Ding Chen's Stone Seal Carving

November 15 - December 15, 2023

“In the traditional Chinese art of stone seal carving, I find a profound connection between history, culture, and self-expression. With each stroke of the carving knife on the stone surface, I seem to be immersed in a journey that spans centuries, paying homage to this unique craft of ancient Chinese heritage.

Rooted in the rich tradition of Chinese culture, and as a living witness to human civilization, seal carving embodies the essence of patience and precision. As I meticulously chisel intricate characters and designs into the surface of the stone, I know that I am experiencing the elegance of Chinese calligraphy and the wisdom of classical art. The significance of these seals goes far beyond their visual appeal. They contain the spirit of Chinese calligraphy and philosophy. As I delve deeper into this art form, I find myself not only learning the techniques of calligraphy but also absorbing the spirit of patience and attentiveness embedded in it.

My seal carving blends in my thoughts, feelings, and interpretations of the world around us. I hope to build a bridge of communication between cultures of diverse origins and of different ages, allowing people to feel the pulse and soul of a culture that has left its own distinctive mark on this art. Each seal is a unique expression, and in this sense, it is also my creative journey, forever fused with the spirit of this ancient craft.”

Ding Chen, Student in the School of Information Studies

This exhibit was curated by S. Ann Skiold, MFA, MLIS, Visual Arts and Language Librarian at Syracuse University Libraries. To apply to submit an exhibit complete the Biblio Gallery exhibition form.

在中國傳統的石雕篆刻藝術中，我發現了歷史、文化和自我表達之間的深刻聯系。隨著刻刀在石面上的每一次劃過，我仿佛沈浸在一個跨越世紀的旅程中，向這一中國古老遺產的獨特工藝致敬。

篆刻植根於豐富的中國文化傳統，是人類文明的活見證，體現了耐心和精確的精髓。當我一絲不茍地在石頭表面鑿出復雜的文字和圖案時，我知道我正在體驗中國書法的優雅和古典藝術的智慧。這些印章的意義遠遠超出了它們的視覺吸引力。它們蘊含著中國書法和哲學的精神。隨著對這一藝術形式的深入研究，我發現自己不僅學習了書法技巧，還吸收了其中蘊含的耐心和專註的精神。

我的篆刻融入了我的思想、情感和對周圍世界的理解。我希望在不同起源、不同時代的文化之間架起一座溝通的橋梁，讓人們感受到一種文化的脈搏和靈魂，並在這門藝術中留下自己獨特的印記。每一枚印章都是一種獨特的表達，從這個意義上說，它也是我的創作歷程，永遠與這門古老的工藝精神融為一體。

陳鼎