gazing at the moon, the countryside on a clear moonlit night, family
gatherings during the moon festival, and more have become familiar themes in Chinese art.
Moreover, most are a familiar subject of Chinese shanshui ( 山水畫) landscape paintings, which
refers to a style of traditional Chinese painting that depicts scenery or natural landscapes using a
brush and ink. The immensity of the painting is a characteristic of Chinese shanshui paintings.
The people in the painting often appear tiny by the vast landscape around them, and the moon is
often depicted to the left or right of the painting. The position of the moon enhances the sense of
distance between the people and the moon. In between the people, landscape, and moon is an
extensive void. This void is a place where the viewer can encounter the comfort or consolation of
the painting and join the people of the painting as they gaze at the moon’s tranquility in their
thoughts.
12
fig.2 Appr eciating the Moon (1714) by artist Yuan Jiang is a Chinese scroll painting of scenery
under the calm whole moon night in ancient China.
9
9
“Appreciating the Moon.” 2022. Artnet.com. 2022.
http://www.artnet.com/artists/yuan-jiang/appreciating-the-moon-qUhoisdaz_7QHMhlbcK-Aw2.
13
fig.3 Gazing at The Mid-Autumn Moon, a classical Chinese painting created by artist Shangguan
Hui during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), shows an enormous landscape with ancient Chinese
people appreciating the mid-autumn moon.
10
1 0
Yu, Xiaoou. 2014. “The Charming Chinese Painting Collections of Mid-Autumn Festival.” En.chinaculture.org. August 26,
2014. http://en.chinaculture.org/classics/2014-08/26/content_559882.htm.
14
Chapter Thr ee: Moonchild
“Moonchild” is an 18 x18 inch acrylic on canvas painting. It is inspired by well-known
Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. In Magritte’s work, the moon often appears together with
his iconic grey-blue colors background, creating a sense of calm and quietness. “Moonchild”
shows a starry night with a thin crescent moon hanging in the middle of the sky. Under it is a
person with a head full of flowers in front of a background full of abstract clouds shaped like
silky curtains. Along with the painting, there is a short description saying: moonchild is a child
with a head full of flowers that only blossom at night when the moon comes out. It is a surreal
painting with a poetic meaning behind it.
The moon is a star in the sky that has remained unchanged for ages. It is said to be eternal
because it has been hanging in the vast sky long before humankind’s birth, carefully guarding
every inch of land and every kind of living creature on earth. But the moon is also dynamic and
ever-changing. It is constantly changing between its transformation, hiding its beauty, and
sowing it in people’s hearts to blossom.
Under the moon, the moonchild is alone, absorbing the moonlight and growing beautiful
flowers. Everything feels like a dream, the fluffy pillow-like clouds hanging down the soft white
sheets, just like comfortable beds, bringing sleepy minds to this mysterious moonlit night. By
looking at the “Moonchild,” imagine being in the same environment; one may feel peaceful,
lonely, or even confused. At night, one tends to reveal one more authentic self. There are always
parts of them hiding from the sunshine. The moonlight stirs thoughts and emotions, making them
grow like flowers. It blurs the boundary between dreams and realities, creating a gray area where
people merge with their unconscious minds. Their deepest fears, regrets, insecurities, and
fantasies start making sense. Just like the moon depicted in ancient Chinese poems, it is a
15
medium to trigger and emphasize feelings, especially when one is alone. However, in Western
works of literature, the moon can also romanticize things, glorifying them to become aesthetic
and poetic. Combined with these two ways of interpreting the moon, I hope “Moonchild” leaves
the viewer with mixed feelings of bitterness and beauty.
16
fig.4 Moonchild, acrylic on canvas.
17
In the painting, the overall color palettes are simple yet include a rich undertone. The
night sky background is a mixture of black and navy blue, with a little touch of burgundy to
make the night less cold. The stars in the sky were dimly glowing, setting off the brightness of
the moon in the middle. Surrounding the main figure are the abstract clouds, painted with a
mixture of white and light blue. The pure white highlights on the curtain-like clouds’ folds
emphasized their silkiness, reflecting the moonlight.
