Engraving artist stipples life pursuit on granite plate(2)

Three engravings stippled by Zeng display the great change along the Bund over the past 100 years. [Photo provided to Ecns]

Giving in to the grim realities of life, the artist gave up engraving on several occasions. "I could hardly earn any money via my work," Zeng noted. Never the less, no matter how down and out, he managed to stick to his most favoured pursuit.

In 2000, Zeng moved to Shanghai where he established his career over some ten years, during which time he built up quite a reputation. In 2003, the growing artist even went on to make an engraving of Singaporean President Sellapan Rama Nathan as a gift.

In Shanghai, he eventually managed to create one of his greatest works: three huge engravings displaying the great change along the Bund over the past 100 years. The three pieces, 18 meters to 27 meters in length and 3 meters in height, were stippled according to three photos of the area shot in 1899, 1928 and 2008 respectively. These works cost him and ten apprentices four years, as well as 8 years worth of savings. However, Zeng said he never regretted spending so much sweat and money, but was saddened by the fact that the pieces were currently housed in a warehouse, far removed from the public eye.

"I'm still looking to donate them to the city, so people can witness the incredible change that occurred along the river."

To promote the art, Zeng moved his workshop to Beijing in 2011, attracting the attention of the Malaysian Queen, who payed a visit in September last year. "Currently, over 70 percent of customers are foreign," Zeng said with pride.

The artist has only one apprentice, Wang Changliang, who has followed him for ten years, and helps him run the Beijing operation. Zheng hopes more people would come to him to learn the craft, but worries that young people would not be able to endure the tough and boring conditions.

In addition to attracting people to learn the art, Zeng dreams to set up an exhibition center of world celebrity portraits. "I will stipple portraits of famous scientists, politicians, and those having made great contribution to society in China and around the globe."