Artist Statement
In the liminal space between Eastern wisdom and Western expression, I create monumental artworks that serve as portals to contemplative experience. My practice is anchored in the ancient Chinese philosophy of Wu Wei - the paradoxical state of effortless action - while embracing contemporary mixed-media techniques that speak to our present moment.
Through a meditative process of layering ink washes, hand-crafted rice paper, and carefully orchestrated interventions, I create large-scale works (1.6-3m) that invite viewers into expansive visual territories. Each piece begins in surrender to the flow of ink and water, allowing organic patterns to emerge naturally. These foundational landscapes are then transformed through the precise placement of hand-colored rice paper elements, creating a dance between chance and intention, control and release.
My artistic philosophy has been profoundly shaped by years of wilderness immersion - sitting in stillness by remote rivers, listening to bird song in ancient forests, finding clarity in the vastness of natural spaces. This direct experience of nature's teaching, combined with my background in technology and deep study of Daoist texts, enables me to create work that bridges seemingly opposite worlds: digital and analog, East and West, action and non-action.
Rather than depicting nature as something separate from human experience, my work presents an integrated vision where all elements - from the smallest rice paper fragment to the boldest gestural mark - exist in dynamic equilibrium. This reflects the Daoist understanding that everything is simultaneously essential and inconsequential, a paradox that liberates us into deeper presence with what is.
As an artist navigating multiple cultural traditions, I see my role as that of an alchemist - transforming raw materials and philosophical concepts into experiences that invite contemplation of life's fundamental unity. Each piece is both a record of my own journey toward integration and an invitation for viewers to discover their own path to harmony between being and doing, tradition and innovation, inner stillness and outward expression.
Biography - Summer Jiang, b. 1979
Seeking freedom
Roots of Creativity: Early Years in China
Summer Jiang's artistic journey is a testament to the pursuit of freedom and self-discovery. Growing up in China, where conformity was the norm, Summer's innate love for art kindled a desire for creative expression. Despite her passion, practical concerns led her to pioneer in the first wave of IT professionals. However, her artistic spirit persevered, finding nurture through training at the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in her spare time.
A New Horizon
Discovering Australia and Self
In her early twenties, Summer's quest for freedom led her to the welcoming shores of Australia. Here, amidst vast landscapes and untamed wilderness, she found not just a new home, but her true self. The Australian outback became both her muse and her sanctuary, with each camping trip and bushwalk rekindling her dormant artistic dreams.
Summer's heart swells with gratitude for the land that embraced her, allowing her spirit to unfurl like a desert flower after rain. In Australia's rugged beauty, she discovered the courage to shed the expectations of her past and embrace her authentic artistic voice. This land of boundless horizons gifted her the freedom to explore, create, and ultimately, to become the artist she was always meant to be.
Nature's Canvas
Rebirth of an Artist
Through a meticulous process of layering ink washes and hand-crafted rice paper, I orchestrate a dance between chance and intention. Each piece begins in surrender to the natural flow of materials, allowing organic patterns to emerge before precise interventions transform these foundational landscapes. This methodology reflects the Daoist concept of Wu Wei - the paradoxical state of effortless action - while embracing contemporary mixed-media techniques.
As someone who has navigated multiple cultural traditions and career paths, I bring a unique perspective to my work. My background in technology informs my systematic approach to art production, while my spiritual practice guides the intuitive aspects of creation. This dual expertise allows me to create work that resonates with both traditional sensibilities and contemporary audiences.