Jianling (Ling) Yue teaches Chinese language and culture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY. Her teaching and academic pursuits have earned her numerous awards and commendations. Jianling is also an expert in Chinese paper-cutting (or paper-cut) art, which has thousands of years of history and was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Chinese paper cutting is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, carrying multiple layers of meaning for various purposes and functions, including house decorations (on windows, walls, or ceilings), events (birthdays, weddings, ceremonies, or funerals), and prayers (invoking rain, warding off misfortune, etc.).
Jianling acquired this artistic technique in her childhood in Shanxi Province, China, a region rich in paper-cutting culture. She further refined her skills during her time at a teacher-training college. Jianling’s paper cuts retain the distinctive characteristics of Northern Chinese styles, with rustic and authentic beauty, while also integrating Southern influences and her own personal style, pushing the boundaries of the art form. The themes of her work have expanded from everyday agricultural life to include history, literature, and scholarly subjects. Her color palette has grown from traditional red to include a wide range of colors. Additionally, different colors and varying levels of inlay are used within a single piece for more contrasting and vivid expression. In terms of technique, Jianling emphasizes proportional coordination, symmetrical layout, exquisite beauty, and intricate decoration. The lines and patterns in her paper cuts are meticulously designed and cut, resulting in delicate and precise effects that complement the rustic beauty inherited from Shanxi folk traditions.
As an educator, Jianling is committed to imparting knowledge, advancing the culture, and contributing to society. For nearly 30 years, she has passionately taught Chinese language and culture, and has led numerous workshops and lectures on Chinese paper cutting for various cultural activities and festivals in her colleges and local communities. In 2022, she participated in Local Learning and the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center’s Culture, Community, and the Classroom workshop and was paired with a Capital District teacher for in-school presentations.
In 2023, Jianling received a New York State Council on the Arts grant award for her decades-long dedication to creating Chinese papercut artwork, imparting knowledge, teaching the skill, preserving tradition, and tirelessly serving society.
Through her workshops and classes, Jianling offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the history, cultural significance, and techniques of Chinese paper-cut art. Her engaging presentations highlight the importance of this ancient art form in contemporary society, complemented by live demonstrations of precise cutting techniques. Participants then create their own designs, applying what they’ve learned and expressing their creativity. This hands-on experience deepens their understanding of the art form and fosters a personal connection to its cultural legacy.
View Jianling’s work with children in a school district in 2025: https://youtu.be/58dhkf9SdYc
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