Ruth Law is an Australian-born artist working and living in Sydney.
Ruth's work (primarily painting with ink and gouache on rice paper)
invokes the euphony of the delicate path between the old traditional
techniques of Chinese brush painting and the colour and light of
Australian flora, bringing a rhythm of joy that to her work.
Linda
Chang was the Chinese Artist under whom Ruth studied, learning the
technique of Chinese watercolour painting in 1979 whilst living
in San Francisco. It was during this period and when in Hong Kong,
that Ruth learnt the technique of Chinese brushstrokes with the
methodical repetition of practicing an Eastern skill. Virtuosity,
the nuances of the brush with its calligraphic grammar and syntax
evolved over thousands of years and requiring a dedication of continuing
practice. She discovered the joy in painting on different qualities
of paper, as well as on silk scrolls and rice paper fans.
On
her return to Australia in 1986 after 10 years living overseas,
Ruth realised how the Chinese style of brushstrokes lends itself
so beautifully to painting the Australian flora. The rhythmic quality
of Ruth’s brushstrokes comes from her ability to let the brush
do the work. She meditates before painting and becomes absorbed
in the image. The serenity of her technique leads to the serene
images it produces.
The
six essential characteristics of art were described by the Chinese,
Hsieh Ho in the 5th Century:
"First,
creating a lifelike tone and atmosphere; second, building structure
through brush work; third depicting the form of things as they
are; fourth, appropriate colouring; fifth composition; and sixth,
transcribing and copying."
This
description of the Chinese method shows how the influence of Ruth's
training is expressed in her work. She is forever learning and experimenting
with technique and form and has a capacity to develop and build
her knowledge and extend her form of expression.
The paintings are not meant to be an exact botanical rendition but
an artistic interpretation, giving the flower a strong and dynamic
persona. However it is the pleasure and harmony that the viewer
feels which is of most importance.
