So he started experimenting in hopes of integrating his ink, oil and xylographic skills into his daily creations.

After a long time spent among the Muslim community in Ningxia, Luo made it his lifetime commitment to depict local people and their way of life. Luo often strolls on the streets of Yinchuan in his spare time.

He was struck by the beauty of Muslim worshippers at the entrance of the mosques, particular young ladies wearing ethnic robes and white veils against the backdrop of a sunny sky. He felt compelled to capture the moment in his xylographic art.

"Regional subjects do not confine an artist who seeks to create works of depth and universal appeal," says Luo who has devoted himself to making two gigantic xylographic series - one about Islamic figures and another about Muslim life in the China over the past two decades.

Tsinghua University art professor Dai Daquan praised Luo's work.

"Luo has made unremitting efforts to portray Muslim Chinese bathed in the sublime light of spirituality," Dai said.