Feng Li, root carving artist
2023-10-19
In Feng’s root carving workshop, beautifully crafted and lifelike root carvings of various shapes can be seen. With his unique craftsmanship, the natural tree roots have been brought to life with distinctive charm, attracting numerous tourists.
“Root carving is generally divided into tree root carving and wood carving,” said Feng.
Root carving is one of the traditional Chinese carving arts, and different types of artistic works are created through artistic processing based on the natural and distorted forms of tree roots.
“Wood is carved into what it looks like. We preserve its original form and carve mountains, small bridges, flowing water, and houses on it, which endows it with a more natural charm. For root carvings, we also preserve its natural components,” said Feng.
The production process of root carving is very meticulous. After a series of processes of mud removing, shaping, sleeking, polishing and painting, the originally inconspicuous dead wood roots are turned into exquisite art works.
“The most technologically complex processes are shaping and polishing, which play a key role in the production of final works of various shapes,” said Feng.
Influenced by his father and growth environment, Feng has developed a strong interest in root carving since childhood. After his father’s death, Feng set up his root carving workshop and persisted in studying carving techniques to make his skills more proficient.
“My father and I learnt about root carving in 2001. I’m greatly interested in it and has done it for over 20 years. Whenever there are rare stones and root carving exhibitions, I will participate and share ideas,” said Feng.
