In the Cold Dawn
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In the wild, cockatiels' plumage is primarily grey with white highlights on the edges of each wing. Their natural coloring reminds me of the shading of a pencil drawing. By using graphite pencils first and an ink wash later, I experimented with the beauty of the grey scale. This combination enables me to portray the powdery feathers and the shiny surfaces at the same time. The two birds which are close but not really touching each other symbolizes the tepid relationship between a couple after a long time of being together. The silence that has developed between them makes the atmosphere even cooler.
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Graphite and Chinese Ink on Rice Paper
24" x 30“ (Image)
29”x50” (Scroll)
2017
Hidden Gift, Hidden Strength
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After the harvest one snowy day, I saw some corn cobs left in the field. I was inspired to paint a snow scene of sandhill cranes in a corn field eating the kernels of corn that would give them strength for their migration.
This reminded me of a story I heard about cranes who would feed and rest at the same location during their yearly migration. At the place where they came to rest, there were persimmon trees. The villagers would usually leave some persimmons for the cranes to eat. One year, however, the villagers picked all of the fruit and none were left for the cranes, and the cranes did not stop. Later, the village crops suffered from a bad bug disease. The villagers discovered that the cranes had been helping them by eating the bugs when they stopped for the persimmons. I painted this painting to reflect the moral of this story: True kindness to others does not need any rewards, but unexpected blessings might follow.
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Watercolor on Rice Paper
27" x 54“ (Image)
33”x 75” (Scroll)
2017
The Homecoming
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The Taiwanese blue magpie, the national bird of Taiwan, is a very intelligent bird that is known for its unique behaviors in feeding and protecting the family. The Blue Magpie evolved the “nest-helper” system where the older fledglings return to the nest to help feed the hatchlings. In the painting, the coming storm hastens the return of the family members to help protect their nest.
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Watercolor on Rice Paper
81" x 53" (Image)
91”x 81” (Scroll)
2018
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The Preening
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A storm was approaching and I observed a female mallard preening in the face of the strong wind. I wondered why she would take the time to preen herself instead of flying to safety. I searched for an answer and learned that preening makes her feathers waterproof and flexible. With self respect and dignity she was preparing herself to withstand the coming adversity.
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Watercolor on Rice Paper
24" x 30“ (Image)
29”x50” (Scroll)
2017
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The Tale of No-Tail
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Blue jays are known for their fearlessness, determination, aggression, and curiosity. One day I saw a Blue Jay that had lost its tail feathers. Without tail feathers he was having a very difficult time perching and lifting off to take flight. I watched him trying to climb to the same height as the other blue jays. He flipped and hopped all the way to the top of the tree trunk by utilizing the little, small branches as stepping stones. I was inspired by my No-Tail friend’s example of courage.
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Watercolor on Rice Paper
24" x 30“ (Image)
29”x69” (Scroll)
2017
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Blessed Love
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I learned something new when watching birds in my backyard. One day, I saw an adult male cardinal feeding his young female juvenile. I can't stop thinking that fatherly love can be not only tough and cool, but also tender and heartwarming. The old bird house in the middle ground was handmade by a couple who had been happily married for longer than sixty years. Even though the bird house is old, there is always a new pair of birds building a nest in it every year. The fresh green color of willow tree in the far away background shows that this scene happens in the spring time when everything is full of hope and fresh energy.
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Watercolor on Rice Paper
24" x 30“ (Image)
29”x70” (Scroll)
2017
The Missing Echo
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One misty morning, a lone heron perched on a drifting log. Looking up into the overhanging branches, he searched for what was missing. A departed friend made the chilly dawn unbearably cold.
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Watercolor on Rice Paper
30" x 24“ (Image)
34”x 50” (Scroll)
2016
Reach for the Highest
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On the journey through life, there will be many challenges to overcome. One can be inspired by the majestic Eagle who chooses the high places in Nature to live; building its nest atop the tallest Pines, and soaring above the mountains.
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Graphite, Chinese Ink and, Watercolor on Rice Paper
30" x 24” (Image)
40”x70” (Scroll)
2018
The Moment
before the Empty Nest
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When observing the bird’s life cycle, it reminds me of the similarities to mankind’s life cycle. When it is time, the young will fly away, as is the way of life. When the children have grown and left the family, the parents experience the separation with mixed feelings of joy and worry. The red feather stuck on the twigs is a metaphor for unconditional parental love.
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Watercolor on Rice Paper
30" x 24” (Image)
40”x60” (Scroll)
2016
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Comfort Zone
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I discovered this pair of turkey vultures in a bird sanctuary. I was surprised to learn that the free bird came to visit the injured, caged bird every day. It caused me to reflect that the image of these two birds represents two aspects of the same bird - an inner conflict between freedom and captivity. If given the opportunity, would the bird choose to soar with unlimited freedom, or would it choose to remain in the safety of a cage?
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Graphite, Chinese Ink and Watercolor on Rice Paper
30" x 24” (Image)
40”x70” (Scroll)
2018
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