Source: CCTV.com

08-20-2007 17:52

Paper-cut artist Gao Fenglian never imagined she would one day join the Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts as a teacher. She never attended school for a day. Now at the age of 73, Gao is lauded as an exemplar among the paper-cutting artists of northern China.

Gao Fenglian's works reach across a wide range of subject matter. They recall ancient myth and speak to the reality of modern life. All are rich in artistic value and aesthetic sensibility, yet they remain earthy and bold and are crafted in a style all her own.

Gifted with the flair for paper-cutting, Gao Fenglian is hailed as the master in her local village. During festivals Gao is invited to show off her polished scissors-cut skills. Images created under her scissors seem to exude vitality. She holds a deep reverence for the tradition but refuses to be confined by stereotypes. Her designs remain firmly rooted in the old ways yet they reveal a touch of contemporary individuality.