Endangered Traditional Craft
Q: What difficulties did you encounter when promoting brick carving and miniature?
Mr. Chen: As brick carving and miniature have declined, I have to do all the research on the type of pen, type of paper, and binding of micro books without any reference. After creating the work successfully, I have to spend a lot of time and efforts promoting it, regardless of the price and the response from the public.
The difficulty in making miniature carving is one of reasons for being endangered. To hand the craft down, Mr. Chen has strived to promote miniature carving among the public.

      Brick carving DIY activity in Ankeng                    Brick carving DIY activity in communities

                  Elementary School　　　

Lack of Successors
Mr. Chen: Currently, there is no market for brick carving; in other words, there is no traditional compound decorated with brick carving, leading to the decline in the industry. When creating brick carving, I stick to my ambition and gradually obtain a sense of achievement, regardless of hardship and loneliness. As I love art, I will keep up this spirit and continue creation.

Nowadays, young people care more about business opportunities and profits when learning a skill. As it takes a long time and efforts to be adept in brick carving and miniature, young people do not have the talent to do that, which leads to the loss of brick carving.

Master Chen Forng-Shean build a brick carving “love” wall with 400 elementary graduates
　　http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20160621002190-260405

Families decorate communities with DIY brick carving
　　http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20151114002629-260405