Profile: BING-ZHEN ZHUANG – Real Leather Design Competitions

BING-ZHEN ZHUANG

Taiwan Region

I am currently studying in the Department of Crafts and Design at National Taiwan University of Arts. Since childhood, I have been passionate about exploring the integration of different materials and experimenting with innovative design approaches. My primary focus lies in metal craftsmanship, with a strong interest in jewelry and precious metal design. At the same time, I am eager to challenge myself with new possibilities and enjoy dedicating myself to the design and making of handcrafted objects. I am particularly curious about leather craftsmanship and feel deeply fascinated by its tactile qualities and visual expression. I aspire to create cross-material designs that combine leather with other media. I often draw inspiration from everyday life and have a strong appreciation for observing and immersing myself in nature. My work frequently centers on motifs such as animals, landscapes, and botanical elements. Stylistically, my creations tend toward an intricate and refined aesthetic, blending traditional sensibilities with a sense of contemporary fluidity. Through the use of light, delicate, and ethereal lines, I aim to construct a poetic visual language. Through my designs, I hope to convey my inner emotions and allow viewers to sense the charm of nature and develop a deeper appreciation for it. I also seek to express the value of craftsmanship and create works that can be used and cherished over time. I deeply value the warmth of handmade processes and the spirit of craftsmanship. For me, bringing a piece to life entirely by hand—from conception to completion—is an unparalleled source of joy and fulfillment.

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INSIDE THE BOUNDARY

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Taiwan Region

This design explores the symbiotic relationship between possession and protection, reflecting the dual emotions humans hold toward cherished objects—the desire to safeguard and to own. Inspired by the behavior of spiders in nature, which capture and retain their prey within webs, this concept is translated into the structural language of the bag. The radial composition of the spider web symbolizes territorial definition, enclosure, and containment, reinforcing the connection between the object and its owner. The spider’s compound eyes are reinterpreted as human eyes distributed throughout the web, forming an omnidirectional system of surveillance. This enhances the notion of constant observation and protection, extending the concept from animal instinct into the realm of human psychology. The design expresses emotional attachment, control, and the instinct to guard what is valued. As a result, the bag transcends its functional role and becomes a symbolic object representing personal territory, emotional projection, and psychological defense.