One of the unique and elevating features of traditional Chinese art is how it integrates writing and painting. Chinese calligraphy on its own is often considered the highest form of traditional Chinese art. At its best it balances discipline and freedom and is a highly abstract form of visual art that predates western abstract painting by hundreds of years. Poems, that relate to the paintings, are most often the calligraphy content. The calligraphy becomes a second layer of aesthetic beauty and poetic meaning that compliments and enhances the painting. In my own artwork, I have always been inspired by the idea of including words with paintings but I have never really figured out how to do it in visually compelling way, especially using english.

I haven’t given up on creating an english language artwork that is an integrated painting and writing masterpiece. I’ll post it when I do.