Stories Worn Close - Identity and healing through art

Meet RMIT student Vivian Qiu, the innovative artist transforming rice and soil into powerful statements of culture and identity.

In a world where art continually pushes boundaries, Vivian Qiu stands out by weaving tradition and innovation into every piece she creates. Born and raised in China, Vivian has embarked on a captivating journey, using unconventional materials like rice and soil to tell profound stories of culture, healing, and self-discovery.

Rooted in culture: The foundation of Vivian's art

Growing up in China, Vivian's cultural heritage has been both a source of inspiration and introspection. She describes her relationship with her culture as a dynamic interplay of support and challenge.

"The culture may sometimes give me stress as I would judge myself for doing something unnatural to it," she reflects.

"However, when I’m hurt or lonely, I often go back to my culture to find answers and regain energy."

Vivian's artistic medium of choice is jewellery, her creations becoming a dialogue between her past and present, inviting viewers to explore their own cultural identities and the complexities that come with them.

For Vivian, each piece is a subtle yet powerful statement, a wearable narrative that speaks volumes about the wearer.

"Jewellery is a statement of who you are. It’s subtle and full of stories and messages," she explains.

"People often comment or start a conversation with you about what you are wearing. It's a great way to know about someone, their personality, and the stories behind their pieces."

Artist Vivian Qiu

Reinventing materials: The magic of rice and soil

One of the most striking aspects of Vivian's work is her innovative use of everyday materials like rice and soil, transforming them into mediums of artistic expression.

Rice holds a special place in Vivian's heart, symbolizing comfort and healing from her childhood memories.

"When I was sick as a kid, my mum would make me plain rice congee. It’s a comforting and healing food for your body and mind," she reminisces.

This deep-seated connection inspired her to experiment with rice as a material, leading to the creation of rice fabric and rice clay. The process is as organic as it is intentional; after crafting the material, she dehydrates it under the sun or in a dehydrator, allowing it to change shape naturally.

During a student exchange in Sweden in 2023, Vivian embarked on what she considers her most proud project: The Soil Project.

"Without soil, there’s no life," she explains, emphasizing the fundamental importance of this often-overlooked material.

Collecting soil samples from various locations across China, Australia, and Sweden, Vivian crafted a living, breathing material that encapsulates the essence of each place. The addition of rice acts as a natural adhesive, a nod to historical building techniques like those used in the construction of the Great Wall of China.

Soil is a metaphor that connects to place, identity, and culture. I want people to see it as what it is, without a filter.

The Soil Project challenges perceptions, inviting viewers to reconsider their associations with natural materials and recognize the stories and identities they hold.

Left image shows close up of crash and soil artwork. Right image shows photograph of artist Vivian Qiu in black dress wearing jewellery designed by her.

Artist Vivian Qiu demonstrating her designs and work

Ancient scripts: The oracle bone inspiration

Vivian's exploration doesn't stop at materials; she also delves into ancient Chinese history through the use of oracle bone script in her work.

"It’s the most ancient Chinese language carved on the back of turtle or ox bones, used by ancestors to predict future events," she explains.

By translating phrases into this ancient script and incorporating them into metalwork, Vivian bridges the past and present, illustrating how language shapes thinking and continues to influence modern narratives.

Balancing act: The life of a student artist

Juggling full-time university studies with exhibitions, projects, and workshops is no small feat, but Vivian embraces the challenge wholeheartedly.

"Having full-time uni and trying to do exhibitions and projects has made me more focused and efficient in what I do," she shares.

"Whatever I learn in my jewelry degree, I bring directly into my teaching outside of school."

For Vivian, creativity is not a constant but a series of ebbs and flows.

"My creativity runs like waves. For a couple of months, I feel creative with lots of good ideas, and then I have periods of rest where creativity seems to die down," she describes.

Vivian's next exciting venture is her solo exhibition titled 'Life Line' at Red Gallery in Fitzroy, running from October 8th to 20th, 2024.

"I’ll be showing a lifeline braid that I’ve been making since June 2023. The braid captures my body sensation and emotion of the time and documents my life as an artist," she reveals.

This tactile and immersive piece invites attendees to not only view but also touch and connect with her journey, offering a profound insight into her experiences and growth over time.

Don't miss the chance to experience Vivian's compelling art firsthand at her upcoming 'Life Line' exhibition. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and moved by the stories woven into every piece.

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28 August 2024

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Stories Worn Close - Identity and healing through art