Ye Ji Xiang - Craft Home Introduction
Ye Ji-hsiang is one of the few young bamboo carvers in Taiwan. Having witnessed the decline of his family's traditional bamboo processing factory, he chose not to give up on bamboo but instead opened a new chapter in his life through bamboo carving. During his time studying in the art program at Zhushan High School, he developed a deep passion for bamboo carving and often traveled to Taichung to learn from masters. After completing his military service, he quickly established a studio to pursue his craft, and under the guidance of the renowned master Chen Ming-tang, his works gained significant attention in the craft community. ■Finding Inspiration from Life Ye Ji-hsiang has a unique perspective on bamboo carving, fueled by his extensive understanding of the material. In the past, masters mostly carved various expressions on facial bamboo material, but he boldly hollowed out the face bamboo sections, creating humorous works that feature singing figures using the technique of openwork carving, which he named the "Humanity Series," receiving high praise. Ye is also skilled in lotus creations and carefully depicts insects, birds, and frogs. He attributes these distinctive works to observations from his rural life. After nearly twenty years in bamboo carving, his achievements are widely recognized. However, having experienced the bamboo industry’s rise and fall, Ye feels that there are too few bamboo carving artists in Taiwan to form a strong community, and that the general public is unfamiliar with bamboo craftsmanship. Therefore, after achieving success in bamboo art, he has recently shifted towards creating functional bamboo products with simple lines complemented by the unique texture of bamboo. He emphasizes that only through relatable expressions can the public connect with bamboo products and learn to appreciate bamboo art, which is the fundamental approach to elevate bamboo carving as an art form. To promote the craft of bamboo carving, Ye Ji-hsiang has begun teaching in bamboo carving classes organized by the cultural bureau. Perhaps due to his eagerness for quality, he has frightened off many beginners in foundational courses, so he has adjusted his methods to focus on raising the interest of the students. He believes that starting with cultivating an appreciation for bamboo art among participants before discussing entry into bamboo crafting may be a more practical approach. (Text and images from the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute)
