As an Asian American, I experience the relationship between Eastern and Western cultures as clashing, yet harmonious. Interestingly, tea reflects this particular relationship historically and culturally. My research on tea and porcelain became the main thread that wove through the visual development of the story. In the environments, for instance, pattern and porcelain designs reference the ideas of chinoiserie. The result evokes Asian motifs in Western art and design.
Exploration of dynamic silhouettes and character design is what ignited this story. Initially, the characters’ shapes resembled teapot sets, which then evolved into designing tea plant characters that use teapots as a disguise. The Secret in the Teapot revolves around five enchanted tea plants who seek to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of the lady of the house, all while hiding from the maid and her cat.
Exploration of dynamic silhouettes and character design is what ignited this story. Initially, the characters’ shapes resembled teapot sets, which then evolved into designing tea plant characters that use teapots as a disguise. The Secret in the Teapot revolves around five enchanted tea plants who seek to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of the lady of the house, all while hiding from the maid and her cat.
