Creating a Calligraphy Piece for the Eden Project and Oriental Eden
I was honoured to be commissioned by the Eden Project to create a bespoke piece of calligraphy to be presented to their Chinese counterparts to mark the opening of Oriental Eden. This was a deeply meaningful project, celebrating not only the launch of a new Eden site, but also the shared values, friendship and collaboration between East and West.
The piece was created as a bilingual work, written in both English and Chinese, ensuring that the message could be read and felt equally by both audiences. The text speaks of harmony in nature, friendship, gratitude and a shared commitment to shaping a better future, values that sit at the very heart of the Eden Project’s mission.
The English calligraphy reads:
“Here, where two rivers meet the sea, Oriental Eden is born, to speak of harmony in nature and light the path to a better tomorrow.
Eden Project Cornwall UK, offers its deep gratitude for your trust and friendship. Our union of East and West makes the Eden family stronger and walking arm in arm in friendship, we explore a future together that is ours to make. May Oriental Eden thrive as a beacon of ecological understanding, cultural connection, and sustainable innovation.”
Alongside this, the same message was carefully written in Chinese, ensuring the meaning and tone were respected across both languages:
“在这里，两条河流汇入大海，东方伊甸园应运而生，诉说自然的和谐，照亮通往美好未来的道路。
英国康沃尔伊甸项目向您致以诚挚的谢意，感谢您的信任与友谊。东西方的携手，让伊甸家族更加坚强。我们并肩前行，以友谊为桥，共同探索由我们亲手创造的未来。
愿东方伊甸园蓬勃发展，成为生态理解、文化联结与可持续创新的灯塔。”
Creating calligraphy in two languages was both a creative and considered process. It required sensitivity to rhythm, balance and spacing, while ensuring that each script felt authentic and respectful in its own right. The final piece was designed to feel unified, with both languages sitting in harmony, echoing the message itself.
This commission was a reminder of the power of calligraphy as a bridge between cultures. Through written word and hand lettering, it is possible to slow down, reflect and create something lasting that carries meaning far beyond the page.
I am incredibly grateful to the Eden Project for trusting me with such an important and symbolic piece. To be part of a moment that celebrates international collaboration, ecological responsibility and cultural connection was truly special, and I wish Oriental Eden every success as it begins this new chapter.