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
