Lingling Zhao

In my contemporary practice, one can see a myriad of influences and technical practices coming together to generate a world that is between that of the natural world and the imagined or spiritual realm.

While I paint realistic images I am connected to the ideas of the power of natural energy, metaphor, and imagination within the painting. I was born, raised, and educated in China and the field of traditional Chinese arts has a great influence on not only my personal outlook but my artwork.
In an abstract way, my painting approaches the ideas behind quantum physics such as the concept that we live in a world of thought which creates matter. I like to think of my artistic process as the energy that first forms in my mind�s eye, and is revealed through sketches, photographs, and even Photoshop experimentation, slowly becoming a painting.

As a whole, the theme of my work is related to balance and harmony in Tao, the way � the means to achieve this harmony. In my paintings one can see the symbols of Ying and Yang, reflecting the balance of the active and receptive, shown in my work as cycles of life, nature, the imagery of chaos, and material energy taking place in my imaginative cosmos.