Graduate Diploma Illustration student explores memories through handmade work

Zihan Ye is an illustrator and storyteller who has just graduated from Graduate Diploma Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts. She creates handmade works with mixed media to explore new forms, techniques and styles of image making.

She describes her practice as being about memory: "Memory is a magical thing, we build it by choosing, adjusting, and even making up what we remember, so it is always a powerful tool to reflect how we regard ourselves and our relationship with the world."

Here, Zihan shares her final submission titled ‘Grandma’s Garden’ and tells us how it draws inspiration from her childhood.

Please tell us about your UAL Graduate Showcase submission

The title of my project is called ‘Grandma's garden.’ During childhood, my grandma had a garden where we spent most of our best times together. But when she became seriously ill, my memory of the garden became weird and unreal. Time no longer passes in it, letting it stand still in the most beautiful spring.

Can you tell us about the process and materials you have used?

I used everyday materials to make my work, like toilet rolls, cardboard, old clothes, straws, blankets, wrapping papers, I prefer to collect materials in daily life rather than buying them. This can be a bit troublesome at times, because I hardly throw things away which makes my apartment look really cluttered. However, it’s worth the trouble because it’s so enjoyable to see these seemingly useless things come in handy.

All the elements in my work are handmade. I love the feeling of touching the materials and making my hands dirty. This makes me totally engaged and feel able to communicate with my work.

What is the inspiration behind this project?

This work was inspired by and dedicated to my beloved grandma. My parents were very busy when I was little, so it was grandma who took care of me and brought me up. She always missed me when I came to London, so I decided to do a project about her to make her happy.

During this period, she suddenly suffered a serious heart attack where all her organs began to fail. Because of the pandemic, sadly I was not able to visit her in time before she passed. I was heartbroken and once felt unable to continue my study.

Here I must thank my tutors. They are all very kind, totally understood my difficulty and gave me enough time to adjust myself. Although it was very hard, I decided to finish this project. For me, the little garden I built is like an amber, in which the best memories of grandma and I can be preserved forever.

How have you adapted your practice for working outside of the studio/college? Has your practice adapted/developed through the pandemic?

I avoided using materials or techniques which required in-studio facilities. For example, clay. However, this is not a problem. I love limitations. It forces me to think out of the box and find a more creative way to achieve the goal.

The pandemic didn’t have a negative influence on my practice. I enjoy working at home and online courses much more than on-site experiences. Working at home offers me a quiet and private environment while online tutorials saved lots of commuting time.

How have you found your transition from creating from home to being back in the studio?

I don’t plan to come back to the studio even though it’s reopened. That’s because I’m not able to immerse myself in creating while staying in a public space. The flat I rent has a relatively spacious living room, which gives me enough place to make my projects. I will focus on how to turn this room into a better workplace.

Can you tell us more about your future and possible career options?

I don’t have a fixed idea about my future career just yet. I think I’m still in the stage of experimentation and exploration. I plan to continue with further studies in MA Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts. I’m curious to try new things and grow as an artist with various skill sets.

Do you have any advice for students considering studying on your course?

Firstly, don’t concentrate on practical knowledge - instead get a clearer understanding of yourself as an artist, including your strength, interests, and unique working methods. Secondly, always asking yourself reflective questions: Why? How? What if? What next? Give up the sense of safety, explore beyond your comfort zone, embrace uncertainty and be adventurous.

• Follow Zihan Ye on Instagram
• Explore the UAL Graduate Showcase
• Find out more about Graduate Diploma Illustration