Bored Panda
I Painted 100 Chinese Characters In Watercolor So That They Are Easier To Learn

I Painted 100 Chinese Characters In Watercolor So That They Are Easier To Learn

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My name is Linda Yi and I'm a writer/illustrator from Georgia, currently based in Brooklyn, NY. I create educational drawings around my own journey of relearning the Chinese language and reconnecting with my cultural heritage.
Writing and illustrating is (what I hope will be!) my second career. I painted these 100 characters during a pivotal year in my life—one during which I took an intentional look at the Chinese characters that had, up to that point, been a source of frustration and built-up dread (if you've been to a weekend Chinese school... you may know the feeling.)
As I researched the meanings behind each of these character paintings, I learned about the secrets and stories shimmering underneath the squiggly characters I’d hated practicing as a kid. These characters—this language I'd held at arm's length—was vibrant and beautiful!
Whenever I look at these character paintings (which I do every day as I settle down to work), I'm reminded of the beauty behind the Chinese language. If it does the same for you, this print is exclusively available through Kickstarter (linked below)!
If successfully funded, this poster will become a reality (and the inaugural print of my home print shop). I have until Dec. 10 to raise the necessary funds, so please chip in below if you appreciate my art!
More info: kickstarter.com

#1 星 (Xīng) Star; (Literally 日/Sun + 生/Birth. 星 = Birth Of A Sun)

星 (Xīng) Star; (Literally 日/Sun + 生/Birth. 星 = Birth Of A Sun)
23points

#2 成 (Chéng) To Make, Succeed, Complete

成 (Chéng) To Make, Succeed, Complete
18points

#3 冬 (Dōng) Winter

冬 (Dōng) Winter
16points

#4 月 (Yuè) Moon; Month

月 (Yuè) Moon; Month
15points

#5 春 (Chūn) Spring

春 (Chūn) Spring
15points

#6 夏 (Xià) Summer

夏 (Xià) Summer
15points

#7 秋 (Qiū) Autumn

秋 (Qiū) Autumn
15points

#8 妹 (Mèi) Younger Sister

妹 (Mèi) Younger Sister
15points

#9 好 (Hǎo) Good (Woman女 + Child子)

好 (Hǎo) Good (Woman女 + Child子)
14points

#10 時(时)(Shí) Time

時(时)(Shí) Time
12points

#11 晚 (Wǎn) Evening; Late

晚 (Wǎn) Evening; Late
12points

#12 女 (Nǚ) Woman; Female

女 (Nǚ) Woman; Female
12points

#13 美 (Měi) Beautiful

美 (Měi) Beautiful
12points

#14 人 (Rén) Person

人 (Rén) Person
12points

#15 英 (Yīng) Hero, Heroic

英 (Yīng) Hero, Heroic
12points

#16 日 (Rì) Sun; Day

日 (Rì) Sun; Day
11points

#17 明 (Míng) Bright; (The 日/Sun And 月/Moon Together Is Bright)

明 (Míng) Bright; (The 日/Sun And 月/Moon Together Is Bright)
9points

#18 玩 (Wán) Play

玩 (Wán) Play
9points

#19 水 (Shuǐ) Water

水 (Shuǐ) Water
9points

#20 妈 (Mā) Mother

妈 (Mā) Mother
9points
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