Moonchild is a fictional character that I created to be universally relatable without a
specific identity. To achieve this, I dressed Moonchild in a dusty-pink shirt with a tie-up collar
and a brick-red sweater, which gives a vintage look due to the low-value colors that appear as if
they are covered with a gray layer. The unisex style of the outfit expands the possibilities of
Moonchild's gender, providing more room for the audience's imagination. Viewers may perceive
Moonchild as a reflection of themselves, a significant other, or simply a random person in their
lives.
A bouquet forms the head of the moonchild. When painting it in the beginning, many
thoughts came into my mind. I thought of painting lavenders, which represent calmness and
reduce anxiety, or painting sunflowers could create a juxtaposition with the moon, making the
image more interesting. Finally, I considered the overall aesthetic of the image and decided that
red roses would be a better choice to balance the overall colors without complicating the picture.
Red roses, like the moon in Western culture, are a symbol of romance that evokes intense
emotions and fantasies. When people see red roses, they often associate them with love. The
image of red roses conjures up feelings of amour and intimacy, further accentuating the
symbolism of the moon.
18
Around the flowers, I used various greens to draw the branches and leaves. Most greens
are muted, low contrast, and blended with the same value. The greens exist in the image without
a tendency to show off, releasing soothing elegance. At the same time, the radial growing
direction of the greens brings life, as if we can see them reaching out to every corner of the
image. It also guides the visual to the very center of the image.
Behind the moonchild, clouds are dropping white sheets like curtains. The abstract looks
of clouds add more mystery to the surroundings. They could be viewed as clouds, curtains, or
bedsheets. In the Chinese poem, the poet looked up to the moonlit sky through the window in
front of his bed, then bowed his head, missing his hometown under the same moonlight. The
silky clouds represent the soft side of the people. It is like when one is in their bed, in their room
— a very intimate moment. The clouds make everything dream-like, soft, and also fragile.
People tend to have a lot of thoughts and emotions in their minds at night. They tend to reveal
their true selves and fragility while lying in their bed alone. The canvas’s square shape makes the
image look like a scene from a window; however, the more you look into the image, the more
you feel personally in the scene. The clouds are like a symbol of people’s comfort zone, carrying
the most sincere feelings from where they feel safe, leading them to this beautiful and surreal
space to express themselves.
In the painting, although the intended light source is the moon, it appears to come from
the front where the viewer is positioned. The image lacks high contrasts, and the lights and
shadows are depicted very smoothly. This suggests that the moon has illuminated the entire
environment, softening the shadows and creating a comfortable and balanced atmosphere.
Looking carefully at the image, one may notice that the composition between the clouds
and the main figure is slightly odd. Unlike clouds usually present in paintings — far away in the
19
background to show distance and space, the distance between the clouds and the moonchild is
very close, as if they can touch each other. The background and foreground of the image are not
very distinguished. The value and the saturation are almost the same. Because of the way of
depicting the spacial relationship, the image appears flat, without too much dimension. The
clouds dominate most of the image and are firmly around the central figure, almost like wrapping
it. The placement enables viewers to see the details of the clouds and feel surrounded by them,
too.
As someone who has studied traditional arts like oil painting and watercolors, I have
always felt most comfortable with a paintbrush in my hand. However, after college, I began to
explore exciting new mediums that were made possible by digital technology. Digital art has
become an integral part of our daily lives, thanks to its convenience - it is easy to carry, share,
and correct. The advantages of digital art have had a significant impact on traditional art, and
gradually, I found myself spending less time with hands-on materials and more time creating art
on a screen. It was only when my laptop broke down and I was forced to rely on physical
materials again that I realized how much I had been missing the sensory experience of traditional
art. The smell of paint, the texture of the canvas, and the feeling of holding a paintbrush all
brought me back to a place of deep creative inspiration.
