At this time in history as China hosts the Olympics, it seemed fitting to paint something to commemorate the occasion. I have never visited China and have not felt China to be a significant part of my psyche other than enjoying time with my Chinese friends. For many years I enjoyed the Chinese influence on life in San Francisco, but even with this influence never felt a desire to visit China.
I generally don’t paint still lifes, but suddenly felt compelled to paint an image of something revered in my household. My eye espied this figurine and it just happened to be Chinese and from China. This wise figure had sat silently on many bookshelves in many different homes around the country for more than 45 years–always seeming to spread his serenity in my living space, Chinese wisdom residing amongst a worldly collection of books from many authors of many countries, even books written in other languages. It seemed appropriate to honor Chinese wisdom, the Olympics, and global connections of the Olympics with this small painting.
Chinese Wisdom, Oil on Paper, 6"X4" (unmatted size)
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