Color “Seesaw”

Painting is to deal with the relationship between different things on the canvas, such as relying on each other, contrasting with each other, as well as restraining each other. At the end, a certain kind of tension would be generated. Painting has to be balanced and complemented each other. This is really hard to do but it is also quite fun. When you draw certain object, what you actually focus may be just the other things next to it. There is no absolute color on the canvas. It is just a relative effect and can be shifted around. The color can be adjusted back and forth on both sides in order to achieve the most satisfying result like playing on a seesaw. This is like enjoying the fun in the adventure.

According to the general perception, the color of lotus leave is always green. But under different light, a variety of color tones would be generated which provides a lot of room for painter to mix the color. For someone like me without strong foundation of painting, it even provides a variety of creative possibilities in terms of coloring. When painting lotus and lotus leaves, we must first have a general concept of how they look like and then we must get rid of their restriction on their appearance. Since I do not have the basic skill of depicting lotus and lotus leaf, there is no need to break any restriction. The “feeling” and “temperament” of lotus and lotus leaf can only be found at the arbitrary graffiti. Perhaps, the relationship between every object on the canvas doesn’t need to be expressed and reflected clearly. Sometimes, it is better to become entangled so that everything can be showed vaguely and some mistakes can be hidden as well. Under the range of limited space and the delicate connection, with my premature painting technique, I vaguely can see the holy light of lotus.

Nothing on the canvas can be existed independently. Isn’t this the truth in our society and in the real life? The relationship between people is inseparable from entrusting each other, comparing each other as well as containing each other. Being able to survive in society is not related to how good you are when you are alone. Instead, it depends on whether you are being recognized or appreciated within your social circle as well as how outstanding you are in society. Relationships and emotions between people sometimes cannot be crystal clear. Under the subtle emotion, people get along and love each other elusively. When everything is clear, it is always close to the ending.

I have always had motion sickness and I cannot even ride a bicycle. However, I enjoy very much to play with the color “seesaw” and I am too excited to finish too early.

 (13 March, 2011, “Hong Kong Commercial Daily” Siu Fun Kee's column, “Fun Kee's Articles About Art”)