Watercolor

ABOUT ME

Why watercolor has been so attractive to me?

Watercolor became the first material that brought me into the art world during senior high school. When I painted watercolor, I was immediately attracted by its unpredictable feature. For me, watercolor can be the most appealing and challenging material among all the other painting mediums.

Watercolor journey - My initial inspiration and idea formation

2019 - 2020

Xinjiang Journey

In the summer of 2019, I traveled to a place filled with pristine nature and historical heritage – Xinjiang. This mysterious border region exudes the tranquility and serenity that modern people yearn for. Its enchanting natural landscapes give birth to a unique cultural temperament shaped by its geographical environment.

Through vivid imagery, I depicted the pastoral and idyllic scenes of the local nomadic ethnic groups, capturing the ambiance and objects that surround them. Using bold strokes and simple colors, I aimed to portray the “primitiveness” of this land while materializing my longing and memories for this “silent place.”

2018 - 2020

Qixingtan

Qixingtan may well be Taiwan’s most exquisitely beautiful pristine beach, with its most distinctive features being the clean and azure waters facing the Pacific Ocean and the abundance of pebbles scattered around, each differing in shape, color, and pattern. After years of being washed by the sea, the surface of these pebbles has acquired a crystal-like translucency. There is a saying: “To see a world in a grain of sand. And a heaven in a wildflower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand. And eternity in an hour.” In the context of the Eastern culture, Qixingtan’s every grain of sand and stone provides an alternative interpretation of this Zen-filled poetic phrase.

When discussing “Mindfulness,” it becomes a continuous process akin to meditation, where one senses the present atmosphere and meticulously observes each stone. It involves deeply understanding all things from each stone and finally depicting them with great precision. The ultimate result is a world (the entire painting) and also countless worlds (each stone). During my university days, after numerous visits to Qixingtan, this is the inspiration it has granted me.

2017 - 2018

River sparkle

One of my ways to connect with nature has always been stream tracing, and throughout this process, time constantly interacts with the river beneath my feet, producing different effects. Morning, noon, evening—each time of day captures some splendid but fleeting scenery. This “Stream Series” not only portrays these memories but also holds a unique meaning by using “watercolors,” a medium closely related to water, to interpret the transparent and soft flow of the water.

2017

Japan - Ine-cho

Ine is an ancient and charming Japanese fishing village that, in some ways, resembles a Japanese version of “Venice of the East.” It is rich in cultural history and ancient architecture. When looking out from the bay, one can see traditional wooden boat houses characteristic of Japan, surrounded by lush, pristine forests. Unlike bustling city streets and crowded tourist attractions found in Venice, Ine exudes tranquility and serenity, as if the outside world is disconnected from this place. In my imagination, there, you can only hear the gentle sound of water lapping against the cliffs and the distant, faint tolling of a lighthouse bell.

2016 - 2017

Natural secret

Sunlight and shadows interweave, symbolizing the prosperity and demise of life. Abundance and death coexist, accentuating each other’s significance, much like light and shadow, growth and withering, and their boundaries are filled with “emptiness” and “reality.” Sometimes we can see them, sometimes we cannot.

2015-2016

Still life and scenery

2015

Four Season

The gigantic peaks and boundless ocean are undoubtedly stunning, but my gaze is often drawn to the inconspicuous little plants underfoot. They tenaciously grow in crevices, corners, and amidst withered leaves. Silently, they resist and thrive in these extreme environments. Perhaps, as they look up at the towering majestic trees, they also yearn to one day be part of them.