As a recommended representative for state-level intangible cultural heritage projects, Chen Shaofang says that she has a responsibility to help Guang embroidery survive, "Guang embroidery is full of charm, it should be passed down to future generations and develop, just like Chinese paintings."
"My son, Tan Zhanpeng and I have opened classes for children who have an interest in this and we have taught them some basic skills of embroidery," said Chen. “They may not take it as an occupation, but at least the children have some idea of Guang embroidery and the Lingnan culture."
Chen also teaches embroidery at Sun Yat-sen University where she believes it is a better way to promote the folk art as embroidery knowledge is applied to art design concepts and innovations.
Tan Zhanpeng, however, does not think the key for Guang embroidery survival is in the class, but in the market. "Today, Yue embroidery has a stable market so this folk art will not die out," argues Tan. "LV is expensive and not every one can afford it but every one knows the brand. We should learn from how the LV group promotes their brand and find a better promotion solution for Yue embroidery in the high end market." |
