Li Ming-sheng, 35, once walked barefoot around the whole island of Taiwan. For the past three years he has devoted his energies to photography, portraying over 100 artists in their daily lives, exploring their souls and inspiration. We've selected some of his best to share with you here.
-The Editors
[Picture Caption]
LIN YU-SHAN
Work from what you see with your eyes to what you see with your heart--that's the motto of my work.
Age 81. Painter. Can often be seen accompanying his wife, who has difficulty walking, in their little courtyard.
YANG SAN-LANG
The bright, enchanting spirit of Nature is the source of my inspiration.
Age 81. Studied in Japan and France as a youth. On his return, founded with friends the T'aiyang Art Association. Still active in art today.
SHEN YAO-CH'U
My painting strive for idea over form. What matters is not the outward resemblance but the inner vitality. So I paint in a muddle, and the people who look at them get muddled, too.
Age 80. One of Taiwan's earliest modern painters. In recent years, due to ill health, has painted rather less.
LIU CH'I-WEI
An Indian told me: Don't carry a backpack in your hands. Carry it on your back.
Age 76. Enthusiastic explorer of primitive tribes. Called "the old wizard of the art world."
YUAN SHU-CHEN
Appreciating the beauty of art and of life and transforming art into life and oneself into art are the greatest needs of industrial society.
Age 76. As a teacher at National Taiwan Normal University's art department, was extremely supportive of her students. Called "the nanny of the painting world."
CH'EN T'ING-SHIH
By not bothering myself about worldly affairs, I can concentrate on my creative work.
Age 72. Deaf and dumb, but optimistic and humorous; conversing with him in writing is a joy. His works are mainly etchings and wash paintings. Recently became enthused with sculpture.
CH'U KO
I don't feel that being ill is a threat. It's a common occurrence.
Age 56. Had cancer. Famous at an early age for his poetry and calligraphy. Now works at the National Palace Museum.
CH'EN CH'I-K'UAN
With today's rapid interflow of East and West, the culture of the future will be more or less a global one. My art looks at the world from a universal viewpoint.
Age 66. Has the temperament of a traditional Chinese gentleman and paint s only ink and wash, yet is also a famous architect.
CHENG SHAN-HSI
Grab anything you like and I'll make a painting right here.
Age 55. Expert at watercolors and calligraphy. A thick, clumsy line is a characteristic of his style.
CHU MING
Life is my thought and my work.
Age 49. Used to carve in wood, later turned to pottery. His recent works are chiefly bronze sculpture. But no matter what the medium, the subject is the same: life around him.
YANG SAN-LANG The bright, enchanting spirit of Nature is the source of my inspiration. Age 81. Studied in Japan and France as a youth. On his return, founded with friends the T'aiyang Art Association. Still active in art today.
YUAN SHU-CHEN Appreciating the beauty of art and of life and transforming art into life and oneself into art are the greatest needs of industrial society. Age 76. As a teacher at National Taiwan Normal University's art department, was extremely supportive of her students. Called "the nanny of the painting world.".
SHEN YAO-CH'U My painting strive for idea over form. What matters is not the outward resemblance but the inner vitality. So I paint in a muddle, and the people who look at them get muddled, too. Age 80. One of Taiwan's earliest modern painters. In recent years, due to ill health, has painted rather less.
LIU CH'I-WEI An Indian told me: Don't carry a backpack in your hands. Carry it on your back. Age 76. Enthusiastic explorer of primitive tribes. Called "the old wizard of the art world.".
CH'EN T'ING-SHIH By not bothering myself about worldly affairs, I can concentrate on my creative work. Age 72. Deaf and dumb, but optimistic and humorous; conversing with him in writing is a joy. His works are mainly etchings and wash paintings. Recently became enthused with sculpture.
CH'U KO I don't feel that being ill is a threat. It's a common occurrence. Age 56. Had cancer. Famous at an early age for his poetry and calligraphy. Now works at the National Palace Museum.
CH'EN CH'I-K'UAN With today's rapid interflow of East and West, the culture of the future will be more or less a global one. My art looks at the world from a universal viewpoint. Age 66. Has the temperament of a traditional Chinese gentleman and paint s only ink and wash, yet is also a famous architect.
CHENG SHAN-HSI Grab anything you like and I'll make a painting right here. Age 55. Expert at watercolors and calligraphy. A thick, clumsy line is a characteristic of his style.
Life is my thought and my work. Age 49. Used to carve in wood, later turned to pottery. His recent works are chiefly bronze sculpture. But no matter what the medium, the subject is the same: life around him.
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