Research on the Creative Philosophy and Redesign of Gaomi Paper-cutting

Abstract： This paper takes Gaomi paper-cutting as the research object and explores in-depth its historical origins， classification， creative philosophy， and redesign methods. Firstly， by reviewing the historical development of Gaomi paper-cutting， its unique regional cultural characteristics and rich artistic value are revealed. Secondly， the creative philosophy of Gaomi paper-cutting is analyzed， including its understanding and expression of nature， life， and aesthetics， demonstrating its profound cultural connotations. Finally， the redesign methods within the creative philosophy of Gaomi paper-cutting are discussed， focusing on how to innovate and develop while retaining traditional elements to meet the aesthetic demands of modern society. This research is of significant theoretical and practical importance for further exploring and inheriting the intangible cultural heritage of Gaomi paper-cutting and enriching the development of paper-cutting art.

Keywords： Gaomi Paper-cutting; Creative Philosophy; Redesign

1. The Historical Origins and Classification of Gaomi Paper-cutting

1.1The Origin of Gaomi Paper-cutting

The emergence of paper-cutting art， like any other art form， is rooted in its ancestral arts and influenced by traditional folk customs. There has long been a debate among scholars regarding the exact origin of folk paper-cutting. Shen Zhiyu suggested that paper-cutting might have originated from ancient "Hua Sheng." Wang Bomin speculated that Chinese paper-cutting was born around 2，000 years ago during the Han Dynasty， a view also endorsed by Li Qiang. Chen Jing traced the origins of paper-cutting back to the Wei and Jin Dynasties. In general， when inferring the origin of folk paper-cutting， researchers typically base their conclusions on the appearance of "paper" and consider materials with similar properties to paper， such as "colored paper，" "silk，" "satin，" "gold and silver foil，" etc.

1.2 The Development of Gaomi Paper-cutting

Before the 1960s， Gaomi paper-cutting was set against the backdrop of a small peasant economy， with themes mainly revolving around weddings， funerals， and festive celebrations. It had strong hereditary skills and was influenced by local culture. From the late 1960s to 1976， influenced by the times， the creative themes shifted towards praising leaders. The number of creators increased， and the commercialization of paper-cutting began to emerge. From the late 1970s to the 1980s， creators began to focus on the lives of ordinary people. Jiao Yanfeng promoted the idea of "tradition plus innovation，" which led Gaomi paper-cutting to gain national attention through exhibitions. Since the 21st century， with the support of the government， Gaomi paper-cutting has gained increased visibility. In 1993， Gaomi was awarded the title of "China's Folk Art Hometown，" and in 2008， Gaomi paper-cutting was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list. Artists have participated in international exchanges and won international awards. The art form has also been integrated with e-commerce and cultural and creative industries， leading to innovative inheritance. In recent years， Gaomi paper-cutting has continued to innovate and develop through close integration with e-commerce and cultural and creative industries.

1.3 The Classification of Gaomi Paper-cutting by Usage

Gaomi paper-cutting has a wide range of uses and can be divided into seven categories： Decorative paper-cuts are used for decorating houses， windows， and walls， such as window flowers and wall flowers， symbolizing the removal of the old and welcoming of the new， and bringing good fortune. Festive paper-cuts are used for festivals， weddings， and celebrations， such as wedding flowers and gift flowers， creating a lively atmosphere. Religious paper-cuts are used in religious activities and sacrificial ceremonies， such as candle flowers and Double Ninth Festival flags， expressing faith and seeking blessings. Paper-cuts for daily use are used to decorate shoes， hats， and pillows. Craft paper-cuts are used as gifts and souvenirs to convey heartfelt messages. Printing paper-cuts are used as blue printed cloth molds for clothing and door curtains， adding artistic appeal. Heritage paper-cuts serve as intangible cultural heritage， recording folk stories and customs， and promoting national culture.

2. The Creative Philosophy of Gaomi Paper-cutting

2.1 The "Harmony with Nature" Concept in Gaomi Paper-cutting Patterns

The concept of "harmony with nature" in the creative philosophy includes two aspects： on the one hand， it emphasizes the natural state， pursuing a sense of naturalness. On the other hand， it embodies the idea of harmony between humans and the external environment.

