Mr. Nan-feng Tu, a Master of Wood Sculpture

Date: 12/28, 2005
Location: Nanfeng Wood Carving Studio
Participants: Dian-chiang Gu, Angie Dai, Hao-wei Lin, Hui-rong Tian, Sin-yi Hong
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Introduction to Wood Sculpture:

They are sourced from floodwood, or bigger trunks, which can be sawn into a piece of boards as building materials. The trunks of smaller size can be cut into square strips or hexad timbers as roofing beams. In general, the wood sculpture is processed according to the furniture, house and others.

Contents of Interview:

Students: “did you experience hurts in making sculpture?”

Master: “if too tired, or falling into a trance.“


Students: “how long did you ever work?”

Master: “three consecutive days.“

Students: “what’s the pricing method of wood sculpture?”

Master: “since there is no common pricing method, the cost of materials and labor shall be considered.“

Students: “does coloring of wood sculpture reduce its value?”

Master: “coloring is to protect the timber quality. Some clear lacquer is generally invisible.“

Students: “have you won any prizes in competition?”

Master: “yes, I once led some kids to take part in competition.“


Students: “why did you engage in wood sculpture?”

Master: “make a living. I have to stir myself after unemployment, and then gradually took a pleasure in it. My rich experience is very helpful to this job.“

Students: “how much time is required to learn wood sculpture?”

Master: “this lies in natural endowments and motives. Generally, it takes about one year. But, children with poor strength require the help of adults, and may begin with learning the details of pattern.“

Students: “is good quality crucial for wood sculpture?”

Master: “of course, high-quality timbers of dense tissue shall be preferably selected, otherwise, crack may occur. So, learning to select timber is the first step.“


Students: “when did you start to learn wood sculpture?”

Master: “7 years ago by myself. You may ask others if you don’t understand, and then draw inferences about other cases from this one.“

Students: “how many students are taught by a master?”

Master: “7 in the Studio, including the students of elementary and high schools in the villages. You may come here on Sunday if you are interested.”

Students: “what tools are used to make wood sculpture?”

Master: “there are many tools, including manual knives of many shapes and sizes for specific applications.”

Students: “what’s the first step to learn wood sculpture?”

Master: “learn totem-making and drawing methods. The drawing methods for sculpture and paper are different. Paper drawing requires slim lines, while sculpture drawing requires drawing and removing the edges and trimming them down to the finest detail.”

editor：Angie Dai、Sin-yi Hong、Hui-rong Tian