Sarasota, FL | ehih@c.ringling.edu
Life Station
Thesis:Illustration Book
"Life Station" offers a heartfelt glimpse into my own voyage of grief and remembrance, capturing the deeply personal farewell between my grandpa and myself.
About the Story
The story concept narrates how life is akin to a journey on the train of life, where along the way, we arrive at various destinations, witness different sceneries, and meet diverse individuals. It tells of a poignant moment when my grandfather was about to board the last train of his life, and I was deprived of the chance to bid him farewell. By the time I returned home, his presence had already vanished. The person who had always been there, waiting for me to come back, was no longer there. Through this book, I seek to commemorate him and say the goodbye I never got to say, while also cherishing the people and things I still have around me.
Thesis Statement
The nature of my research encompassed a comprehensive exploration into the diverse ethical, historical, cultural, and psychological dimensions of how various cultures and religions perceived and responded to death. Specifically, it delved into the beliefs and practices related to death in Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Catholicism among the people of Ghana in Africa. This study aimed to uncover the underlying values and philosophies that guided these distinct responses to death, ranging from rituals and ceremonies to philosophical and theological interpretations. By examining these different perspectives, the research sought to provide a deeper understanding of death's universal yet varied experiences, highlighting the complexities and commonalities in human attitudes towards mortality across different cultural and religious contexts.
“Life Station” explores the emotional and personal journey of saying goodbye to my grandpa, a pivotal figure in my life who supported me financially and mentally during my studies abroad, yet never had the chance to witness my achievements. Through the medium of an illustration book, this work honors and memorializes his love and the support he provided, delving into themes of grief, memory, and healing. By employing visual storytelling alongside a narrative structure, it aims to capture the essence of farewell, reflecting cultural perspectives on death. “Life Station” serves as my personal catharsis and healing process, addressing love, loss, and remembrance themes. It offers my profoundly personal perspective on the complexities of parting, inviting people to a reflective exploration of their own experiences with loss.
In my thesis, "Life Station," I blend a global exploration of death's cultural and religious perceptions with my personal story of loss and remembrance following my grandpa's death. Starting with an in-depth look at how different religions like Buddhism and Christianity approach death, I then delve into my own experiences, seeking to understand and articulate the process of grief. The journey culminates in an illustrated book that captures the bittersweet act of saying goodbye, marrying academic research with my personal narrative. This work is more than a study; it's a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and healing. It reflects on the universal truths about mortality, underscored by my grandpa's passing, which taught me the invaluable lesson of cherishing our loved ones and accepting the inevitable farewells that are a part of life.
Character Design
Flip Book
