Bamboo upgrade: An artist shows the way
A man in Chongqing who has been turning seemingly worthless bamboo shells into exquisite carvings for 43 years has now attracted public interest.
Wen Yuguang, born in 1951 in Chongqing, is the founder of Chongqing Jiangbei Bamboo Shell Carvings, which was listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Chongqing in 2014.
In 1969, as an educated young man, he responded to the national call to learn from the farmers and work in Shizhu Tujia autonomous county of Chongqing.
While there, he noticed the Tujia women cutting the bamboo shells and stitching them into the soles of shoes to make them waterproof. Astonished and inspired, Wen came up with the idea of using bamboo shells for calligraphy, painting and carving.
In 1978, Wen returned from the countryside and began working to fulfill his dream. While working as an oil driller, he spent most of his spare time in libraries and museums, studying bamboo shell calligraphy, painting and carving. Those were his real interests.
'Anyone can focus on a dream and stick to it,' Wen said. 'Even if you are just a laborer.'
Later, Wen even learned to use the shiny bamboo shell burr to depict vivid fur on his animal carvings. His craftsmanship is superb.
'Each bamboo shell has a story of selfless dedication to tell,' Wen said. 'It protects the bamboo shoot with its smooth side. I think people should have a bamboo shell's spirit as well. That is my reflection over the years.'
In China, bamboo has been used for centuries in the cultural arts — writing, music, martial arts and handicrafts.