Folk Arts - Master Artist - Justin Chen

Justin Chen and apprentice Rosalind Wang. Photo by Fritz Dent.

Justin Chen is a master Chinese paper cutter currently residing in Salem, Oregon. Chen first became interested in the ancient art of Chinese paper cutting as a child when he was attracted to the beautiful paper cuts decorating his house during festivals. Chen has studied extensively throughout China. After moving to Oregon Chen taught paper cutting at the Portland Chinese School from1995- 2000.

As a recipient of a 2003 Apprenticeship grant, Chen taught Rosalind Wang the art of Chinese paper cutting. Chen focused his teaching to the proper use of scissors and carving knives to manipulate and master every cut. Rosalind will eventually learn to cut thin tissue paper, rice paper, and Chinese silk papers, and learn how to apply multiple colors. Rosalind Wang has been Chinese paper cutting since she was a little girl, making basic patterns with scissors, creating snowflakes and simple Chinese characters. Rosalind is well known in the Portland/Vancouver area for teaching and promoting Chinese language and art. Rosalind will use her apprenticeship with Chen to teach her own students the skills involved in traditional Chinese paper cutting.