Chinese Crafts at The Mac

I went to the most amazing demonstration workshops today at The Mac with talented artists all the way from China. The Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association showcased the work and teaching of five makers from China. Most of the crafts people came from generations of makers - inheritors of intangible cultural heritage - and so were passing on skills kept alive and vibrant in today's digital age. It offers a brilliant window into the diversity of Chinese craft. I love handmade crafts so this was a real treat.

We were able to try out traditional Chinese craft techniques which I had never done before.

My papercutout panda - not too bad!

head of a shadow puppet

shadow puppet head

Papercutting, cloisonne, painting INSIDE a snuff bottle! painting masks. It was such a fantastic experience to take part in the workshop.

tiniest brush for painting inside the bottle

snuff bottle painter carrying on the tradition from his family

incredible artistry and detail in these snuff bottles

my attempt at painting by hand inside the snuff bottle

The most intriguing one was painting inside the snuff bottle with the tiniest hair brush with bristles set at an angle. It required such focused concentration, seeing where the brush would land inside the glass, blending colours and creating a 3D effect. At one point my paint was too wet so the teacher saved mine by mopping up the excess water - so I'm pleased with the improvement!

I was taught CHinese brush painting in China many years ago but had never been taught these crafts so it was a really enjoyable and fascinating introduction for me.