SAVING THE LOST ART OF GEJIA WAX PRINTING

• In the digital age where algorithms shape our lives, the "Cor Naturae" project emerges as an endeavor to intertwine the traditional art of Gejia wax printing(Batik) with modern technology. Initiated by Kailun Wang, an individual passionate about psychology and computer programming, this project sought to preserve the diminishing tradition of Batik in Guizhou, China. The initiative not only rekindles interest in cultural heritage but also demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in safeguarding traditional arts amidst technological progress. Through this endeavor,   "Cor Naturae" shows how ancient crafts can thrive, contributing to a richer, interconnected global culture.

• 在这个算法塑造的数字时代，归真项目(“Cor Naturae”)将传统的革家蜡染与现代技术相结合。该项目是由热爱心理学和计算机编程的王凯伦发起的，旨在保护中国贵 州日益减少的蜡染传统。归真项目不仅重新点燃了人们对文化遗产的兴趣，也表明了科技技术在保护传统艺术的重要性。通过这种努力，归真展示了传统的手工艺可以如何蓬勃发展并且如何为一个更丰富的全球文化做出贡献。

Description and reflection

• Understanding the significance of this cultural "brand," the fading tradition still stood as a challenge to me: how can I find a pathway for traditional arts in a future shaped by digital innovation. Combining my understanding of human psychology with computer programming skills, I envisioned a project that could bridge two seemingly disparate worlds, called “Cor Naturae,” which is latin for in the heart of nature. The goal was ambitious yet clear: to rejuvenate Gejia Batik by infusing it with new relevance through digital means. With some of my close friends and skilled local artisans, we pondered on pivotal questions including: How do we captivate the audience? What elements can drive the curiosity of potential visitors, compelling them to explore our website further? We decided to harness the power of the media to share the stories behind each piece, directly connecting consumers with the rich heritage of the art and the craftsmanship of the artisans. We also created online educational content to raise global awareness and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the Gejia culture, empowering artisans with digital tools and knowledge to innovate within their tradition.

• Understanding the significance of this cultural "brand," the fading tradition still stood as a challenge to me: how can I find a pathway for traditional arts in a future shaped by digital innovation. Combining my understanding of human psychology with computer programming skills, I envisioned a project that could bridge two seemingly disparate worlds, called “Cor Naturae,” which is latin for in the heart of nature. The goal was ambitious yet clear: to rejuvenate Gejia Batik by infusing it with new relevance through digital means. With some of my close friends and skilled local artisans, we pondered on pivotal questions including: How do we captivate the audience? What elements can drive the curiosity of potential visitors, compelling them to explore our website further? We decided to harness the power of the media to share the stories behind each piece, directly connecting consumers with the rich heritage of the art and the craftsmanship of the artisans. We also created online educational content to raise global awareness and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the Gejia culture, empowering artisans with digital tools and knowledge to innovate within their tradition.

• The outcomes were transformative. Our digital platform not only rejuvenated interest in Gejia Batik but also secured sustainable livelihoods for the artisans and inspired a renewed appreciation for cultural heritage among a new generation. This initiative sparked a broader discussion on the intersection of technology and cultural preservation, demonstrating that even the most time-honored traditions have a place in the digital age. Reflecting on this experience, it becomes evident that the preservation of traditional arts amidst technological advancement is not merely feasible but also vital. This initiative exemplifies how combining disciplines like human psychology and computer programming can lead to the thriving of ancient crafts, counteracting the threats posed by modernization. Moving forward, the "Cor Naturae" project serves as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, underscoring the importance of cultural preservation in weaving a richer, more connected global tapestry for future generations.

• 在这个计算机的时代，传统的艺术能够融入我们的科技生活吗? 18岁那年，我对人类思维 和计算机“思维”非常感兴趣，并且前往中国贵州开启了一段意义非凡的旅程。在那里，我遇到了革家人和他们的蜡染传统。 尽管他们的蜡染非常美丽并且具有丰富的历史意义，他们 已经处在被遗忘的边缘。面对这一个挑战，我认识到这不仅仅是一个文化困境，也是一个 机会—— 一个具有开发潜力的品牌—— 一个可以帮助革家人保护他们珍贵文化遗产的机会。

• 在了解了这一文化“品牌”的重要性后，如何在数字创新的未来为这个传统艺术找到一条出 路仍是一个挑战。结合我对人类心理学和计算机编程的兴趣，我设想了一个项目名叫归真 (Cor Naturae”)。我们的目标很明确:通过现代科技技术为革家蜡染注入新的意义。我和一些朋友们以及当地的一些蜡染传承人一起讨论如何吸引观众? 什么元素可以激发游客的 好奇心，鼓励他们进一步探索我们的网站? 最终，我们利用媒体的力量去分享每件作品背 后的故事，为观众与作品的蜡染文化及蜡染传承人之间搭起了一座桥。为了提高全球对革家文化的意识，我们还在网站上发布了很多教育性内容，以此培养大众对革家文化的更深 层次的欣赏。

• 归真项目带来的改变是有所可见的。我们的平台不仅重新激发了人们对革家蜡染的兴趣， 也为蜡染的制作者们提供了可持续的生计，并在新一代人中激发了对文化遗产的再欣赏。 反思这段经历，我认为现代电脑技术不但对保护传统艺术是可行的，并且至关重要。我很荣 幸我能够结合人类心理学和计算机智能去结合文化遗产和现代技术。展望未来，我希望归 真项目能够强调文化保护并鼓励后代去持续传承这些传统工艺。