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I write as “An American in Dalian,” seems a novel way
to start the introduction for my “brothers” -- the artists of Baishiwan
(White Stone Bay). Their
medium is oil painting, which is more familiar to me than traditional
Chinese painting done with ink.
But more than their atypical art, what drew me to them is their
unusually (especially for Chinese) personal and emotional paintings, and
their free-spirited life-style.
I live and teach at a college in Dalian, a modern and prosperous
city in northeast China. And Baishiwan is a quaint and picturesque beach
area in what they call Kaifaqu, the “Development Zone.” One Sunday, last
December, I was invited to visit Baishiwan Art Salon and discovered the
art and the artists you will soon discover for yourself as you navigate
this website. Their paintings
speak to my Western heart and I think you will hear their passion
too. Their simple, communal
life-style -- of painting together, discussing art and the art of living,
sharing pot-luck meals and endless rounds of beer -- I’m sorry, but you’re
going to miss (though you’re always invited to hop a flight). Oh, and you’ll also miss their
other passion, fishing. Every chance they get, they’re out on the bay
renewing their spirits, feeding their souls and, with luck, feeding us all
at dinnertime. Since that
Sunday in December, I have been returning on the weekends to visit my
“brothers” – the colorful fishermen, the artists of Bashiwan Art
Salon. They invite you to
visit them, and their art, here.
·
Warren Zaretsky
May,
2004 |
