Everyday Ink

Tsai’s lines—whether circular or straight—move. While literally static on the paper, they contain within them the energy of the artist’s gesture as they endlessly redraw themselves before the viewer. The two major traditions which inform Tsai’s work—traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting and modern abstraction—share an important kinesthetic ground. Critic Harold Rosenberg’s description of Abstract Expressionism as “action painting” is in many ways applicable to Chinese calligraphy and painting: the paper is akin to the canvas which becomes “an arena in which to act” and what we see in the finished work is “not a picture, but an event.” Tsai describes the action of her painting as “dancing in space and time with the brush.” Dance is a corporeal and temporal art form. What happens to all the corporeal movement of a dance as it is transferred to a painting? Where is its time? The energy or chi of Tsai’s dance is embodied in the form of works like Hooked (2017) from her “Icons” ...

The big bang and the origin of everything. The quiet, powerful explosion is happening. First from within, then it manifest out! May we find the explosive power of genuine goodness in our hearts. Acrylic on canvas.  32 x 54 in. Zen Garden

In this autumn, Why I get older? The clouds and birds. ~ Haiku by Matsuo Basho The rich and stunning colors of autumn land in north America. The beauty of nature opens my eyes and heart!  Acrylic on canvas.  32 x 40 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

Within the chaos there may be tremendous tenderness. Listen to the longings... The message is in the moment. Acrylic on canvas.  48 x 48 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

 Sunday morning magic light. A brief moment of tranquility is still worthwhile! Joyful existence of still life objects. Colors and forms find their own places in the space. How nice! When the world is in turmoil, don't forget to look inwardly, and find our everlasting inner peace! Acrylic on canvas.  23 x 31 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

The heart of avocado has a feminine quality. The vital space invites imagination. "One Yin and one Yang together are called "Tao (The Way)." From The Book of Change . Acrylic on rice paper, mounted on canvas.  27 x 27 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

The passion of space is all-pervasive. Passion, when purified, has tremendous energy and strength. It can radiate out unconditionally. It can turn into com-passion, without boundary. It can be precise and cutting, not just mushy and muddy. Don't be afraid, but be aware of our passion! Acrylic on paper. 40 x 36 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

"Bardo" - a Tibetan Buddhist psychology term, describing a dreamlike, transitional space where nothing is certain. It could go to many different directions. When we are chased by love, love becomes a burden, not joy. We become someone's object of projection - even though it is under the fantastic name of love. It is not love when it is not free. Love is unconditional, otherwise it's attachment. The forceful wanting only leads to ruins. We have to play with the energy and space, and let the phenomenal play. Only the space allows dance. Keeping the right distance - not too tight, not too loose - is an art. Acrylic on paper. 27 x 27 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

Fruits' dream of a party. Mid autumn melancholy. The subtle dreamy quality is done by thin layers of acrylic colors on clear gessoed ground canvas. Space is part of the reality. Acrylic on paper. 22 x 38 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

In this day and time, it is very hard to keep our mind simple. Although simplicity might be the best thing we can do in the midst of all the distractions and disturbances. Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche from his book "Shambhala Principle"- When I became overwhelmed, I would ask my father (Trungpa Rinpoche) what to do. He said, “Keep it simple.” This was one of the most powerful spiritual transmissions I ever received. He was communicating to me that I already had the answer: I could always come back to goodness.  Keep it simple. One pointed mind is much more useful than a overwhelmed, chaotic mind. Just feel it one at a time. What we do right now at this moment. Place our mind on it. The source is goodness. Acrylic on paper. 23 x 15 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

Pears in their paradise. Colors and forms create a joyful symphony. From Matisse: " An artist must never be a prisoner. Prisoner? An artist should never be a prisoner of himself, prisoner of style, prisoner of reputation, prisoner of success, etc." I ventured into different styles from time to time. And it is fun! Acrylic on canvas. 24 x 54 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

Remembering the first gentle kiss, and more after. The forces of opposite energy are in contact. Yin and yang, hot and cold, ice and fire, different patterns mingle and complete each other. Acrylic and ink on acid-free paper. 7 x 10 inches. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

Simplicity is harder than complicity. Three pears with modern design. A traditional Chinese still life motif with a modern flavor. Acrylic on canvas. The original was sold. Archival quality giclee prints available. Keywords: pears, shapes, still life, Modern Chinese painting, design, fruits, minimal, minimal Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

Humor, gentleness, and lightheartedness bring joy to the harsh world. Matisse once said: “What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity…something like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.” In this time of great uncertainty and chao, wish good art restore the balance in our minds and uplift our spirits! Acrylic on canvas. 18 x 34 in. Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden

Seeing and feeling the harm we have done to humanity, the earth is trembling and sad. There’s no words to the massacre that happened in Las Vegas... My heart is trembling and heavy. Have we ever learned?

We are part of nature, we are natural beings. Inspired by the birds' migration of the season changing. The wonderment of the nature, and the mystery of life. Iridescent acrylic purple color on deep blue background (the color and reflection change from different angles of the viewer). Ready to hang. Auguries of Innocence By William Blake (1757–1827) TO see a World in a grain of sand, And a Heaven in a wild flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand, And Eternity in an hour.… Purchase this piece on Saatchi Zen Garden