Shanghai

It looks like time has nearly run out on the Asian theme at Moo-Mania and More, but not so at Art Journal Journey, where Erika is our host this month.

There's definitely a story to tell here, although, because Erika has left this theme so wide open, it's truly open to interpretation. 

So today we are visiting Shanghai, which is split in two by the Huangpu River. 

To the right of the journaling is the view of the Pudong skyline.  The tall spire is located in Pudong Park in Lujiazui, Shanghai.  It is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.  Although it's China's second tallest TV and radio tower, what is more alluring is the unique architectural design that makes it one of the most attractive places anywhere. Its base is supported by three slanting stanchions that begin underground.  According to Wikipedia

The tower features 11 spheres, big and small. The two largest spheres, along the length of the tower, have diameters of 50 m (164 ft) for the lower and 45 m (148 ft) for the upper. They are linked by three columns, each 9 m (30 ft) in diameter. The highest sphere is 14 m (46 ft) in diameter. 

Further according to Wikipedia

The tower has fifteen observatory levels. The highest (known as the Space Module) is at 350 m (1148 ft). The lower levels are at 263 m (863 ft) (Sightseeing Floor) and at 90 m (295 ft) (Space City). There is a revolving restaurant at the 267 m (876 ft) level. The project also contains exhibition facilities and a small shopping center. There is also a 20-room hotel called the Space Hotel between the two large spheres. The upper observation platform has an outside area with a 1.5 inch glass floor.

Visitors travel up and down the tower in double-decker elevators that can hold up to fifty people.  The elevator attendants recite an introduction to the TV Tower in English and Chinese during the rapid 1/4-mile ascent.  There are a variety of activities available as the various spheres and columns actually house places of interest, commerce, and recreation.

It is amazing that this ultra-modern tower combines ancient concepts such as the spherical pearls, with 21st Century technology, commerce, recreation, educational, and conference facilities. All of this and it is actually a TV and radio tower that services the city with more than nine television channels and as many as ten FM radio channels. I chose the flowers with pearls in the centers for symbolism.

Since this was the only image I could find in my travel brochures, I went to the internet to find more photos.

The tower is on the far left, the Huangpu River in the middle, and the Bund, loosely translated as "Outer Beaches" is to the right and middle.

This image, showing the Bund on the left and the Oriental Pearl on the right is from Wikipedia.

Joss paper, often burned as symbolism to a deity or ancestor, is also used for special ceremonies and at funerals.  It can be made of bamboo or rice paper.

My main embellishment was meant to compliment the washi tape I used.  These are glass flowers that are very dimensional.  The layered petals glitter in the proper light.  They each have a tiny pearl in the center.

The Bund, the riverfront boardwalk, offers travelers a glimpse of old Shanghai with old buildings, romantic cafes, and bars.  This shows the nightlife in Puxi, the old part of Shanghai.

I searched my washi tape to find something that would both color coordinate, and match the oriental theme I was going for.  I found these flowers.

I tried to show how dimensional these little glass flowers were, but I fear this is the best image I got.


For the reverse side, I tried to interject a bit of humor along with the facts.

An even larger piece of joss paper was added to this side to accompany the shock of wheat on a tag that is from my final alma mater.

One of the flowers can be seen at the top right reflecting the light.

The dictionary definition shows the name of the city.

You can read why I added the wheat tag.

As before, the illustration and writing comes from a 1975 geography book.

The front was created on a piece of heavy black card stock.  To that I added joss paper, washi tape, three glass flowers, and two images from travel brochures.  The words were computer generated.

For the back, I used an entry from a 1975 geography magazine, more joss paper, three glass flowers, a dictionary definition (not shown in this photo), and a tag that contains a shock of wheat.

Now it's time to join Moo-Mania and More along with Art Journal Journey, where you will find incredible mixed media and journal art.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am more than grateful.