I never stopped. Even when i am teaching, when there is free time, i will do some research and readings. When i am traveling, i will bring some art materials and tools to draw or even bring some books to read. Sometimes i do keep in touch with my teachers through letters. Some even still using chinese calligraphy to write the letter. It is very precious and memorable."
Chinese painting getting diminishing in Malaysia.
"There is the possibility, a sense of crisis. There are some art collectors who have a lot of other artists' work. However, some of them are quite biased in the sense that if they know you are Malaysian even if your painting is good but if the price is expensive they won't buy. On a contrary, if you are some popular artists from other places they will buy."
Your created work? modern, traditional?
"In China, they have their own ways of using brush. If they can invent such method, why can't I? and it is not that i simply invent but i do follow their steps. Of course i will need to learn their basics then from there i invent my own. However, bear in mind not to make it too over or ridiculous as you still need to have some certain relation with the traditional ways so that it won't look too incompatible. To cite an example, i write some poems using the Tang dynasty ways, the rhyme, but the subject is about kangaroo, malaysian culture. Using the ancient method to write something that is modern, that where it makes it alive.
I've used several methods to draw. I usually prefer the rice paper to be half-wet. I've used watercolor, watercolor paper from England, color from Germany, poster color. It will have different outcome. It looks modern yet antique because of the chinese ink. Don't be immutable for the whole life, things that are immutable, they are lifeless.
I do still paint some traditional elements but it will be different front the ancient time. What i write in my poem is my perceptions on the things now. You need to be self-conscious, that is how you maintain yourself.
Chinese painting is not just about drawing or painting. It has its own philosophy, literature. Therefore, in the midst of learning chinese painting, you need to further advance your knowledge in literature studies. From there, then you are able to go in depth in chinese painting. If not, you will halt at the surface level. You need education to buckle you up. You need to know and understand the history. If you are lack of the knowledge about the ancient history, how are you supposed to write something out of it."
Any unforgettable experience?
"When i was in high schools, i had a lot of ambitions, i wanted to learn drawing, i wanted to learn from popular teachers. I personally think that i was quite lucky as most of the people that i wanted to see i managed to meet them. I get to see them drawing, it is something very valuable. I managed to be friend and keep in touch withe them. Life is colorful, it depends how you pursue it.
Getting involve in chinese painting?
Just plainly my interest. You need to have a lot of materials, methods. You need to have certain learning period and system and that truly depend on your attitude.
In Malaysia, chinese painting is very hard to get its firm establishment. National Art Gallery at the early stage, they totally ignored chinese painting. It was only after i went to exhibit my work in so many countries' art gallery, i showed it to him and that was only when he started to plan my exhibition in the gallery. Many art critic from different countries have written some remarks about me, you have to acknowledge it, some more i am a malaysian. You need to keep every record of your achievements because it actually helps you to get your acknowledgement and recognition. At least when you get the recognition and acknowledgement from different countries, people will notice you."
Dr. Chens is really a busy artist. He will be holding another exhibition in China in the coming October.
Next year, there will be two exhibitions.
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