I started learning ink painting from my teacher Wang Rui-cong in my early days, and I began to branch out with my own art creations at the age of 26. I used watermark, inscription rubbing, wet mounting, and airbrush techniques etc. in attempt to enhance the atmosphere and quality of the image. My subjects mostly come from still life, and my observation for the scenery is converted into my own style for the representation on the canvas. My personal belief is that a skilled painter must possess skilled techniques, but skilled techniques do not lead to a skilled painter. As an art worker, painting is not merely a hobby in character building, contribution to inner tranquility, nor simply depicting some scenery. A certain sense of calling is in order between each train of thought. This is especially true in the open-minded thinking of today’s society. We are extremely fortunate to be able to wake up each day without fear, or rather should I say complete liberation of our souls. We are able to think freely, to look for a self solitude, and to seize the moment that will be gone the next. It is not difficult to depict something in appearances only, nor is it difficult to manipulate art using merely techniques. However, whether if one is able to transform some scenery into a state of mind, then becomes the most important aspect. This state of mind then stems into the realm of personal techniques, consciousness, spirituality, and practices in art. As a result, the process of creation cannot be confined to the boundaries of originality. The inner spirit and outer formality of art then becomes the often discussed generality and particularity. Particularity involves the evolving cultures between different nations due to geographical and climatic conditions. Therefore, art creation merely becomes a formality in social and educational functions if artistic conversion cannot be attained. I spent a significant portion of my time in Southwest Taiwan searching for the smell of the land and the scent of the green grass. My beautiful but winding wanderings left me with a link between the land and my soul. The DNA of life, our culture, and our nation should be the first things that an artist recognizes. The artist can then identify with one’s self, our land, and our history. We have to avoid the McDonaldization of art, as well as remembering our identifiable roots – images that is sharable – without getting lost in the progressive, shocking, and grossly graphical symbolism of modern art. As an art worker, painting is not merely an act in character building, but rather a belief in life, a career, and a struggle with life. At the same time, it is also self realization and self accomplishment. I will uphold this personal belief and keep course in this direction. (Wang Sin-feng)