A talent of olive kernel carving in Shengli Oil Field

Zhang Liping is an ordinary worker in the oil production plant of Shengli Oil Field in east China's Shandong province. Suffering from severe lumbar disc herniation, he left the position that he had worked for 13 years and started to work in a unit that offers logistic service in the oilfield in 2010.

Olive kernel carving is Zhang's biggest hobby in his free time. Without any professional learning, Zhang grasped the knowledge and techniques by self-study through reading books. Zhang learned from the masters through QQ and mobile phones when he encountered some problems. With the natural talent and persistent endeavors of two years, he had some wonderful performances in various contests and was called a "talent of olive kernel carving" by his colleagues.

Zhang's job seems simple but in reality is rather tedious. Every day, he needs to wash the dirty work clothes, dry them, sew up holes, unfold clothes and dispatch them to workers. In addition, he also takes responsibility of cleaning the bathhouse and dormitory four times one day.

Looking at the sculptures after the complicated process including drawing, rough carving, fine carving and smoothing, Zhang felt happy and contented. "People who enjoy the life with heart could find the beauty of life. The carving works reflect my attitude of life," said Zhang.