Folk artist of clay sculptures in Shandong

Wang Lingtao, born in Zhangqiu city of east China's Shandong province, was a chef for 18 years. Now he's hung up his apron to become a master of folk clay sculpture.

Wang showed great interest in handicrafts as a young boy. He studied at catering school after he grew up and he particularly enjoyed fruit and vegetable carving. After graduating from catering school, Wang worked as a chef in Shandong News Hotel and Shandong Hotel. He would make carvings with foods such as watermelons and white gourds.

Even though he worked as a chef, Wang never gave up his enthusiasm for the art of carving. In addition to fruit and vegetable carving, he focused on clay sculptures with great passion. Carving clay sculptures became an indispensable part of his life after he learned the art from a master in Nanmenqiao in 2008.

"Creating inspiration is a must for making clay sculptures. Of course the exquisite skill and technique are even more important," said Wang Lingtao when talking about this art. Many ordinary lumps of clay have been turned into lifelike crafts in his hands.