MR. YING WANG

QCEG: “Could you please tell us about your artistic journey and how your passion for painting began?”
 
MR. YING WANG: “Since childhood, around the age of seven, I've been passionate about painting and drawing. Creating art brought me immense joy, and my father, recognising my desire to learn, enrolled me in a special school to study Chinese ink and calligraphy under the guidance of master artists. I was mentored by respected figures like Wang Xuetao and Liang Zhibin. The intricate brushwork of freehand-style painting, particularly in capturing the essence of the enduring plum flower motif in Chinese art, deeply fascinated me. As I grew older, my sense of curiosity prompted me to explore the realm of Western painting studies. This exciting journey began during my time at the Beijing Children's Palace, where I immersed myself in an entirely new world of artistic expression.”

QCEG: “Being a highly occupied diplomat, how do you skilfully navigate your artistic pursuits while successfully maintaining a balance between these two distinct yet demanding roles?”
 
MR. YING WANG: “You know, my passion for art runs deep within me. The canvas of my life is beautifully coloured by my role as a diplomat, a job I wholeheartedly adore. Through my diplomatic journey, I've had the privilege of connecting with countless souls from around the globe. It's like unwrapping a gift to find the poetic essence hidden within each encounter.

Our lives are gracefully interwoven with art in all its forms: the brushstrokes on canvas, architectural designs, the ever-evolving fashion trends, the melodies of music, and the poetry of words. These facets of art illuminate the paths of our existence, emanating from the deepest parts of our being.

In my worldly wanderings as a diplomat, I've crossed paths with a multitude of cultures and individuals. From the sun-kissed landscapes of Australia to the bustling cities of the United States, the rich heritage of Europe, and the timeless elegance of the United Kingdom, my journey has now brought me to the enchanting embrace of Paris. I consider myself profoundly fortunate to have the opportunity to engage with various cultures, enabling me to immerse myself in their energies and perspectives, all while cherishing and respecting their timeless traditions.

The cultural exchanges that form the cornerstone of my experiences leave me brimming with enthusiasm. They are like chapters of a never-ending book, a continuous exploration of the intertwining narratives of humanity and nature. Through each interaction, I gain a deeper understanding, absorbing the wisdom and insights of the people who color my journey. Just as I appreciate their perspectives, I find myself in a state of constant learning, an eternal student of life's incredible diversity.

And just like the cultural exchanges that enrich my world, my art is an exchange of emotions and visions. ”

QCEG: “Mr. Ying Wang, you've received numerous artistic awards and showcased your paintings in various countries. It's known that your artwork is even chosen by China's Central Government for official gifting to foreign dignitaries during their visits. Could you elaborate on these achievements?”
 
MR. YING WANG: “Certainly. I'm immensely proud of my artistic journey and its remarkable achievements. My paintings have graced prestigious venues like the United Nations Headquarters in New York, as well as galleries across Beijing, Korea, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It's a particular source of pride that certain pieces were chosen by China's Central Government as official gifts to foreign dignitaries, underscoring their recognition of my artistic prowess. The Prize of Excellence, which was bestowed upon me at China's 50th Anniversary Exhibition in 1999, serves as a testament to the recognition of my contributions to the art world. Equally significant is my participation in the esteemed 2012 UN Exhibition, where I stood alongside esteemed artists and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. This marked a pivotal milestone in my career."

Leading seminars at the UN Headquarters and renowned American universities has been an honour, enabling me to share insights about art appreciation and connect with diverse audiences. The invitations to guide seminars at the United Nations Headquarters and prestigious American universities have been profoundly humbling. These opportunities have allowed me to share my perspectives on art appreciation and engage with an even broader and diverse audience.”