After a long break from traditional art, I created my first painting, “Moonchild,” which
holds a special meaning for me. As I picked up the paintbrushes again, I felt both a sense of
familiarity and unfamiliarity. Acrylic paint was my chosen medium due to its vibrancy and
flexibility, allowing it to be used on various surfaces while also drying quickly.
At first, the process of painting “Moonchild” was not as therapeutic and relaxing as I had
hoped. Without the ability to easily correct any mistakes using digital devices, I felt a bit stressed
20
making decisions on the canvas. However, as I continued painting, I found myself slowing down
and letting go of my need for control. Instead of worrying about making the right choices with
colors or following a specific order, I allowed the painting to guide me. This approach led me to
add more colors and details as the process unfolded, and I found myself fully immersed in the
creative experience.
The painting process for “Moonchild” was different from my usual approach. Instead of
starting with the background, I began by painting the main figure in the center of the canvas,
almost like a headshot. As I worked on the figure, I imagined its characteristics and what kind of
environment would suit it best. This process was interesting because I sometimes projected my
emotions onto the figure and at other times, viewed it as a third person to understand the
emotions it evokes. I created a surreal space with elements that made me feel comfortable
without providing a well-explained description. I wanted the image to speak for itself and allow
the audience to interpret it in their own way. Ultimately, it's all about dreams.
21
Chapter Four: The Man and The Moon - Pr oject Inspiration and Resear ch
“The Man and The Moon” is an ongoing digital illustration series. In the series, each
piece shows a surreal space with a mysterious figure holding the moon like a balloon with a thin
line. The moon represents a guide, leading the wanderer to different places. It is also like a
guardian, brightening the surrounding with its gentle light. The figure, the wanderer, symbolizes
people who are lonely, confused and have lost direction in their lives. Each piece shows a
different dream-like environment; the elements in each represent the figure’s different mindsets.
In this thesis, I will analyze two of them, titled separately: “Falling” and “Alive.”
The series name, “The Man and The Moon” directly points out the two main elements
throughout the images. The man is a cartoon-like fictional character with a white, puffy body and
no face. The viewers cannot tell the mood of the mysterious figure because it has no facial
expressions. Like the moonchild character, when creating the figure, I wanted it to be universal
and be easily related to everyone. It can be viewed as a medium between the viewers and the
images.
The series of paintings that I created is rooted in the nostalgic dreams I used to have
during the dawn hours. As a student studying abroad since my undergraduate years, everything
was new and unfamiliar to me when I first arrived in the United States. It was my first time being
so far away from home, and I felt utterly alone. Through exploring, learning, and trying to make
sense of everything in this new environment, I discovered that uncertainty was present at every
step of my life. I learned to embrace it and work with it because nothing during my study abroad
years unfolded precisely as planned. Being out of my comfort zone was like an emotional
rollercoaster, with moments of feeling motivated and excited to try new things, and other times
22
feeling disappointed and lacking the energy to do anything. However, this experience was
life-changing, providing me with challenges and opportunities that I could never have imagined.
It made me a more independent, self-reliant, and responsible person.
On the other hand, it made me realize how many mixed emotions I have toward my
home. Throughout my study abroad life, I have felt waves of nostalgia for my family and friends
back home, which makes me sad. Homesickness always kicks in when I am alone, especially on
a sleepless night. Sitting in bed counting the hours left till sunrise, I could not stop missing
everything I had left behind. The unfamiliar environment, foreign culture, and uncertainty about
the future made me incredibly lonely, insecure, and anxious. Every time I was in this situation, I
looked out the window. In the blurry dawn sky, the moon softly glows like a pearl. It was a quiet
and peaceful moment between me and nature.
The moon has the magic of calming me down. It soothes my emotions, leading me to a
clear vast sky, away from all the noises in my head. It reminds me of my favorite ancient Chinese
poem, which expresses that by looking at the moon, the poet knows by heart that his hometown,
even if it was far, far away from where he was, was all under the same moonlight. The moon is a
loyal companion. It is always there, watching, faithful, and knowing our ups and downs. It is like
our homes, where we feel a sense of belonging and receive unwavering support.
