Seeking the Beauty of Nature, Creating New Art
-Shutian Cao

The Russian scholar Nikolai Chernyshevsky once stated: “Beauty is life.” People's desire for beauty can only be satisfied in reality. All that is beautiful comes from nature and life. Without the beauty of life and nature, how can there be artistic beauty? In this sense, the beauty of life surpasses the beauty of art.

My wish is to immerse myself in the beauty of nature and life, to be deeply moved by it, and to capture those emotions through painting. Old houses are a subject dear to my heart. I am particularly drawn to ancient Chinese folk architecture, especially in the Jiangnan region where I grew up—white walls, blue bricks, black tiles, old stone-paved roads, intricately carved wooden window lattices, exquisitely sculpted door beams, and the ancient brick and stone carvings embedded in these old houses. I cherish the serene alleys, quiet old streets, towering horse-head walls, tranquil stone bridges, the gentle creaking of wooden boats, and the weathered arch bridges. Although the rapid pace of urbanization has turned many of these into mere memories, they still flood my mind and remain vivid in my imagination. Fortunately, in rural areas across China, such as Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu, as well as a few villages and towns near Shanghai, some well-preserved ancient villages can still be found. These Jiangnan villages, regarded as treasures by painters, are places I must visit.

Zhuangzi once said, “Simplicity holds an unrivaled beauty.” Here, simplicity refers not only to people but also to objects. In my mind, the traditional blue-printed cloth of Chinese folk craftsmanship perfectly embodies this idea. It is not a luxury item but a humble, handmade fabric woven and dyed by the working people. Its patterns vary, carrying auspicious meanings and reflecting the simple worldview of laborers. For example, “Joy on the Plum Branch” (喜上梅梢) features magpies and plum blossoms, symbolizing happiness; “Five Blessings Arrive” (五福临门) showcases five bats, representing good fortune; other motifs include leaping carp, rolling lion cubs, the Four Gentlemen (plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum), and the “Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity” (龙凤呈祥). Blue-printed cloth has a wide range of applications, from ceremonial robes and capes to scarves, tablecloths, skirts, and bedding. It is simple yet elegant, unpretentious yet refined.

I incorporate blue-printed cloth and ancient villages into my paintings, drawing inspiration from folk art and architecture to discover the wisdom of the working people. I seek to absorb, refine, and celebrate traditional culture while praising the natural beauty of simplicity. I am willing to be a messenger of this artistic pursuit.

When I wander through the quiet stone-paved streets, I am reminded of Zhuge Liang’s famous words: “Without detachment, one cannot clarify one’s ambitions; without serenity, one cannot reach far.” This means that only by letting go of worldly fame and fortune can one truly understand their purpose, and only by achieving inner peace can one realize great aspirations. The tranquility of old streets allows me to calm my mind, casting aside distractions and immersing myself in observation—to discover the extraordinary within the ordinary, and to find depth in simplicity. Just as Master Pan Tianshou once captured a corner of Xiaolongqiu in Yandang Mountain with just a few wild chrysanthemums, a cluster of leaves and grass, and a few stones—what might seem insignificant to the average eye became a masterpiece of Chinese painting in his hands.

I, too, often find myself lost in thought. Some may consider painting— or, to be more modest, this craft— nothing more than a trivial skill. But for me, it brings endless joy, and I pursue it with unwavering determination. If I had to choose between painting and worldly temptations, I would choose painting without hesitation. I believe that life is about doing what one loves, without chasing quick success. As the saying goes, “All roads lead to Rome.” As long as one persists in their passion, they will inevitably reach new depths and discoveries.

To uncover and express the grand beauty of the world is both the duty and the joy of an artist. For me, the pursuit extends from the old houses of Jiangnan and Hui-style architecture to the stilted wooden houses of western Hunan, from the ancient city of Pingyao to the Tulou dwellings of Fujian, from the cave homes of northern Shaanxi to the mountainous cityscape of Chongqing, from the elevated residences of Xinjiang to the stone villages of Hebei—each a source of artistic inspiration that I follow with great devotion.

This pursuit has now expanded beyond China. As the world opens its doors, I have marveled at the grandeur of ancient Roman ruins, the breathtaking splendor of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the perfectly preserved architecture of ancient India, and the historic castles of Italy, France, Britain, and Germany. I have also been captivated by Iceland’s unique natural landscapes and the diverse architectural styles and natural wonders of the United States. All of these have entered my artistic vision and will find expression in my paintings.

This summer, Perkins Art Center will host my exhibition "Visions of the Idlyllic". The literal meaning in Chinese is “Other Realm”. Through the medium of Chinese painting, I aim to convey my impressions of the architectural and natural beauty of both China and the United States. While preparing for the exhibition, I received such feedback: “Can your works incorporate more modern abstraction and less realistic details?” This is an intriguing question, one worth contemplating. Compared to oil painting, Chinese painting already possesses a degree of abstraction. However, I find that excessive abstraction makes it difficult to capture the vivid moments of real life. The magnificent cultural and natural landscapes around the world, each shaped by centuries of history, present themselves before me with striking clarity. My abilities may be limited, but I will dedicate my life to expressing this beauty.

I am merely a drop in the ocean of the Shanghai School (海派), still striving to enrich my knowledge and refine my skills. “Live and learn.” The heavens, if they had emotions, would also grow old, yet the trials and tribulations of the world remain eternal. I will continue my journey of discovering the beauty of nature and creating art that embodies the essence of simplicity.