Cai Yixiu was born in Fujian in the year 1987. After graduating from Fuzhou Arts and Crafts School, Cai Yixiu started interning at the studio of Shanghai-based artist Su Xiaobo in 2008. He has been working in the field of lacquer art for many years and is now a professional artist. He focuses on lacquer art creation and is affectionately referred to as Cai Yixiu by his friends due to his resemblance to the character “Yixiu.” His real name is Cai Chuanxiao. “The integration of tradition and modernity has always been what I’ve been exploring,” Cai Yixiu said. During his youth, Cai Yixiu studied under the guidance of artists Zheng Chongyao and Su Xiaobo.

Initially, during his self-exploration and creative phase, he leaned more towards mastering the technical aspects of craftsmanship. Under the tutelage of Zheng Chongyao, he honed his craft skills. However, after coincidentally meeting Su Xiaobo, he broke free from the confines of traditional craftsmanship and seemed to discover a new world. From then on, he began contemplating the subtle connection between art and craftsmanship. Cai Yixiu also mentioned the challenges he faced during his studies. Both teachers held high standards for themselves and extended the same to their students. The traditional techniques of Zheng Chongyao and the contemporary artistic language of Su Xiaobo complemented each other and collided in fruitful ways. This experience influenced Cai Yixiu’s creations, and now his lacquer art is “shedding” its past. Breaking away from traditional craftsmanship, Cai Yixiu presents a fresh perspective on lacquerware that deviates from the norms set by artists in the field. Despite the costliness of lacquer, the young artist Cai Yixiu hopes to not view lacquer art merely as a craft but rather as a material for free artistic expression, breaking traditional rules under the influence of art.

Viewers often sense “vicissitude” and “loneliness” in your creations. Can you share the story behind these themes in your life?Cai Yixiu: Many people who see my work say that it doesn’t seem like something created by someone my age. The traces of time evident in my works often stem from personal life experiences. In the work environment in Fuzhou, I am essentially on my own, and my creative space is relatively enclosed. Facing walls that carry the remnants of time on a daily basis, being in constant contact with these atmospheres, it naturally has an impact.