In the state between falling into sleep and being awake, I let my consciousness wander. I
thought of the moon and its magical traits, reimagining them into abstract images. They blurred
out the boundaries between dreams and reality, evoking creative minds. In studies of creativity,
the hypnopompic state, from semiconsciousness to complete wakefulness, is often accompanied
by vivid imagery. The beautiful surreal dreamscapes in my mind are vivid and clear, with the
moon involved. As an artist, I think presenting my imagination with visual language will be
23
significant. The illustration series “The Man and The Moon” was created based on the
experience of my intimate feeling related to the moon.
24
The Man and The Moon - Falling
The first piece from the series I would like to introduce is “Falling.” This piece holds a
special place in my heart because It is also the first piece I created for the series. In the image, an
upside-down triangle shape island is floating in the air. On the island sat a tiny figure holding a
stick tied with a thin line— just like a fishing rod. Instead of fish, the other end of the line is
holding a waving moon.
There are three aline holes pouring out water on the side of the island. Around the island,
rocks of multiple sizes fall and float in the air. The smooth dim fog surrounds everything,
creating a mysterious atmosphere.
The image’s color palette is mixed with light blue grey, dusty blue, deep dark navy blue,
and a little bit of light teal. It gives out cool and dim vibes, setting a gloomy and lonely mood.
The brightest and most saturated color in the image is the light blue from the flowing water,
bringing the image a sense of life.
The elements in the image are organized diagonally from the top right corner to the
bottom left. The composition emphasizes perspective, gives the image a sense of depth, and also
adds dynamism. In contrast with the overall design, the falling stones go from the opposite
direction— upper left to bottom right, creating a not apparent cross arrangement on the image. It
slightly balanced out the image and enriched it.
Overall, the image is very dynamic. It shows a waving moon, falling stones, and flowing
water. To create motion, I blurred the moving objects on different levels. The blurriness of the
objects infuses the still image with a sense of speed or conveys a passage of time. The blurry
effect is also applied on the island in the very front, making the island looks like it is out of
25
focus, thus creating depth in the image. With this effect, the image becomes more lively and
exciting.
This piece represents a depressing and confused mindset. The landscape is plain and
lifeless, emphasizing the loneliness of the figure. Sitting on the island alone while everything
seems to be falling apart, the figure reflects my mind when I am away from my comfort zone,
feeling isolated and struggling with life. The moon here is a companion and a guide, spreading
its magical sparkles, which symbolize glimmers of hope. However, the waving moon also
represents the irresolute and hesitant when facing the uncertainties in life. In Western culture, the
moon is a symbol of fear and uncertainty, its variable luminosity reflecting the imperfect nature
of human existence. The moon thus becomes an empathetic figure that embodies the
imperfections, uncertainties, and loneliness that are part of the human experience.
The three holes in the image symbolize the fundamental elements that give meaning and
direction to my life: family, love, and purpose. These holes serve as outlets for my thoughts and
emotions, allowing them to flow out of my mind like a stream of water. The composition of the
image is designed to create a sense of visual depth, with the water flowing from the background
toward the foreground, thereby enhancing the visual impact of the piece.
26
fig.5 The Man and The Moon– Falling, Adobe Illustrator.
27
The Man and The Moon - Alive
Unlike “Falling” the piece “Alive” gives a warmer and brighter atmosphere. The bizarre
landscape divided the image into three parts: the front, the middle, and the back. In the front part
of the image, some architecture-like objects look like lotus roots, growing freely, without order.
On the top of each lotus root are flat surfaces with a couple of holes filled with water, like small
swimming pools. Ladders of various lengths are placed at different parts of the lotus roots,
connecting them. In the middle part of the image, there are two islands side by side. One of them
has a pond on it. The prominent figure is sitting on the island’s edge, holding the moon in hand
like a balloon. Look to the image’s very back; some mountains layered on one another. In every
corner of the image sits the spheres that look the same, breaking the boundaries of the three
parts.
