Introduction Reception
Gallery Talk
Workshop
Art Gallery
"Because of predestined relationship, we meet"
Robert Lo
Gallery Talk: Fontbonne
Library Tuesday 1 PM, February 26, 2002
There is an old saying "Because of predestined relationship, we meet". In this world, if not for predestined relationship, we would pass each other just like strangers, never to become friends. Friendship shall be predestined.
Being a Chinese landscape painter, I must travel a lot to become inspired by Mother Nature and to envision new ideas for creating. From 40 years of learning, traveling, and creating, I know that predestined relationship also exist between nature and human beings. If the relationships were not there, even if we were in the mountains, we would not feel any inspiration. |
For example, once I was with friends in a painting tour to Yellow Mountains in China. Because of all the mist, we couldn't see anything. Some people suggested we go somewhere else to sketch, but I said just wait a little bit longer. Ten minutes later, "Clouds Falls" started to happen. Its clouds move just like waterfalls between mountains.
Another time, we were on Mountain of Believer. For a long time everything was covered by mist, again we could see nothing. We could only sketch some trees that were right next to us. Then the mist started to move away, sunshine finally came through. To our surprise we even saw what is called "Buddha Light," a rainbow in a circle, very rarely seen.
A couple of years ago, in the mountains of China, there was snow and mist for two solid days. Everybody was so frustrated. On the third morning, right before we left the mountains, the snow stopped. The mist vanished. We could see everything in the valley beautifully covered with white snow. Everybody was so excited and sketched for three continuous hours.
All these experiences make me believe there is a relationship between nature and humans. Almost like the Mother Nature is taking care of us all the time. |
About my creating experience:
1. It is necessary to have basic capabilities in Chinese painting. The skills of using brush and ink must be achieved by a very long time of practicing. Only at a very high level can we even talk about creating and having the ability to paint on paper. Practicing from old master's works can help develop these skills.
2. Based on 5,000 years of civilization, the history of Chinese painting is more than 1,000 years old now. Some people think that traditional painting is an obstacle to creating new art. There are also people who think the most valuable experience is only in creating new arts. These opinions are valid or not depending upon each artist's point of view.
3. Beyond learning from observations and travel sketching, the most important thing is how to apply what you learned. It will be meaningless if we cannot use it well.
During my studies at Fontbonne College in 1988, I learned a lot from Hank Knickmeyer's (Fine Arts faculty) drawings. It encouraged me to explore paintings using overlapping techniques. Applying what I have learned, the terrace in the Grang-Shee province of China inspired my series of paintings using lines. |
4. Read good books, no matter if they are old or new, western or eastern. Develop creations from theories. It would be very helpful to artists if they had their own artistic thoughts when forming their painting styles.
5. Create new styles:
We should learn from tradition by fully appreciating and understanding it to create a new tradition. Extend the life of Chinese painting.
I would like to thank everyone for sharing my experience this afternoon. I hope I will have a chance to learn from your experiences, too. |
Introduction Reception
Gallery Talk
Workshop
Art Gallery
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