Cats

I feel that cats bring energy into my projects, movement into my brush works and calmness into my life.

I have always included big cats in my work but I started incorporating domesticated felines into my art in 2018 when I met the neighborhood cat 'Tux'. He appeared one day during my walk and started taking a walk with me every day. I continue to be inspired by Tux every time I see him – his cool black shiny coat, and his moves inspired my ink painting series – 'Jumping Kittens' and it later evolved into my current ink painting series– 'Ink Kittens'. I use only black sum-e ink and two calligraphy brushes to paint my black furry friend – Tux. 

Inspiration

I have always been inspired by paintings of Asian tigers especially the more abstract 'Mogu' (boneless style) Chinese tiger paintings. To me, these cat paintings are depict anti-realism in their own unique style. They have not only captured the cat as an animal but also, integrated the human imagination and our interpretations of cats in the past.

I first encountered these ancient tiger paintings within art books and Asian art museums. I admired the works of many ancient Mogu style artists especially that many have not encountered photographs of cats but painted cats with even more life than a real tiger!

I am also inspired by Takeuchi Seihou-
hanbyou and Shunso Hishida for their paintings of domestic cats.I was also once captivated by the work of Lingnan flower and bird master, Chao Shao-An, for his expressive use of brush. I think it is important for artists to draw inspiration from more than one artist to avoid falling into a particular style.