A Spark Ignited: The Power of Art

My artistic journey began at a young age. Standing awestruck at London's National Gallery, a 12-year-old me encountered Paul Delaroche's "Execution of Lady Jane Grey." This masterful work, a captivating blend of drama and tenderness, left a profound impact. Lady Jane's angelic purity, embodied in her hyper-realistic white satin dress, stood out like a beacon amidst the somber figures in black. The painting's emotional depth, capturing the horrific gloom of an innocent lamb at its own slaughter, sparked a lifelong obsession within me. Much like the way Delaroche’s masterpiece moved me, I aspire to create the same emotional resonance in my audience through art.

My studies at the University of Southern California provided a strong foundation in art theory, but a yearning for the evocative power of realism remained. This led me to further explore realist oil painting at the renowned Central Academy of Fine Arts (中央美术學院) and China Academy of Oil Painting (中國油畫院) in Beijing.

While realism provided a valuable foundation for emotional expressions, it wasn't until 2013 that I truly discovered my artistic calling. During a transformative summer in Nepal, I encountered a Thangka painter (唐卡) and embarked on learning the fundamentals of this calm and meditative craft.

The Allure of Thangkas and Sacred Geometry

Thangkas are traditional Buddhist artworks which originated in Tibet centuries ago. Even though they are beautiful and colourful in their own right, they are traditionally more valued as tools and diagrams to assist practitioners in their rituals and meditation. Thangkas’ unique proportions and symbolisms are believed to bestow blessings upon viewers. Their intricate mandalas which represent aspects of the universe, are visual embodiments for a balanced body and mind.

The discovery and appreciation for this craft ignited a new creative pursuit in me that is much less emotional, and much more peaceful and fulfilling: combining the mysterious and transcendent sacred geometry with intricate and breath-taking Asian motifs is my ode to praise order, beauty, and goodness. Embracing this meditative style of artmaking allows me to discover a profound sense of joy, peace, and existential meaning.

From Canvas to Cashmere: A Wearable Connection

In 2016, inspired by the Himalayan tradition of Khata offering, I translated my artwork onto luxurious cashmere shawls. Khatas are white scarves inscribed with auspicious symbols. They are presented to guests and serve as gestures of respect and goodwill upon greeting.

Wearing my creations goes beyond mere aesthetics. It's an invitation to embrace a philosophy - a concept adorned on the body, engaging the wearer through both sight and touch. The act of wearing transforms something ordinary into an immersive experience, enveloping the wearer in the artwork's message for a constant, personal connection.