Zhou Xiao

Born 1969, Suzhou, Jiangsu province Lives, teaches, and paints in Xi'an The "Dragonfly Series," which strives to convey the themes of antiquity and nature, represents my current understanding of the significance of painting. For an extended period, technique prevailed over feeling when creating these works; in the fullness of time, however, I shaped them with temperament. A "passionate life, frankness, and sincerity" are the sources of my inspiration. The evolution of my painting has gone through various phases, ranging from sketching to ink wash, portraiture to landscape, realism to creativity, and then back to the portraiture/landscape dichotomy--an endless cycle of uncertainty and false starts, which nevertheless deepened my commitment to painting. A good deal of the time, I added little to this unconscious process except a few brushes and an occasional cup of fragrant tea on my desk. But it is drawing upon dragonflies that has moved me from emotion into spirituality, and serves as my most meaningful mode of expression. The dancing colors, the unpredictable compositions, and the placid flow of ink constantly hold my interest, bring me joy, and permit me to paint hours on end without fatigue. The force of the painting and the expression of feelings have become a sort of inkwash musical "movement" in my life. What I represent in these works comes from a mind fully confident in Chinese national culture, a mind passionate for Chinese painting, and deeply respectful and humble before that art form as I comprehend it.