Mental imagery in Shaanxi folk paper-cutting
When you ask folk paper-cutting artists: "Why do cows have two eyes on the side?" they say: "Because cows have two eyes." "Why is there a small mouse in the belly of a big mouse?" They said: "This is how mice carry children." This is what they see. In their eyes, this is the most realistic. In fact, this is the mental image modeling under the primary way of thinking.
The so-called mental image modeling is to transform visual cognitive concepts into knowable images and graphics, which puts aside the reality of objective objects. The images are reasonably arranged according to the authors need for subjective expression of physical objects. Of course, this understanding is the product of visual reproduction and spiritual communication, rather than a random patchwork of things. The creation process of paper-cut art not only permeates the subjective wishes of the creator and requirements. At the same time, it also reflects the artistic character of the paper-cut artist, which is the result of the active participation of the mind and emotions. This character, emotion and desire are reflected through symbolic characteristics, when the paper-cut artist uses this modeling method to create. The original intention of his creation is not only to look good. What is more important is to give the work a wonderful meaning, and this wonderful meaning is most appropriately expressed in a symbolic way. Therefore, the symbolic intention of the mental image is to express the beautiful complex in the authors heart. The paper-cut works have the image we see now. If we just look at the calf in the tripe, we may not have a special sense of beauty. However, when the art of paper-cutting is expressed in this way, it pays more attention to the auspicious meaning of the prosperity of animals or the reproduction of life. Based on the analysis of such symbolic shapes, we can see more paper-cut works like this, such as adding a wishful pattern on a pig, or cutting a money pattern to symbolize wealth. This makes the paper-cut works have a more perfect symbolic meaning.
The paper-cutting mother-in-law from Shaanxi often proudly says: "I can draw whatever I like. As long as I have it in my heart, I can draw invisible things on paper." "There is no certain rule for doing tricks. Your hands are the ruler. Your eyes are the ruler. You can do whatever you want to look good." These simple words express the psychological state of the creation of Chinese paper-cut art, and also demonstrate the rules of mental modeling of paper-cut art.law. In the opinion of the folk paper-cutting mother-in-law, "painting is a random creation", which is a subjective and random creation. , in which this subjective attitude contains the symbolic implications of the authors heart.
