SYDNEY, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- As part of a 16-day "welcoming party" underway in Australia's Sydney for the Year of Dragon, a collection of 12 Chinese Zodiac lanterns featuring 12 animals were lighting the way from Sydney's Town Hall down to Chinatown in Haymarket precinct.

With vibrant colors adding vibe and lovely designs igniting innocence, the Zodiac lanterns blend contemporary character with traditional culture, reminding a Chinese-Australian artist who creates the lanterns of sweet memory for the special occasion.

"The characters serve as a tribute to the times when I felt loved and included. They are not meant to intimidate but to welcome, reflecting their positive nature," Erika Zhu, a Sydney-based 3D artist in her 20s, told Xinhua.

Instead of taking a realistic approach, Zhu opted to create figures that are "inviting, warm, and friendly," and the decision was driven by her desire to emphasize the "importance of community and inclusion."

"Every Chinese New Year was an opportunity to both give and receive love, to experience a sense of belonging to a community or family, and to feel accepted," said the designer, speaking of her own experience.

"With this in mind, I designed the animal characters to resemble family members, endowing them with smiles and an optimistic demeanor."

When Zhu started to design the lanterns, inspiration stemmed from a broad spectrum of sources.

Scarlet red, a symbol of good luck, and emerald green, a nod to Jade, were handpicked to feature the lanterns and their supporting plinths.

With a keen eye for detail, Zhu was inspired by intricate motifs of Chinese tapestries and embroidery for the floral patterns.

"My background in traditional Chinese painting was also a major source of inspiration. I had the opportunity to learn about 'The Four Gentlemen' of Chinese art calligraphy, which include plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums. I was deeply engrossed in the learning process, where each visual element carried a wealth of meaning," said Zhu.

"Next I reflected on what was often depicted in traditional Chinese art, like flowers, fruits, and birds. I aimed to link these traditional motifs with each zodiac animal's traits, culminating in a unique mix of tradition and individuality in every lantern design," she added.

Unlike the ornate patterns, the shape of the animal lanterns embodied a "simple and clean" style, reminiscent of the expressive power of Chinese painting brushstrokes, while a "playful and childlike" aesthetic was infused to enchant viewers of all ages.

She said the outcome was 12 delightful animal lanterns adorned with vibrant floral patterns, hoping these lanterns stir personal experiences and people could cherish Spring Festival memories.

As a proficient 3D artist, character designer and animator, Zhu felt the thrill of seeing her concepts spring into life for the first time through the creation of 12 Chinese Zodiac lanterns.

"I've never had the experience of working on a project that turned into reality before, so this is super exciting for me," she said.

This Spring Festival also held another special significance, as Zhu felt proud of the tangible impact she could make, particularly as a Chinese-Australian individual.

"Being of Chinese heritage and growing up in Australia, I've always aimed to incorporate aspects of my culture into my work. Having the opportunity to do this, particularly when I can add my own creative flair, is an immense privilege," said the artist.

"Being able to represent my culture through my work, and foster unity among diverse communities, brings me deep fulfillment and joy," she added. Enditem

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