A Map of Childhood Memory Exploration
Prologue
I use this book as a documentation of my project, and I use the project to honor the contributions of my family members who continue to support me.
The project is about memory exploration and family relationships, and my family members are always great inspirations for me.
Introduction
I started thinking about homesickness and self-identification several years ago when I was in Vermont getting my bachelor's degree. The self-awareness of thinking about my family naturally led me to explore topics surrounding memory. I want to re-create the journey I had with my family so far as a design project so that I can transfer those memories into something tangible, a project that my family can view, a journal that tells my own story.
My project is experienced through an online virtual gallery of digital paintings, containing stories of memories growing up. Through this interactive online page, you will be able to click through to read and listen to a series of stories about my childhood. Every story has a painting to go with it. In order to show the concept of childhood memories, I chose the pixel art style to create these paintings because it is close to the old video games’ art concept. The process of making this project has been a way for me to tell my personal stories and express the relationship between me and my family.
I hope you will be inspired by my project and explore their own precious memories.
In the next part, you will be able to read and hear my stories through the interactive map.
Visit the marks and read some stories!
A big plaza, where I can run very fast for a long time until I am tired and willing to get back to my mom.
I call this place "the flying horse plaza". The flying horse is on the top of that column.
A pond, and The Pond in my memory.
My only favorite place, with goldfish inside the pond.
I used to stand on the stone pedals, and watch those fishes in the water.
The pedals wobble when I stand on them.
I used to cross the basketball courts to access the building behind it: that's the school's cafeteria.
There was always sunshine on the courts. Sometimes too hot to play here.
My dad's favorite game.
Every time he plays a move, it makes the sound like a ring bell.
I never understand the game...but I always remember the sound of that ring bell.
Within that secret place, the quiet bench.
Mud path around, falling leaves and shaking bamboo.
I liked to picture the looks of sunshine shining on the bench, but no one is sitting on it.
The secret entrance to another world.
Trees, bamboos, lanes, grass, water ponds. This is a secret world, at least that what I thought.
I failed to remember how I got out every time. I got out, but never remember how.
A backyard behind my dad's office building.
I loved bicycling there until I was chased by a huge dog.
I left crying and running so hard...
Entrance of my old house.
It's eight floors and no elevators!
The door crunches, I believe it's older than me.
There was a special smell, I think it was the smell of rust and grass.
This part contains audio content.
For the best experience, put on your headphones.
Credits
Special thanks to those who helped me with the creation of the project.
Dai Hui
Wei Zhihua
Brad MacDonald
Jennifer Karson