To turn inanimate stones into works of art, stone artisans have to practice with a great deal of effort. Although it is widely believed that this job has been only for men,  Ms Le Thi Hoa Binh, an artisan of Non Nuoc stone village who resides in Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang has been passionate about pursuing this profession for more than 20 years.

Ms Le Thi Hoa Binh and one of her artworks. Photo: HONG QUANG

Ms Binh was originally a tailor so her small and skillful hands were only used for holding needles and threads. When married to Mr Le Van Thang, a stone sculptor in Non Nuoc stone art village, Ngu Hanh Son District, in addition to sewing, she helped her husband polish the statues and gradually formed her passion for the profession. Her husband wanted her to do another job, but Ms Binh was determined to pursue the profession of sculpting.

In the early days of her new career in sculpting, oftentimes, her hand was injured since she accidentally let the machine or chisel touch her hands. Also, sometimes she had to stay up all night to finish the work, but she always worked hard for her passion. Ms Binh and other stoneworkers have to face the risk of back pain, and respiratory disease due to having to sit and stand continuously for hours grinding and chiselling.

Sculpture work is quite intricate, elaborate and time-consuming because the craftsman has to go through many stages. The most important is that the "soul" must be breathed into works. Therefore, the craftsman must be meticulous so that the statue conveys the right meaning.

Moreover, not only does this profession need careful, skillful hands, but it also asks workers must constantly learn to meet the requirements of customers. Ms Binh has tinkered with and learned in-depth knowledge about the human body to create a statue with many lively different poses

Ms Binh has been always joyful every time she completes a work of art, and she seems to forget all the hard-working days. Her works which are meticulously carved by her range from Buddha statues with pure spiritual beauty, sad Apsara dancers from afar or portraits of popularities

As earning popularity among citizens, her workshop has received a host of orders from domestic as well as foreign customers. The statues carved by Ms Binh have been very popular as they contain feelings and emotions inside. For the time being, she can sculpt any product even the most intricate according to the customer's request.

In order to get beautiful and vivid curves on the stone slab, Ms Binh has to continuously hold the planer firmly and press hard against the hard rock, making her hands become rough as time goes by. However, she has no concern about it because it was thanks to those hands that her family can rear their children.

On a daily basis, Ms Binh and many generations of stoneworkers in Non Nuoc stone carving village have still tried their utmost to keep up the conventional craft profession handed down by their forefathers.

Reporting by HONG QUANG- Translating by T.VY