As a boy, he would spend
most of his leisure time attending art exhibitions and browsing around
second- hand book stores; intent on deepening his awareness of the art.
The members of James'
traditionally-minded, conservative family had mixed reactions to his wanting
to be an artist. His father and a brother encouraged him while the rest
doubted the earnestness of his intention. But the more he was discouraged,
the greater was the urge to prove his artistic abilities and to gain
financial independence through this profession.
In his early teens, James
had already set his mind on a particular style of brush painting ? the
Lingnan style which created scenes with a living quality. He read widely on
Lingnan painting and he even enrolled himself on a correspondence course
conducted by a famous Lingnan artist from Taiwan. However, he found it very
difficult to master the technique through correspondence; so, regretfully he
withdrew from the course.
From then, James was left
to try to master the technique on his own, until he chanced a meeting with a
renowned Lingnan master, Wong Lui-Sang at an exhibition. This resourceful
young man offered Huang his service as an assistant while receiving tutelage
from the master.
For the ensuing six years,
James was to study, practice and improve his technique under the master's
guidance ?a rare privilege indeed for a young artist just starting out. In
fact, he even traveled to San Francisco with his master during this time.
"The Lingnan School was started
by a group of Cantonese artists in China." said James. "They used Chinese
art techniques, but because these masters traveled widely, they were
influenced by Japanese and American styles. They tended to deviate from the
original Chinese art form by introducing new subjects, themes and ideas.
In time, a distinct style evolved."
What impressed James
most was the way modern art ideas were being incorporated with the ancient
practices. Even abstract art, something virtually unheard of in Chinese art,
was accepted by the Lingnan School.
Furthermore, while traditional
Chinese compositions tend to use more black, grey and white tones, Lingnan
art, on the other hand, will keep closely with the original ?and therefore
more natural-colours. To James, this is very important as natural colours
create a sense of animation in the painting.
To paint his subjects as
authentic to their original form as possible, James spends time studying
carefully every subject he intends to paint. He now knows how lotuses and
peonies unfold their petals; how carps and goldfish meander, even the
difference between the way sparrows and thrushes fly is noted by him
"In the beginning. I just
painted what I thought was right," said James, "but when I observed life and
com- pared it with my works, I found that I was wrong to have assumed the
behaviors of my subjects. I had not under- stood them well enough to make
them look real. Now I make sure I study what I want to draw so that I don't
make mistakes."
As he mastered the
intricacies of Lingnan brush- work, he developed his own unique
philosophies: "I like the contemporary spirit in my paintings; I like to
keep my work up to date. So when I visit exhibitions, I always look out for
revolutionary trends and try to analyze the factors that cause artists to
adopt changes in their art."
In this way, James is
able to fulfill his desire of perpetual self-improvement. He found himself
maturing, not just due to the natural passage of time but because he
persevered towards that goal.
James no longer confines
himself to using traditional Chinese'-brushes. He paints equally well with
any type of paintbrush.
"It is not the type of
brush you use; it's the technique that's important. It's also how you handle
and control your brush." says James.
His compositions also
bear certain characteristics reflective of his lifestyle and personal
beliefs. If we had to use just one word to describe. James works; it would
be 'tranquility': none of his paintings have any evidence of fuss or
confusion.
"My compositions always
focus on quietness, peace freedom and romance. I would love to see beauty
and happiness in this world." he said. "As far as possible people should
avoid being bogged down by problems. And for an artist, I consider it very
important to view beauty as an essence of life."
And so it was with that
conviction that he created such works as "Carefree" 'After Rain' in which
James attempts to bring Nature's benevolence to light. The former depicts
five carps merrily, yet gracefully weaving among the weeds, without anxiety
or fear. 'After Rain' captures a romantic scene of two little birds enjoying
the cool, clean air after shower of rain.
Although his paintings
are expressive of a certain mood or emotion. James realizes that
interpretation can differ widely from person to person. Others may not see a
niece of work the way he had intended it to be, but that is acceptable to
him.
Turning to his more
unconventional pieces, Waterfall' and 'Expression', he said: "Right now, I
don't believe in painting a picture that immediately reveals the composition
I paint my feelings and allow the appreciative eye to interpret my works
according to what they see.
It is clear that this
concept is adopted from the Lingnan School which does not advocate a
dogmatic approach to style and technique. Lingnan artist's support the
modernizations of traditional brushwork and suggests that the artist grows
with his art. With other artists and, even compete in order to .stand out
prominently.
Perhaps this is the very
principle that motivates James to forge ahead of many of his contemporaries.
Although he may look boyish and unassuming and appear satisfied with his
lot. James has an iron will and the necessary discipline to develop his
talent to the fullest.
In September this year,
one of James abstract painting, entitled "Bay" won him a Certificate of
Distinction from United Overseas Bank Group s Fourth Painting of the Year
competition. 'Bay is a captivating and interesting blend of the themes of
solitude and freedom.
Still, this artist does
not selfishly guard his skill - James conducts classes and demonstrations to
art enthusiasts At the same time, he is aspiring towards a long-overdue
dream of setting up an art gallery that will feature fine works of art. He
would like to donate e such a museum to the country for it to become a
cultural centre that educates the public on the appreciation of true
beauty in art.
James Tan is
one of a rare breed of Chinese artists who have dared to venture beyond the
traditional norm to create new images and yet keep the valued technique of
fine strokes and delicate effects in traditional Chinese paintings