The colors in this piece revolve around shades of green and grey. Green is a natural color
often associated with plants, grass, and trees. It also symbolizes growth and rejuvenation, making
it a fitting choice for this piece. To enhance the natural and fresh vibe of the image, I used
different shades of green throughout the image. As for the background, I opted for a warm grey
tone, with lighter grey clouds to create contrast and brightness. The combination of green and
grey gives the artwork a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
Like the title “Alive,” this piece expresses friendly and positive energy to the viewers.
Similar to “Falling,” the image is filled with strange landscapes that feel out of this world.
However, in the image, the landscape is more organic and vibrant. The curvy lines and shapes
add a more soft feeling. In the image, the leading figure is sitting in the center, forming a clear
focal point. In the front part of the image, the colossal lotus roots take up almost one-third of the
28
space. The blank space is left in the middle, aligning with the leading figure, emphasizing it, and
adding depth to its surroundings. From the viewer’s perspective, we are at the front of the image,
the fourth part that breaks the canvas, as if we are peeking at the central figure behind the lotus
roots.
The central figure holds the moon in their hand like a balloon, creating a serene
atmosphere. In contrast to the previous image where the moon is upside down and waving, here
it floats steadily in the sky, symbolizing peace and tranquility. The moon represents guidance,
leading the wanderer through their life journey with sure steps. It is deeply rooted in Chinese
culture, where people follow the lunar calendar and make life decisions based on it. The moon is
considered a spiritual object, believed to contain the power of souls and the universe. It
determines the timing of significant life events, keeping people on the "right track." The other
significant element in the image is the lotuses, which hold spiritual significance as well. Unlike
other plants, lotuses have a unique life cycle. They rise from the mud and return to it at night,
blooming immaculately, free from any mud stains. This quality makes them symbols of strength,
resilience, and rebirth in many cultures.
The image shows a state of mind like a clear, peaceful sky after a storm. Everything is on
the right track and growing lively. The little ponds represent different events that occur in life.
The ladders connected them, like the paths people walked through and the connections between
them. The spheres in every corner indicate the unknowns and surprises that await on the way of
one’s journey. Their existence enriched the journey and made it more meaningful.
The two illustrations, “Falling” and “Alive,” separately represent the different phases of
life. Despite the clear contrast between the two images, both share common themes and
elements. The moon appears in both, albeit in different forms, and represents guidance and hope
29
in different times. The use of colors, objects, and composition in both pieces also creates a sense
of harmony and unity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. Ultimately, the
beauty of these illustrations lies in the personal and intimate reading that each viewer can bring
to them, seeing in them their own experiences and emotions.
30
fig.6 The Man and The Moon– Alive, Adobe Illustrator.
31
Chapter Five: Lunar App
As the world continues to change and evolve, advancements in technology have enabled
people from diverse cultures and backgrounds to interact and merge together. Globalization has
provided opportunities for individuals to discover new experiences and broaden their
perspectives. However, it has also resulted in the disappearance of certain cultures and traditions
that have lost their practicality in modern society.
The lunar calendar is an essential part of most Chinese people’s lives. Consulting the
lunar calendar to pick a “good,” which, in professional terms, “auspicious” date and time for
major life events, is an essential tradition in Chinese culture. Moreover, most Chinese traditional
festivals are calculated based on the lunar calendar: Lunar New Year, Mid-autumn Day, Lantern
Festival..., etc. Because of that, a modern calendar would not work as the dates would be
different every year. The lunar calendar can be part psychologist, part behavioral scientist, part
philosopher, and part life coach. It gives people a suggestive roadmap for the present and the
future.
