In each place that I visited, relics of distant dynasties burst with new life as bright lights and unidentifiable aromas danced among ancient architecture. In alleys and small stores, among the trinkets and tourist attractions, the innermost heart of China revealed itself to me in the country’s art. I found in the cities, sites and villages, sometimes surrounded by crowds and sometimes in a silent world, artists who translated traditions and talent into beauty that transcended all barriers.
The Forbidden City in Beijing was a sprawling arrangement of amazing architecture, ornate detail and ancient glory. The courtyards …show more content…
Qingyi was born in 1954 in Nansuo, and in 1973, he entered the local farmers’ painting school. His works have since been exhibited, acclaimed and published, and his workshop, which tourists are invited to visit, is a testimony to his talent and devoted time. The walls were covered in colors, shapes and scenes; the table was dressed with pages of pictures, prints and paintings; and on the floor, rows of artworks lined up against the walls.
Qingyi sat on a stool in his studio, surrounded by our tour group and under the blinking eyes of silent cameras. His paintbrush, dressed in pink, danced on the page in swift twists and meticulous turns. His brush breathed petals onto the paper, until it revealed his vision of a butterfly about to kiss-land on a bouquet of flowers. I appreciated his mesmerizing art for the product, the process and the