Paper cutting from the heart
Back to Chinese Lantern Festival
For hundreds of years China’s rural women folk artists have been decorating their homes in the countryside with intricate hand-made papercuts.
Each artist’s work is individual, reflecting her own feelings, thoughts and experiences.
“The whole idea is to be spontaneous and cut designs that come from your heart,” says Liu Jieqiong, a well known paper cut artist from Yanchuan County in northwest China’s Shaanxi province.
Liu and her daughter are spending two weeks from 8 to18 February as artists in residence at the Christchurch Arts Centre, taking workshops (see below) in paper cutting.
Liu was taught her skills as a child by her mother Gao Fenglian (pictured
) who has been awarded the title of “Master of Folk Art and Crafts” by UNESCO.
In the old days paper cuts in Shaanxi fell into three categories: ancestor worship, fertility and prayers for happiness and safety. Bridal chambers of newly married couples were pasted with lucky red paper-cuts featuring fish (males) and lotus (females).
New Year papercuts feature auspicious designs such as bats, birds, flowers, goldfish, and other traditional symbols of wealth, health, long life, and success.
Children’s classes (6 years +)
Dates: Wed 10, Thurs 11, Wed 17
Time: 4:15pm-5:15pm
Adult classes
Dates: Fri 12, Tues 16 February
Times: 2:30-4pm and 6-7:30pm
Location: The Arts Centre, Francis Shurrock Studio, above Annie’s Wine Bar & Restaurant, corner Rolleston Ave and Hereford Street.
Maximum 20 per class. $5 to cover materials (CASH ONLY) For more information, contact: Coralie Winn, 027 308 1684, Coralie@artscentre.org.nz
The paper cut artists are visiting New Zealand courtesy of Cathay Pacific, the Asia New Zealand Foundation and the Christchurch Arts Centre.
