Micro-carving on a stainless steel spoon by Wang Zhangwei

Pingtan, an island tucked away off China's southeastern coast adjacent to the island of Taiwan, harbors a profound appreciation for cultural and creative endeavors. Currently, this rising international tourism island is home and dream for many artistic souls- including Wang Zhangwei. Wang from Taiwan runs a workshop on the island. Wang is a seasoned carver with over 40 years of experience.

Apart from his love for art, Wang is also a big fan of history. To uncover the mysterious origin of the Austronesian, Wang visited the Keqiutou (Shell Mound) archaeology site. As he marveled at the layers of cultural deposits and sediments of time manifested in the pottery shards, Wang could not help feeling enlightened by the trip. "The revelations I've uncovered in Pingtan have awakened my understanding of China's cultural tapestry," Zhang said passionately.

 Carving Austronesian, Chinese Heart by Wang Zhangwei

Inspired by the island's rich history, Wang created his "Magnum Opus,"- a carving named Austronesian, Chinese Heart, a piece which he dedicated to Pingtan International Research Center for Austronesian Archaeology. The work depicts Pingtan and Taiwan Island, as they stand face-to-face, divided only by the Taiwan Straits, while three cartoonish Austronesian ancestors pointed the way back. On Taiwan Island, a bright red Chinese national flag flutters in the wind.

"Thousands of years ago, Austronesian ancestors set sail here to Taiwan, spreading to all parts of the world. Taiwan’s ethnic minorities branch from the Austronesian family. We are one family of the same roots from the Taiwan Straits. That's the main idea I want to express through this piece of work,” Wang said.

Wooden fan collection by Master Wang Zhangwei

Wang has a solid foundation in large-scale temple carving, having contributed his expertise to temple carvings, archways, and pillar carvings in Taiwan. Over the years, he has diligently honed the craft of micro-carving using a small electric grinder, achieving many remarkable feats.

Carvings adorn a corner of Wang's workshop

Nanpan Village, a quiet northern hamlet in Pingtan, has harbored the artist with a safe space for creativity. Inspired by the cornucopia of seafood offerings, Wang channeled his imagination into his woodwork to showcase the island's rich marine life. Wang also drew inspiration for his work from the humble produce of the land. Infused with the soul-stirring essence of local specialties like peanuts and sweet potatoes, Wang crafted wooden fans that encapsulate the essence of the island's agricultural heritage and bolster Nanpan's cultural creative industry. 

Art, at its core, finds genesis in the tapestry of life itself- a beacon of higher purpose, transcending mere existence to serve as a conduit of profound meaning. Compassion is an indelible core of his art. In his early days in Taiwan, Wang was moved by the plight of the local farming community, which was affected by the plunging sales of Pingtung onions. The compassionate comrade exerted his skills to carve out the bulbous root veggie, which surprisingly popularized and generated sales for Pingtung onions.

“The onion carvings were so popular that it got people gushing to buy our onions, too. As a son of a farmer, my father has always preached about going the extra mile to lend a helping hand to those in need, especially when you have the power or ability to help. It’s something that I live by,” said Wang. 

With this noble belief, Wang extended his warm embrace to all, giving free carving classes to the local community. The invitation extends to all under 30 years old, regardless of gender and social background, reserving a special place for those with disabilities.

This pair of wizened hands bearing the ineradicable imprints of time gave birth to a remarkable state of the art. Wang Zhangwei's creation breathes life that transcends craft, finding the interconnectedness with the world that celebrates the beauty and poetry of life.

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