As a Chinese who grew up under the influence of the lunar calendar, I think it is a
beautiful tradition passed down from my ancestors. It carries the wisdom, history, and traces
from ages ago. Since it is an essential element in my roots, I believe it would be meaningful to
me to modernize it and emerge it into our daily lives. In that way, the tradition could have more
attention and be more adaptive to society today.
“Lunar” is an app I created for tracking the lunar calendar on mobile devices. It is an
easily accessible mobile lunar calendar with interesting educational functions for all ages. In the
app, the users can view both Gregorian and lunar dates, daily auspicious and inauspicious events,
32
auspicious directions, educational resources about ancient Chinese astrology, and more. The
optional push notifications will remind you of daily lunar calendar information and also daily
fortune-telling based on your Chinese zodiac. It is designed to be an informative and engaging
app for people interested in superstitious beliefs and curious people who like to explore more
about the lunar calendar and ancient Chinese culture.
The Lunar app’s overall design emphasizes simplicity and cleanliness. Since it is a
mobile calendar that users access on a daily basis, it is essential to strike a balance between
attractiveness and visual weight. The app’s icon features a shimmering moon graphic set against
a dark red background. The moon graphic is constructed using three round shapes that are
layered with varying degrees of transparency and scale. The dark red backdrop creates a striking
contrast that makes the moon stand out.
Red is an iconic color that symbolizes luck, joy, and happiness in Chinese culture. The
Lunar app's icon is straightforward yet visually engaging, highlighting the central theme of the
lunar calendar and the spirit of the culture it represents.
The color scheme of an app is an essential element in user experience and can greatly
impact its performance. The color choices made can affect a user’s behavior, mood, stress level,
and attention span. In the Lunar app, the warm and bright color palette evokes a friendly and
pleasant feeling. The background color is a creamy beige, while dark red, white, and various
shades of grey are used for text, graphics, pop-up boxes, and other elements. The color choices
lean towards minimalism with red being the primary and only strong color used in the app. It
channels the corresponding emotions and cultural spirit associated with the lunar calendar.
Shades of grey are used as secondary colors to create a visual hierarchy and structure, while bold
red is used for the main graphics of different functionalities. The color arrangement aims to
33
improve information readability while providing a visually comfortable experience. Overall, the
color scheme is designed to be simple yet effective, enhancing the user’s experience and
promoting ease of use.
Opening the app, the main page shows today’s Gregorian and lunar dates, with the icon
of the Chinese zodiac of the year. On the bottom of the page are two buttons separately labeled
auspicious and inauspicious. Clicking on the buttons will lead the user to view detailed
information about things to do or not to do on the day. Suppose the users want to view the
calendar as a whole, just go back to the main page and click on the calendar icon in the top left
corner. In that case, it will lead the users to the overall view of the calendar, and they can view
any specific date they would like to learn about. In the top right corner, there is a three lines icon.
It is a button that functions as a “menu” that navigates the users to different pages in the app. The
“History” section introduces the origin and traditions of the lunar calendar, giving resources to
the culture.
Moreover, the “Festival” section includes the date, history, and things to do for all the
Chinese festivals. The users would not be missed out on any traditional festival and would be
ready to celebrate with friends and family. The “Chinese Zodiac” section provides daily fortune
reading and advice for each zodiac. Last but not least, the “Setting” and “About” sections give
the users with essential tools to set up the app and a window for them to write down feedback or
contact the developer team. Since the app is designed for a wide range of users, including those
who are not familiar with mobile devices, all the functionalities are easy to navigate and to
understand.
34
fig.7 Lunar App, Adobe XD.
fig.8 Lunar App, Adobe XD.
35
fig.9 Lunar App, Adobe XD.
36
Conclusion
Throughout both Eastern and Western cultures, literature, art, and design have depicted
the emotional attachment humans have towards the moon in various ways. The diverse ways that
different cultures perceive the moon as a spiritual element has resulted in unique imagery that
expresses joy and sorrow, positivity and negativity, union and separation. The moon embodies
the aesthetic of people’s lives across different times and places. Despite cultural differences
between Eastern and Western cultures, there is only one moon in the sky. Comparing Eastern and
Western “moon cultures” reveals the value of diverse cultural evolution and the trend of
coexistence. The moon is becoming a bridge for communication and connection between
different cultures. Its existence brings comfort and romance to our lives, and instills faith and
hope in people.
