Weekly Assignments 1

• Why is/was this your favorite toy?

This is sealing wax, and I learned about it when I was in middle school. I was able to strike the lighter by myself at that time, though that might be a bit dangerous for me, I felt interesting and peaceful when watching the candle burn. Moreover, I enjoy the process of watching the wax being melted from a solid to liquid, feeling the heat rising up from the spoon. I could be fully absorbed when burning the wax, and I liked this kind of mental status.

• Do you find any connections between drawing, toys, and playing?

I personally view drawing as a kind of playing, since I really enjoy the process of drawing, where I can focus my mind and fully engage and gain a sense of peace and satisfaction. And toys are also designed and used for playing, so I think part of the functions of drawing is equal to toys. Moreover, there are also close relationships between drawing and toys. Drawing can be part of some toys, and creates a good way for people to entertain and play with.

• How would you define Toys and Play? (just from your own understanding, do not look for definitions)

For me, I think toys are used for people (or any creature) to play with, creating a fun or other experience that can arouse people's emotions or feelings or thoughts. And through the process of playing, people (or any creature) can have a unique experience, through which they can get fully focused and enjoy a peaceful moment, or get a new thought, or just purely have fun.