"Paint, as if the brush is an extension of my arm, my body and my mind. Paint, as if my art is blossoming on the strong shoots with the energy of harmony flowing within. "
In the realm where the brush meets the rice paper, Cheryl emerges as a luminary, an Australian artist of Chinese descent whose creations echo with the whispers of ancient philosophies from the East. Born amidst the vibrant tapestry of Yunnan Province in China, Cheryl's childhood was steeped in the rich hues of cultural heritage, nurturing a budding fascination with the artistic forms that danced around her.
At the tender age of ten, Cheryl's nimble fingers first dipped into the timeless art of Chinese calligraphy, tracing delicate characters that seemed to echo the whispers of generations past. But it wasn't until her adult years that she discovered her true passion – the ethereal realm of Chinese brush painting. Fueled by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a boundless love for this age-old craft, Cheryl embarked on a journey of artistic exploration, immersing herself in the profound depths of China's cultural legacy.
With each brushstroke, Cheryl delved deeper into the labyrinth of techniques and philosophies that had shaped Chinese brush painting for centuries. Her chosen path led her to embrace the enchanting realm of still life, birds, and botanicals, where she found solace in the harmonious dance of ink and color.
Among the myriad techniques that Cheryl wields with mastery, two stand out as pillars of her artistic expression – the boneless (Mogu) technique and the innovative meticulous painting style. The Mogu technique, a rare gem within the vast treasury of Chinese brush painting, entrusts the artist to render objects not with rigid outlines, but with fluid strokes of ink and washes of color. Originating in the annals of the Liang Dynasty and refined through the ages, this technique bears the weight of centuries, its legacy intertwined with the fates of emperors and scholars alike.
While Cheryl's roots remain firmly planted in the soil of her native land, her artistic vision spans continents, reaching across oceans to embrace the Australian wilderness. Here, amidst the vast expanse of the Outback, she finds inspiration in the graceful arcs of great egrets, the fleeting elegance of wrens, and the majestic poise of black swans. With bold strokes and delicate hues, she breathes life into her subjects, capturing their essence in a symphony of ink and water.
Cheryl's recent artworks – "Delighted Tranquillity," "The Night-blooming Cereus in Dragon Vase," and "The Ugly Duckling" – stand as testament to her boundless creativity and unwavering dedication to her craft. Selected for exhibition in the prestigious East Meets West Arts Exhibition (2024) at the Hunter Wetland Centre, these works serve not only as expressions of beauty but also as beacons of hope for the conservation of local wildlife.
Navigating through the vibrant tapestry of Australia's artistic landscape, Cheryl's presence is felt far and wide, her accolades including membership in the esteemed Australian Watercolor Institute and exhibiting membership in the Ku-ring-gai Art Society. From the hallowed halls of the Australian Watercolor Institute's Centenary Exhibition to the bustling arts pavilion of Sydney Royal Easter Show, her art finds a home amongst both connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation in a timeless celebration of beauty.