Li was introduced to the art at the age of 17, when folk paintings began to flourish across the country in the early 1980s. Li Yili, a passionate artist in charge of the Qijiang Cultural Center, wanted to enrich the cultural life of local farmers. He mobilized local artists to establish over 20 rural culture stations offering free graphic arts courses in about ten Qijiang townships such as Dongxi, Ganshui and Zuantang.

The teenage girl, who had never taken a painting class and had to work on the farm all year round but could barely make ends meet, showed great interest in graphics. Two years later, she became one of the first of over 300 locally trained farmers.

“I had only seen local people painting on rocks before, while this emerging art form had suddenly made our lives more colorful and vibrant,” said Li Chengzhi.

Art comes from life. Li Chengzhi’s bright, colorful hues and free style on themes such as agriculture, children, joyful festival celebrations and local legends soon became popular.

In 1992, a customer’s order to make child prints for an elementary school earned her the first reward of 25 yuan (US$3.45).