Artist: Amy Jia
Photo Series
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:13
Even in moments when I felt like giving up, He gave me light, in the form of warmth, friendships, golden mornings, streetlamps, and even funny little snow dogs.
I began with a single dot.
I continued with quiet steps.
I walked with light.
And I was never alone.
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Artist: Guo Peng
Classical Landscape: 6.1" x 17.6"
Yunlinzi was a recluse of the Yuan dynasty, known as Ni the Scholar. His paintings, calligraphy, poetry, and writings all possessed an elegance and transcendence beyond the ordinary. I seek to experience the same lofty state of mind that Yunlinzi embodied — a serenity marked by no striving, no desire, no disturbance, no thought, and no gloom.
Of course, this does not mean there is truly nothing to do, to seek, or to trouble the heart. Rather, it is that moment of sudden emptiness within — when one picks up the brush and faces the blank paper — that gives rise to stillness. When the heart is filled with burdens, desires, distractions, or restlessness, it is nearly impossible to paint something that carries true tranquility.
Some paintings, though filled with movement, are born of inner stillness — a most refined state. Others may appear serene and elegant on the surface, yet beneath the calm lies agitation; the brush and ink not only express emotion, but also betray the workings of the mind.