Zheng Erhua (center back) poses for a photo with students and their creations.

In a corner of Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology lies a workshop where Zheng Erhua, a master craftsman from Pingtan, leads a team of students in the art of stone carving. Zheng, with years of experience in stone carving, has transformed from a solitary craftsman to an educator, dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation of artists.

A corner of the workshop

Zheng Erhua (left) pictured guiding students in their creations

The digital carving machine enables automated engraving.

Established last year, the workshop combines hands-on learning, innovation, and practical application. It is equipped with both traditional stone carving tools and advanced digital carving machines, allowing students to learn both traditional techniques and digital innovation. Zheng believes that each student is a unique creator, and his primary task is to guide them in discovering their creative potential.

Artistic square bricks themed around the twenty-four solar terms

A student pictured polishing the square bricks

To make stone carving more accessible, Zheng chose red bricks as a training material. These bricks, usually used for construction, become canvases for intricate designs under the skilled hands of Zheng and his students. The bricks are transformed into tea trays adorned with elegant patterns, some even featuring elements that symbolize Pingtan's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Zheng not only teaches carving techniques but also instills in his students a reverence for art and a spirit of excellence. He encourages them to embrace innovation, designing products that blend artistic beauty with market potential. Under Zheng's guidance, students are not only mastering the craft but also becoming ambassadors for Pingtan's cultural heritage.

Beyond teaching, Zheng continues to hone his craft, creating pieces that blend history and art. One of his recent works, inspired by the "Wanjiao No. 1" shipwreck, showcases the sorrow of lost treasures and the beauty of Pingtan's ocean culture.

In the fertile soil of the college, Zheng nurtures the future of stone carving, ensuring that this ancient art form thrives for generations to come.

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