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Asian Inspired Art Projects

Inspired by a rich culture that spans thousands of years, it's no wonder Asian art has influenced projects in America -- a country with a written history of just over 400 years. Asian art can be expressed through a variety of means, from redesigning the layout of a home or business to folding paper, writing or creating temporary tattoos.
  1. Fung Shui Kitchen

    • An ancient Chinese practice that can be interpreted as "the art of flow," feng shui directs us to organize our home environment in a way that creates a smooth pathway for chi, or energy, to flow. Considered by many to be "the heart of a home," feng shui recognizes the kitchen as an important room in the home where we connect with physically, financially and emotionally nourishing energy. Decorate with the colors green, purple and red, and purchase and use only cookware, utensils and appliances that you love.

    Origami

    • Originating in ancient China, origami spread to Japan within a few centuries where it got its name, which means "folding paper." Considered a token of good luck, origami also originally represented prosperity as only the rich could afford the paper. Today, with much more abundant paper, people of any age or race can do origami. Perhaps a suitable design for your first origami project would be the crane, an international symbol of peace.

    Mehndi

    • Consider decoration of the largest organ of the human body -- the skin -- as an art project. The Indian art form of mehndi, or painting henna on the body, dates back several centuries and is practiced in India, the Middle East and Africa. Crush the leaves of this extraordinary plant until it forms a paste. Apply the paste in intricate designs on the skin, and after removal several hours later it leaves beautiful markings that fade over one to three weeks.

    Chinese Calligraphy

    • While writing in western culture may be mundane and boring, in China and other Asian countries like Japan, Korea and Vietnam, calligraphy is comparable to painting. Writing Chinese characters conveys the character, emotions and moral integrity of the artist. With 4,000 to 5,000 years of history, Chinese calligraphy has multiple lessons to teach westerners. You may begin to learn the language, as well as develop a knack for patience and expressing yourself in a new way.

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