In 2011, I went to Hangzhou China with a group of artists that were invited by the city. One of the places that we visited was a building which housed a floor of art supply shops. We made our way around trying to buy things which seemed like a bargain. None of the shopkeepers spoke English and all the writing was in Chinese. They showed us the cost of the items on their calculators because most of the numbers were in Chinese.
I bought a black ink stick, a stone for grinding, some sumi-e brushes and some rice paper. I had no idea of the quality or choice: I just bought by intuition. When I returned to the hotel, I immediately started playing with them even though I knew little about how to use them properly.
When I returned to Rome, I started watching videos and reading about Chinese art materials and techniques and I also learned how to mount my finished paintings. I painted constantly and tried every kind of subject matter. I wasn’t looking for a certain ‘style’ of painting, just how to use the materials to produce beautiful effects.
I think the work that I have done up to now is significant for me. I have learned how to measure the paint stroke while moving in various directions. I have learned how to find the composition without calculation. Moreover, I have learned to work in a quick but meditative way. I think I’m ready to buy some really good material and try some more.
