Bark pictures add layer of good fortune
Woody material permanently retains color as art form helps villagers forge new lives, Yang Feiyue reports.
Her pictures primarily use bark from birch trees; its natural colors and textures are the foundation of her designs.
The art form was devised a long time ago by Arxan's forestry workers and has since evolved to draw on the principles of traditional Chinese composition.
"The unwanted bark from trees is transformed into something valuable in our hands. It's eco-friendly, green, and never fades," says Li, in her 40s.
Li usually starts collecting bark in the summer, when the temperature is just right for exploring the forest. "It would be too cold in spring or winter, while fallen leaves would get in the way in autumn," Li explains, adding that she chooses smooth bark with light texturing, with which it is easier to work.
Turning bark into fine art requires a deep understanding of its properties. "You need to control your strength when peeling away the layers, one by one, without breaking any of them," Li says.
In order to bring the local elements that feature in these pictures to life, such as sika deer, artisans need to observe closely to breathe soul into their work. "Everything requires time and patience," Li says.