QCEG: “How did your time in the United Kingdom, balancing your job and your artwork, shape your experience?”
MR. YING WANG: “My experience in the United Kingdom was truly remarkable as I navigated the balance between my professional responsibilities and artistic pursuits. The diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes across the UK provided me with an endless wellspring of inspiration. The ever-shifting beauty of nature throughout the seasons, especially in enchanting regions like the Lake District, Manchester, and Scarborough, profoundly enriched my artistic journey. I became particularly captivated by the fusion of two distinct painting techniques: the rich artistic traditions of China and the Western world.Each season carried a poignant message and unparalleled beauty, akin to an untold narrative yearning to be expressed. As I embarked on this creative odyssey, my diplomatic role granted me the privilege of extensively exploring and capturing the very essence of the UK. This invaluable opportunity not only deepened my connection with the country's diverse landscapes but also facilitated meaningful interactions with its people and their myriad cultures. Through my artwork, I've diligently strived to encapsulate the treasured memories and exquisite moments that have indelibly marked my sojourn, weaving them into a resplendent tapestry of beauty.”

QCEG: “Could you please provide us with some insight into the inspiration behind your paintings in Paris?”
 
MR. YING WANG: “I'd be happy to share the inspiration behind my paintings in Paris. The heart of Paris serves as an endless wellspring of creativity for me. Roaming through its charming streets and absorbing the vibrant energy that permeates the city, I find myself captivated by the interplay of light and shadow, the delicate dance between bustling activity and tranquil moments. This dynamic equilibrium between urban life and the natural world fuels my artistic vision. Parisians and their deep connection to the city also contribute significantly to my inspiration. Observing them as they immerse themselves in the beauty and essence of Paris, relishing every moment, creates a profound sense of joy within me. The synergy between the people and their surroundings, where the cityscape becomes an extension of their lives, is a narrative I strive to express on canvas. Paris boasts an exquisite blend of historical monuments and contemporary architecture. The juxtaposition of timeless sculptures and modern structures against the backdrop of changing seasons fuels my creativity. This timeless harmony, where the old and the new coexist, offers a rich tapestry of visual elements that I eagerly translate into my artwork."My paintings strive to capture the very soul of Paris – its vibrant spirit, the seamless blend of nature and urban life, and the intriguing narratives of its residents. Each stroke of my brush is guided by the allure of this city, as I seek to preserve its multifaceted beauty on the canvas for others to appreciate and share in the experience During the Chinese Spring Festival break, I traveled to Italy, more precisely to the picturesque Scilly region. It was during this trip that I fully immersed myself in painting, dedicating a significant amount of time to create art that truly encapsulated the essence of the surroundings.  I indulged in the romantic atmosphere of Florence, where I crafted numerous small, yet profoundly meaningful paintings, pushing my chosen media of brush, ink, and watercolour beyond traditional boundaries. Watercolour, to me, represents peace and unity.”

QCEG: “How long does it take for you to complete a work of art?”
 
MR. YING WANG: “For a Chinese painting using ink and watercolour, it can take me between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the subject. It doesn't take long. When I paint on Xuan paper, it dries very quickly.”

QCEG: “What subjects do you enjoy painting the most?”
 
MR. YING WANG: “I take great pleasure in depicting the changing seasons. I relish capturing the ambiance of the natural world, along with people in motion. Typically, I start with a rough sketch and then proceed to work on the colours.”

QCEG: “What is your favorite season?”
 
MR. YING WANG: “I love both fall and spring. In fall, I enjoy the changing colours of leaves and in spring, I appreciate the blooming. In winter, as the leaves drop, the bare trees resemble crowds of people in various shapes and forms.”

QCEG: “For the final question, what message would you like to convey to our readers and your fans through your artwork?”
 
MR. YING WANG: “When I paint, I'm reminded of the intricate harmony between light and shadow, the interplay between humanity and the natural world. Each brushstroke captures the essence of these scenes, bringing them to life on canvas. My aspiration is to continually share the captivating beauty of these atmospheres and moods through my artistic creations—the dance of shadows within the interplay of light and darkness.”