Heart Sculpting Residence Introduction
Located in Xipingli, Yuanli, Xindiaoju is a stone house close to the seaside, where the late artist Chen Jiong-Hui created his works. He was awarded the Council for Cultural Affairs' Heritage Award and established the "Mountain Gate Carving Society" in 1973. With sharp knives and heavy wooden mallets, he brought forth the primal life within wood, with each stroke reflecting the charm of traditional indigenous art. The stone carvings at the entrance of Xindiaoju express a rustic wildness; the large stones form two walls resembling serpents, showcasing the essence of primitive art. The stone pillars on the right side of the main entrance and the primitive pavilion on the left, along with garden landscapes piled with original mortars, add a touch of antiquity to Xindiaoju. Inside the house is a display of works by Chen Jiong-Hui and his students. His creations, deeply influenced by the cultures of the Paiwan and Rukai tribes, primarily feature human figures, snakes, deer, and pigs as subjects. His sculpting techniques and artistic forms are unique, stripping away utilitarian purposes and enhancing the qualities of art, making it worth exploring.