Repurposing discarded office frames as canvases led to Understory, a piece exploring memory, balance, and belonging. Using my new Chinese painting set, I experimented with ink grinding, layering, and the interaction between paint and space. Inspired by the forests of Loch Tay and the concept of the understory, this work reflects on the haziness of memory and the unseen layers that shape our connection to place.

In this article, I reflect on how Maggie Cross' The Art of Chinese Brush Painting has inspired new directions in my artistic journey. From experimenting with unconventional ink techniques to rediscovering the connection between calligraphy and brush painting, I explore how these traditional methods are shaping my approach to creating art.

Scaling Up #1 is my first attempt at translating my detailed style into a larger composition. This experimental sketch taught me to embrace imperfections, overcome creative hurdles, and find unexpected freedom in the challenges of working on a new scale.

Inspired by feedback from a group critique, I’ve introduced stippling brushes into my process, creating soft, shadowy textures that enhance the dreamlike quality of the piece. The unexpected comparison of my work to a cathedral has deepened my perspective on the painting, as I continue refining this exciting exploration of scale, texture, and memory.

Participating in my first group critique session was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating as I shared my large-scale experimental piece for the first time. The feedback I received, from technical tips like using a stipple brush to deeper inspirations such as exploring Sohrab Sepehri’s work and Chinese Freehand brush techniques, left me with an unexpected burst of motivation. This experience marked a pivotal moment, moving me from guarded creation to confident exploration, and showed me that sharing my art amplifies its meaning rather than diminishes it.