Keeping arts, traditions alive

Combining the essence of traditional culture with excellent technique is a lifetime mission for artists from Taiwan.

"Making high-quality ceramics has become a part of me, and I have mastered these skills for 20 years. What my artworks convey is the emotion and spirit of my hometown," said Lin Yi-lung, chairman of the Ceramics Cultural Creative Association.

Lin said his Tsai Ching ceramics cups and pots with glazed colors are handmade from more than 20 natural mineral powders and are heated at temperatures over 1,250 C for six days. The pieces change water quality and the nature of wine and tea when used.

"Every time I see my artworks, I think of the soil of Taiwan, the sincerity, gentleness and passion of our ancestors. It is a symbol of local cultures," Lin said.

Lin is just one example of the numerous creative artists from Taiwan at this year's Cross-Straits Cultural Industries Fair held in Xiamen, Fujian province. The event attracts a total of 740 Taiwan-based enterprises, mainly those from cultural industries and arts such as calligraphy, sculpture, creative clothing, furniture, painting and handcrafts.

Hu Dahua, 78, is an expert in metal mosaic, a form of artwork created from nailing small metal pieces cut from tin cans into a wooden surface.

"Our products are zero-cost and environmentally-friendly since they are made from waste products, but they are a treasure for me.

"This is a free way to express my emotions and I can record my memory in the past," Hu said.

He creates eco art pieces with both real and abstract aesthetics.

Wu Dexian is another artist who is skillful in sculpting calligraphy into any material, such as ceramic, inkstone and wood.

"I like the art of sculpture and calligraphy, and creating a new form to combine them," said the 70-year-old from Taiwan.

"It is a way to keep our traditional culture and I will try my best to pass it on."

Artist Wu Dexian from Taiwan combines calligraphy with sculpture. [Photo provided to China Daily]