The moon holds a special place in our lives, providing comfort, romance, and hope to
people. Its gentle power, derived from the universe, makes it both valuable and meaningful.
People have believed in the moon's magic for centuries, and this belief still holds true today.
As I explored and drew inspiration from the moon, I gained a deep appreciation for my
culture and its traditions. In my artistic and design works, the moon has taken various forms and
mediums, each with its associated meanings, reflecting the moon's inspiration for me and
visualizing my inner thoughts and imagination. I aspire to share the value of the moon with
others inclusively and engagingly, making an effort to broaden their perspective and connect
with them cross-culturally. Regardless of the outcome, the journey of interacting and sharing
would fulfill my pieces and leave meaningful marks.
37
Bibliography
“Act 2, Scene 2: Popup Note Index Item: ‘the Inconstant Moon.’” 2021. MyShakespeare. April
22, 2021. https://myshakespeare.com/romeo-and-juliet/act-2-scene-2-popup-note-index-
item-the-inconstant-moon.
“Appreciating the Moon.” 2022. Artnet.com. 2022. http://www.artnet.com/artists/yuan-jiang/
appreciating-the-moon-qUhoisdaz_7QHMhlbcK-Aw2.
Boyanton, Stephen. 2018. “Breaking the ‘Great Taboo’: A Translation of Li Bai’s 李白
‘Drinking Alone beneath the Moon / The little Fete 月下獨酌.’” Stephen Boyanton PhD.
Stephen Boyanton PhD. October 19, 2018.
https://stephenboyanton.com/2018/10/19/breaking-the-
great-taboo-a-translation-of-li-bais-%E6%9D%8E%E7%99%BD-drinking-alone-beneath
-the-moon-%E6%9C%88%E4%B8%8B%E7%8D%A8%E9%85%8C/.
Bhowmick, Barsha Nag. 2016. “Why Is the Moon Considered so Romantic.” Times of India
Blog. November 22, 2016.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/life-n-style/why-is-the-moon-considered-so-ro
mantic/.
James, Jackie. “Luna, Moon Goddess.” The Vindolanda Trust, October 6, 2021.
https://www.vindolanda.com/blog/luna.
Le, Nguyen. “Know Your Fortune through Verses and Moon Blocks.” The Cougar, August 16,
2016. https://thedailycougar.com/2016/08/19/know-your-fortune-through-verses-and-
moon-blocks/.
Tearle, Oliver. “The Curious Symbolism of the Moon in Literature and Art.” 2020. Interesting
Literature. December 4, 2020. https://interestingliterature.com/2020/12/moon-
symbolism-poetry-mythology/#:~:text=From%20a%20symbol%20imbued%20with.
“The Chinese and the Moon.” 2015. English.visitbeijing.com.cn. January 5, 2015. https://
english.visitbeijing.com.cn/article/47ONFeddT9C.
Yu, Xiaoou. “The Charming Chinese Painting Collections of Mid-Autumn Festival..”
En.chinaculture.org. August 26, 2014. .
http://en.chinaculture.org/classics/2014-08/26/content_559882.htm
Zin, Brandon. 2009. “A Tranquil Night, by the Great Chinese Poet Li Bai.” Brandonzin’s
Weblog. December 22, 2009. https://brandonzin.wordpress.com/2009/12/23/a-tranquil-
night-a-chinese-by-the-great-poet-li-bai/.
38
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Asset Metadata
Creator
Wang, Sharon
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Core Title
Designing with the moon as inspiration
School
Roski School of Art and Design
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Master of Fine Arts
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Design
Degree Conferral Date
2023-05
Publication Date
04/05/2023
Defense Date
04/05/2023
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