aeeble

Shih Chen-yang was born in Lukang in 1946. His father, Shih Kun-yu (1919– ), is a traditional architectural carpenter specializing in large wooden structures, originally from Quanzhou, Fujian. Chen-yang's woodcarving apprenticeship began under his father Shih Kun-yu. During his childhood, he frequently accompanied his father to work sites at various temples across the regions, and gradually developed an interest in woodcarving work through observation and immersion. Around 18 years old (circa 1963), he formally entered the field of woodworking. Some projects during this period remained contracted under his father, with Shih Kun-yu handling design and Shih Chen-yang performing the actual craftsmanship. At age 34 (1979), he began independently contracting all projects.