Nestled in the Chinese mainland's Shaanxi Province, clay sculptor Cui Haihai has dedicated over two decades to capturing the essence of rural life through his art. Drawing from a childhood immersed in the rich landscapes of his village, Cui has mastered intricate clay techniques to \"recreate rural life from the 1970s and 80s, based on [his] childhood memories.\"
Cui's sculptures vividly depict scenes such as threshing fields during autumn harvests and vibrant wedding ceremonies, highlighting both the beauty of tradition and the joy of community. His meticulous process involves fermenting red glue clay for months, shaping hollow figures to prevent cracks, and observing real-life expressions to infuse his art with lifelike emotions.
For Cui, clay sculpture transcends craftsmanship – it's a means to preserve the soul of a culture. \"What I've been holding on to is meaningful for future generations, so they know that in our era, someone created these sculptures. It's a valuable memorial for those who come after us.\"
In his free time, Cui imparts his knowledge by teaching children the basics of clay art, marveling at their boundless creativity and imagination. \"It's important to bring this craft into schools,\" he says, \"then it's passed down, keeping the craft alive.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
