A Brand New Perspective;
Franz Designer Jiehwen Lee’s Photography World

Photography is the epitome of pure pleasure, an art of instantly capturing light and shadow, and a spiritual resonance between the subject and the photographer.

Since photography and creation are complementary, we can easily notice that Franz designer Jiehwen Lee’s porcelain pieces have veiled references to photography.

On his journey to Kyoto, Jiehwen Lee took pleasure focusing on the shady bamboo groves, chirping birds, and breeze of the relaxing sunny days. Awarded ‘Seal of Excellent for Handicrafts - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’ and ‘Taiwan National Silver Award of Excellence’, the Peace & Harmony - Bamboo Collection is actually the result of the designer’s effort in transforming his photographs into porcelain pieces.

•Photoed by Jiehwen Lee

Recording Touching Moments with Precious Antique Cameras

Since his university days, Jiehwen has been carrying his photo equipment to document what interests him.

Fascinated by antique film cameras, he has so far collected more than ten classic cameras and over twenty photographic lenses.

When asked to differentiate photography and porcelain artistry, Jiehwen says, ‘Taking photos helps nurture my creation.’ In fact, what sets his photography and porcelain creation apart is the dimensions and timing of the artworks.

The former produces plane, instantly-created images, while the latter creates three-dimensional, time-consuming pieces. Though an amateur photographer, Jiehwen has to know his cameras, learn its composition, lighting techniques and develop an eye for choosing the right angle at the right time to take charming photographs.

Since he uses film cameras to capture images, timing is everything. If he presses the shutter at the critical moment, right when the subject is at the peak of emotional expression or in the best condition, he’ll get the shot; otherwise, he’ll ruin the job with a false move.

Moreover, fabulous photographs are like time-honored paintings, for they can stimulate unbounded imagination. As such, all the wonders captured by the designer’s camera help enrich his inspirations for porcelain artistry.

The Art of Design by Subtraction: Seeking Balance and Harmony in Chaos

Jiehwen reveals that he likes taking photos with an antique camera, because whenever he has his films processed, he obtains images of rich colors and varied resolutions with unexpected yet always surprising effects.

He believes that good photography comes from one’s ability of seeking balance and harmony in a chaotic environment to capture clear images with balanced composition.

Namely the ‘art of design by subtraction’ is just like painting and designing, which is actually getting rid of the bad ones and preserving the good ones.

Photographers have to know their cameras well, for example, how to properly use films, focus lenses and adjust the aperture and lighting before taking fabulous photographs.

Jiehwen says he occasionally carries his camera away from the urban bustle, to document the beautiful moments of life in a laid-back atmosphere.

Tips on Photography for Beginners

Develop a sharp eye for photography to make unique images.

Learn from other photographers and heed their composition, exposure, colors, and the stories behind their works.

Think and check the surrounding environment before taking photos. Press the shutter only when the time is right and place is perfect.