After having an intense discussion with team members and considering recommendations given by our teacher, we decided to use the topic “The Universe in a Grain of Sand- The Miniature & Brick Carving of Chen Forng-Shean” and named our team Pint-sized Passion, reflecting Mr. Chen’s brick carving and miniature carving. To understand Mr. Chen and brick carving and miniature, we collected information online and drafted the mind map as our first step.

Mind Map drawn by Tzu-Ying(Click to enlarge)

In the hope of promoting Mr. Chen’s artwork featuring brick carving and miniature carving through this thematic study, we decided to have a field trip and an interview in order to obtain exclusive information. Then, we contacted Mr. Chen to see if we could visit Chen Forng-Shean Miniature Art Museum and have an interview with him.

After making the first call, we managed to schedule a visit and an interview with Mr. Chen regardless of his tight schedule.

Mind Map drawn by Chih-Yu(Click to enlarge)

Welcomed by Mr. Chen hospitably, we had a guided tour at Chen Forng-Shean Miniature Art Museum to take a look at Mr. Chen’s world-renowned artwork, four of which are Guinness World Records-winning. After the guided tour, we had an interview with Mr. Chen for one hour or more; later, we learned how to make brick carving and even participated in a DIY activity. .

To share with more people the mystery of miniature carving and the beauty of brick carving and calligraphy, our team introduced Mr. Chen and the history of Chen Forng-Shean Miniature Art Museum to schoolmates. Moreover, in the school’s anniversary in March, we designed a course on soap carving, similar to brick carving, where schoolmates were able to obtain a hands-on experience. Last, the on-campus exhibition included the following contents:
1. Played the documentary film.
2. Displayed Mr. Chen’s brick carving and miniature carving artwork and the history of Chen Forng-Shean Miniature Art Museum
3. Displayed the members’ brick carving artwork
4. Displayed outstanding work made by students at all grades

Through well-designed activities, we believe that schoolmates will have more understanding of Mr. Chen and Chen Forng-Shean Miniature Art Museum and value the mystery of miniature carving and the beauty of brick carving.

Study Flow Chart drawn by Hsuan-En (Click to enlarge)

Compiled by: Hsuan-Chu Tzu-Ying