2.1.1 Harmony between Nature and Human Culture

In the selection of patterns for Gaomi paper-cutting， natural elements and scenes from human life are often incorporated， such as landscapes， flowers， birds， crops， and traditional festivals. These elements reflect the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature and convey the concept of "harmony with nature."

2.1.2 Symmetry and Balance

In the pattern design of Gaomi paper-cutting， a strong sense of symmetry and balance can be observed. This design is not only a pursuit of beauty but also a reflection of the order in nature and society， serving as an abstract expression of the "harmony with nature" concept.

2.2 The "Integration of Form and Spirit" Feature in Gaomi Paper-cutting Composition

The traditional creative philosophy of "integration of form and spirit" first includes the unity of the object's function and form， reflecting the characteristic of combining substance and elegance. Secondly， it involves the fusion of emotions and artistic conception beyond the object， achieving the expression of artistic conception.

2.2.1 Use of Lines

Gaomi paper-cutting is adept at using lines to outline shapes and depict details. The lines are smooth and powerful， capable of not only defining the contours of objects but also conveying movement and texture. The contrast in thickness， curvature， and density of the lines makes the composition both simple and varied.

2.2.2 Treatment of Planes

Complementing the lines is the treatment of planes. Gaomi paper-cutting skillfully uses planes to express the texture and light and shadow effects of objects. The shape， size， and arrangement of the planes are carefully designed to achieve the best visual effect.

2.3 The "Combination of Form and Meaning" Connotation in Gaomi Paper-cutting Shapes

Through the objective form of objects， people can perceive their spiritual connotations. On one hand， objects reflect the spirit of the times， incorporating the contemporary spirit and moral norms. On the other hand， objects serve as vehicles for cultural transmission， allowing future users and appreciators to feel their spiritual essence.

2.3.1 Combination of Form and Function

In terms of shape design， Gaomi paper-cutting not only pursues aesthetics but also considers practicality. For example， paper-cutting works are often used to decorate windows and door lintels， adding festive atmosphere while beautifying the environment.

2.3.2 Balance between Abstraction and Representation

Gaomi paper-cutting features both abstract patterns and representational images. Abstract patterns are expressed through simple lines and shapes， while representational images are created through the imitation and reproduction of natural objects. This balance ensures that paper-cutting works are both artistic and imbued with the spirit of everyday life.

3. Redesign Methods in the Creative Philosophy of Gaomi Paper-cutting

3.1 Abstract Integration of Patterns under the Creative Philosophy

3.1.1 Abstraction of Natural Forms

The patterns of Gaomi paper-cutting often originate from the forms of animals and plants in nature. However， artists do not simply copy nature. Instead， they abstract and refine natural forms into patterns with geometric beauty and rhythm. This abstraction process reflects the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

3.1.2 Integration of Symbolism and Meaning

The patterns of Gaomi paper-cutting are often rich in symbolic significance. For example， lotus flowers represent purity， and dragons and phoenixes symbolize auspiciousness. The integration of these symbols and meanings ensures that the works are not merely decorative but also convey people's aspirations for a better life and respect for nature.

3.2 Balanced Composition under the Creative Feature

3.2.1 Unity of Form and Content

In its composition， Gaomi paper-cutting pursues visual beauty while also focusing on the richness and depth of content. Artists carefully design the works to be visually appealing and thought-provoking， achieving a harmonious unity of form and content.

3.2.2 Balance between Symmetry and Asymmetry

Gaomi paper-cutting compositions can employ both symmetrical and asymmetrical techniques to achieve visual balance and rhythm. Symmetrical composition gives a sense of stability and formality， while asymmetrical composition is more flexible and lively. Artists skillfully use these two techniques to create compositions that are orderly yet varied.

3.3 Symbolic Metaphors in the Shapes of Gaomi Paper-cutting under the Creative Connotation

3.3.1 Auspicious Patterns

Common patterns in Gaomi paper-cutting， such as the characters for "fortune" ， "longevity" ， and "happiness" ， as well as elements like bats， lotus flowers， and fish， all symbolize auspiciousness and happiness. These patterns convey people's aspirations for a better life and their blessings.

3.3.2 Transmission of Traditional Culture

Traditional patterns and images in Gaomi paper-cutting， such as the Chinese zodiac animals， ancient figures， and historical stories

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