Crafting Together — 2017 Urban Lu Ban Woodwork Exhibition
Exhibition Period｜2017/05/19～06/01
In 2014, National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) established the Wood Art Education and Design R&D Center and launched the "Urban Lu Ban" woodworking program. Open to both Taipei Tech students and the general public, the initiative is dedicated to promoting the lifestyle aesthetics of wood artistry. Bringing together students of all ages and backgrounds—from absolute novices to seasoned hobbyists—the program is fueled by a collective passion for woodcraft. Starting completely from scratch, these individuals have dedicated their weekends to mastering carpentry step-by-step, building their design dreams amidst the fragrant aroma of timber. This exhibition acts as a vibrant showcase of the students’ creative milestones. Beyond expressing each creator’s unique style and personality through timber, the gallery radiates their pure love for the craft. Notably, some students have subverted expectations regarding material fragility by combining sturdy wood structures with woven paper rattan. Utilizing robust timber frames supporting hand-woven paper rattan seats, they have fashioned two vividly colored accent chairs. Numerous other highly creative wooden pieces fill the gallery, displaying a rich tapestry of styles and ingenuity from diverse hands. Furthermore, the exhibition features works by Taipei Tech’s two National-Treasure-level artists-in-residence: Zhan Yi-nong and Li Wan-cai. Master Zhan has dedicated over fifty years to the meticulous art of making hand planes. He stands as one of the few contemporary masters capable of completely crafting a woodworking plane independently, serving as a guiding beacon for traditional tool-making heritage. Master Li showcases an exquisite selection of wooden benches, lattice screens, and furniture. His furniture pieces evoke a clean, refined, and graceful presence, capturing the subtle, understated elegance of Ming Dynasty design. His lattice screens utilize simple geometric patterns that look deceptively minimal, yet require absolute, seamless precision in their joinery. The master's profound expertise requires no flashy ornamentation; instead, flawless craftsmanship and meticulous thought reveal themselves in every microscopic detail. "Crafting Together — 2017 Urban Lu Ban Woodwork Exhibition" does more than display objects. It proves that even within a bustling metropolis where traditional crafts face decline, there remains a dedicated community embodying the ideal of lifelong learning. Within the gentle fragrance of wood at Taipei Tech, the timeless spirit of traditional craftsmanship is steadily awakening.
Performance Highlights