Deng exhibit opens in Edmonds

  • <br>Enterprise staff
  • Monday, March 3, 2008 12:02pm

The artistry of Chinese painting is highlighted in April as the Edmonds Arts Festival Museum and the City of Edmonds Arts Commission present the work of Zuolie Deng at the Frances Anderson Center.

A life-long practitioner of the art of painting, calligraphy, seal carving and poetry, Deng is a native of Guangdong, China. Born into an artistic family, his artistic journey began under his father’s guidance at age six. Even with a law degree and practice, the artist was determined to pursue his passion for art, attending the Chinese Art Institute as well as receiving training in Western techniques.

After immigrating to the United States, he supported his family as a restaurateur for many years. Eventually, Deng was able to dedicate his time solely to art. He opened the Lo Ya Chai Studio (Joy Grace House) in Seattle.

Deng has had numerous solo shows, participated in group exhibitions; and has displayed work at renowned museums and galleries both in the United States and oversea. His work is in private collections and museums.

“I mainly use ink, color, and rice paper, but not in a traditional Chinese manner,” Deng said of his work. “The technique of ‘permeated ink’ which I developed has enhanced my ability to fully express my emotions. When I paint I think of music and each stroke and shade is a musical note to me.”

The artist has experimented with various techniques and subjects. His paintings include landscapes, flowers and birds, animals, figurative motifs, and bamboo. He combines different styles of painting, such as gongbi (outlined), mogu (lineless), xieyi (free ideas) and the concept of collage.

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