LIULI
Kind Thoughts Change the World
In an era where technology advances by leaps and bound, we are growing increasingly dependent upon it. Both humanity and nature face extreme challenges. LIULI adheres to our core philosophy of “uplifting humanity”. Through deliberation, meditation, emotion, and inherent creativity, we create glass artworks rich with Eastern artistry to showcase our reverence for mother nature through the Chinese cultural philosophy of unity between heaven and earth.
Sustainability has become a global mission for all the inhabitants of our planet. LIULI does not isolate itself from this mission, but rather contemplates ways to inspire individuals on a spiritual level which develops into practical actions that "benefit the Earth."
In 2022, LIULI launched its ESG initiative from its Tamsui headquarters. Starting with our most basic project of installing rooftop solar panels to power the factory site, we generate approximately 217,000 kWh per year, which is equivalent to the total annual electricity consumption of 100 households. We then gradually reviewed and improved our procedures related to production waste, recyclables, and environmentally friendly material utilization. Artist Loretta Yang led the team in challenging and surpassing her own research on the "lost wax casting method" from 37 years ago by experimenting with new crafting processes and undertaking new methods to attain more vibrant colors.
“Pâte-de-verre”, LIULI’s preferred casting technique, originated from ancient Mesopotamia. It experienced a revival during the late 19th century Art Nouveau period in France, championed by artists such as Henry Cros and François Décorchemont. They created dazzling lifelike glass artworks by accentuating the fusion between art and craft. In reaction to the crudity and ugliness of mass production during the Industrial Revolution, they expressed organic forms with naturalistic curves by expressing organic forms with naturalistic curves through innovative variations in handcrafting. A Japanese artist once said, “If it can be complex, why make it simple?” This statement captures a sincerity when interacting with the material's emotions, and a certain degree of sophistication.
Therefore, when LIULI began "recycling" the gating residues produced during the casting of glass artworks, it sparked considerable debate. The residue must be refined multiple times to achieve the standard required for the material to eventually become translucent glass free from any impurities. Does this practice primarily represent "waste utilization," or does it reflect "creative content" and "technological transcendence", to overcome stereotypical perceptions?
Despite the controversial debate ranging to brand prominence and the value of artworks, Loretta Yang firmly guided her team forward, led by her faith in LIULI’s spirit – which since its conception, has always been rooted in the word “sincerity”. Following the mandate to uplift people's hearts, Yang was driven by the certainty that doing what is beneficial to society would lead to passionate work, and ultimately, answers revealed by the finished artworks themselves.
The glass recycling project received full support from Steve Chiang(江世楨), the general manager of Yeong Jin Furniture Factory, a furniture designer and the third-generation woodworker. He provided professional expertise on constructing furniture, offering choices of complementary materials, optimizing structures to achieve a balance between glass and wood, and ensuring that designs from the artistic visions of LIULI possessed practical functionality. REnato Lab conducted carbon emission calculations to quantify the abstract intentions of the studio into data, serving as a crucial basis for the continued development of green design in the future. This project was selected for the "Promoting Green Design Mentoring Demonstrated through Industry Implementation" by the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2023, allowing the glass studio to benefit from the experience accumulated by the Taiwan Design Research Institute in assisting numerous enterprises over the years.
A single idea ignites to bring together like-minded collaborators and create new possibilities. We have been looking forward to LIULI’s journey. For our audience members, we aim to offer new ways of thinking to share with your friends.
Taiwan Design Research Institute
Design Can be a Powerful Force for Changing the World
As the world faces severe climate change and environmental issues, the topic of sustainable development has gained global attention. Taiwan, being a resource-limited island, must leverage design innovation to develop unique perspectives that meet sustainability needs. With support from the Industrial Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Taiwan Design Research Institute is promoting the integration of green design demonstrations into industries. This initiative helps Taiwan's small and medium-sized enterprises incorporate circular green design from the beginning of product development, enabling low-carbon innovation in products, services, and system models, thus advancing Taiwan's industries toward the goal of sustainable net-zero emissions.
Since its establishment, LIULI has been a model and pioneer in Taiwan’s craft design industry, leading Taiwan’s craft sector to shine on the international stage. We are honored to collaborate with the LIULI team in promoting green design demonstrations. Through the "LIULI Crystal Glass Tailings Recycling" project, we showcase how tailings can be creatively reused through cross-disciplinary design collaboration. This initiative combines exquisite design and craftsmanship, reflecting a profound commitment to environmental friendliness and resource reutilization.
—— Taiwan Design Research Institute Director, Chang Chi-Yi
