\"I often get asked when I started papercutting, and my answer is: 'Maybe when I was in my mom's womb,'\" laughs Cao Hongxia, a fifth-generation papercutting artist from Yulin in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
Growing up under the warm glow of a kerosene lamp, Cao watched her family craft intricate papercuts, sparking a lifelong passion. At just three years old, her curiosity led her to tear a piece of a Spring Festival couplet to make a paper flower. Though her mother reprimanded her, she also spotted Cao's budding talent and began teaching her the delicate art.
Drawing inspiration from the rich culture of northern Shaanxi, Cao weaves folk songs, local customs, and proverbs into her creations. Each piece is a vibrant reflection of her heritage, beautifully capturing the essence of the region.
In 2014, when Michelle Obama visited Xi'an, Cao's artistry reached international heights. She crafted multicolored papercut portraits for the then-U.S. first lady and her family, showcasing the universal language of art.
For Cao, papercutting is more than just an art form—it's a cultural legacy. 🌟 She believes that the future of this intangible heritage lies in inspiring younger generations. \"To carry forward folk art, we need to integrate it into our families and communities,\" she emphasizes.
With a pair of scissors and a heart full of passion, Cao Hongxia isn't just cutting paper; she's weaving together the past and the future, one delicate design at a time. ✂️❤️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
