Overview

Inspired by Jangseung (Korean totem pole), Totem Pen reinterprets its symbolic presence and sculptural qualities through a contemporary object.

Traditionally placed at the boundaries of villages to ward off negative energy and protect the community, the guardian figure is reimagined here as a personal totem that safeguards inner thoughts while recording memories and ideas.

Approach

Beyond its function as a writing instrument, the work is designed as a sculptural object that conveys meaning through form itself. Each variation visualizes different emotional and psychological rhythms, allowing the act of writing to leave behind physical traces of personal moments and memories.

Challenge

Totem Pen exists both as a functional tool and as an object to be displayed, transforming writing into a quiet ritual. While the traditional totem once symbolized collective protection, this work expands the idea into a contemporary object that reflects individual narratives and sensibilities.

Outcome

Through this approach, the work proposes a value-driven object that connects recording, form, and meaning, offering a contemporary continuation of the relationship between tradition and everyday life.

Specifications

The mathematical and material foundations of the work.

MATERIALS

Photopolymer Resin,Stainless Steel