Valda Hsu

I have had the privilege to work with the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art as well as several other institutions over the past twelve years. They gave me a platform to share my love of Chinese brush painting. I also taught this unique art form in many studio workshops, public studio programs, area schools, libraries, and cultural events.

A bamboo brush, ink, and rice paper together form the essence of Chinese paintings. The various colors available in inkstones bring life and energy to the rice paper with each crafted brushstroke. Capturing the “energy of life” is an important concept in Chinese painting. The term “Qi” means “stream” or “air,” but is more easily understood as the spontaneous, moving energy of life and spirit. It’s the circulation of this energy that produces movement. It is also the interpretation of this movement that passes from the artist to the painting. That “Qi” not only moves through the artist to the paper, but it also flows from the paper to the viewers.

I love to promote this kind of understanding and appreciation through interactive studio experiences. However, my desire is to show my art through exhibits and to enjoy a fellowship of artists in Lee’s Summit. Hopefully, showing my artwork will provide more opportunities to interact with local talent here, inspire more creativity, and add to the already diverse culture in the community.