Years as an Apprentice

 Sticking to Studies

 

Master A-fa did not give up his studies after engaging in apprenticeship but chose to work part-time. In that era, being able to acquire a skill as an apprentice meant that one would not have to worry about his future. As a result, it was very common for apprentices to work part-time while studying. Every day, Master A-fa got up early in the morning, went to work until evening, then went to night school, and continued to work after night school until 12 o'clock before going to bed. He barely had one day off a month and had no fixed holidays. He has persisted in such a lifestyle for countless years, which is admirable! Master A-fa looked back and couldn't help but sigh, the life of the apprentice at that time was really a very good memory to him. Because in that era, as long as people were willing to work, they had jobs to do, and unemployment was rarely a problem unless they didn’t want to work. Back then, most people worked diligently to earn a living. Those who didn't like to work for others would farm in the countryside. Those who were willing to work hard could look forward to a bright and promising future. It was an era of hard work and full of hope!

 


Figure 2-4a: Master A-fa shares with us every detail of his apprenticeship that he cherishes dearly.

Home

Narrative

My schoolCYBERFIR

 

The Miraculous Master A-fa 

Statue Sprucing Craftsmanship

Craftsman Master A-fa

An Interview with Master A-fa

Statue Sprucing mandala

 

 

Years as an Apprentice 

A Childhood Immersed in Craftsmanship

Apprenticeship to Learn the Craft

The Early Stages of Learning

Sticking to Studies

Life of Apprenticeship

Becoming a Master After Seven Years of Apprenticeship

Creating His Own Way

Chronology of Master A-fa 



Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

Settled in Changhua

Difficulties and Challenges in Starting a Business

Growth against the Trend

Becoming Famous Far and Wide

The Crisis of Inheritance

Devotion to Inheritance

Commitment to Inheritance and Promotion

Taking Root

Statue Sprucing Craftsmanship 

Origin

Techniques

Materials

Restoration of Statues

The posture and facial expression of the statue

Cleaning up

Taboos of statue sprucing 

Master A-fa statue sprucing Video

 

Public Television 

Preparations before the Interview

Go to Nanyao Temple for on-site video shooting

A Visit to Master A-fa’s Buddhist paraphernalia shop

First encounter with gold

Lacquer thread carving experience

Public Television

 

Interviews and tours 

The interview with Mr. Tsai

Sweetness and bitterness experienced in statue sprucing

Class tour for promotion

Questionnaire statistical analysis

Lacquer thread game

Carving game

Comic Little Theater


Thematic Production and Reference Bibliography

Production process experience

Interesting details behind the project

Contribution and gain

Curriculum Integration

References and news links

Quiz