{"id":4648,"date":"2025-07-01T17:16:15","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T17:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/?page_id=4648"},"modified":"2025-07-01T19:58:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T19:58:47","slug":"interview-with-maxine-xu-where-tradition-meets-transformation-in-contemporary-chinese-brushwork","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/interview-with-maxine-xu-where-tradition-meets-transformation-in-contemporary-chinese-brushwork\/","title":{"rendered":"INTERVIEW WITH MAXINE XU: WHERE TRADITION MEETS TRANSFORMATION IN CONTEMPORARY CHINESE BRUSHWORK"},"content":{"rendered":"

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July 1, 2025<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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interview with maxine xu where tradition meets transformation in contemporary chinese brushwork<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Life is a collective masterpiece, shaped by the people who cross our path.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Some connections are fleeting, leaving only a trace, while others become anchors, helping form the very core of who we are. Whether they challenge us, accompany us for a season, or offer unconditional love, every interaction leaves its imprint.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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At times, a single person especially one who offers steady support and deep affection can shift the entire course of our lives. These rare bonds often guide us through pivotal moments and awaken new possibilities within us.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For the artist Maxine, one such extraordinary figure played that role, helping shape her artistic vision and future. Her artworks embody a style rooted in tradition yet reborn through profound emotion, aiming to evoke feelings of peace, joy, or quiet strength. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the connection that helped define her creative path.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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1) You began learning Chinese calligraphy at 8 and brush painting at 10. How did those early experiences shape your current artistic style?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Learning calligraphy at 8 trained my hand in control, rhythm, and flow, skills that became second nature by the time I started brush painting at 10. These practices rooted me in the Chinese philosophy of qi, or life force,<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tand taught me to focus not just on form but on spirit. That foundation shapes everything I do now, from the fluidity of my brushwork to the way I control the spontaneity in my art.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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But when I moved to the U.S., the demands of study and work pulled me away from art, and painting became a forgotten pursuit.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt wasn\u2019t until 18 years ago after the passing of my beloved grandmother, my guiding light, that something in\nme reawakened. Her loss reminded me how short and fragile life is. That pain stirred a deep urge to create again. Since then, every brushstroke has been both a return and a tribute, honoring her memory and expressing my love for life, beauty, and meaning. My style today is rooted in tradition but reborn through emotion. It\u2019s not just technique, it\u2019s legacy and healing.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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2) What drew you to the Han Chi as a central theme in your work, and what does it personally symbolize for you?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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It captivated me because it’s a creature of legend that represents prosperity, good fortune, and happiness. It is endowed with infinite strength and myriad transformations. It is friendly towards people. It originated from ancient jade buried for thousands of years, yet its spirit feels alive and timeless. Personally, it symbolizes
resilience and protection, a guardian energy that transcends eras. It also allows me to bridge the mystical and the modern in my work.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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3) You blend traditional Chinese colors with Western acrylics. How did you develop this fusion technique, and what challenges did it present?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis fusion started as an experiment, placing Western acrylics and Chinese pigments on the same stage: Xuan or rice paper. Acrylics are bold and bright, while Chinese pigments are subtle and poetic. At first, balancing their different textures and drying times was a challenge. But with practice, they began to enhance each other, one speaking in vibrant life, the other in quiet elegance. That duality became my signature.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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4) Can you walk us through your creative process when starting a new painting? Do you begin with an image in mind or let intuition guide the brush?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI start by observing nature deeply, flowers, fruits etc., until their essence settles in my mind. Then I step back. The actual painting happens in a moment of inspiration, guided more by intuition than rigid planning. I let the brush respond to the energy of the moment, trying to capture the spirit rather than replicate appearance.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t $\"\"$ \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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5) How do ancient Chinese themes and symbols influence the stories you tell through your art today?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThey provide a powerful vocabulary. Symbols like grapes (abundance and blessing), or the Han Chi (protection and power), aren\u2019t just decorative, they carry emotional and cultural weight. By reinterpreting them through a modern lens, I connect the past to the present and give ancient stories new resonance.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor example:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The three golden characters \u201c\u5bff\u201d symbolize<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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1. Long-lasting fortune and longevity,
2. Equal longevity with heaven,
3. Blessed health and long life.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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6) Do you feel a responsibility to preserve or modernize traditional Chinese painting techniques in your work?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Both. I honor the traditions, like capturing spirit over realism and using brush and ink with intention. But I also believe in evolution. By blending styles, adjusting formats, and experimenting with color, I keep the tradition alive, not frozen. It’s preservation through innovation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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7) You\u2019ve exhibited in both national and international venues. Which exhibit or award has meant the most to you, and why?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The second-place award at the Houston Art Society Spring Exhibition in 2022 stands out. That painting, Dandelion, was emotionally charged and deeply personal.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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It represented <\/span>resilience and strength.<\/span><\/strong> It thrives in tough conditionsand keeps coming back, even after being uprooted.<\/span><\/li>
It represented <\/span>hope and wishes,<\/span><\/strong> blowing its seeds is tied to making wishes, representing dreams and possibilities.<\/span><\/li>
It represented <\/span>renewal and transformation<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 from flower to seed puff, it embodies life\u2019s cycles and the power of letting go.<\/span><\/li>
It represented <\/span>connection to nature<\/span><\/strong> and <\/span>simplicity<\/strong>,<\/span> often overlooked, it’s a reminder of quiet beauty and natural grace.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThese concepts close to my heart because three years ago I was laid off by the company. In the low points of life, I did not give up or lie flat; I was filled with positive energy for the future. This resonates in my paintings. Being recognized for that work felt like my voice had truly reached others.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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8) How has being a member of\nthe Sumi-e Society of America\nimpacted your artistic journey\nand exposure?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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It\u2019s expanded my community and pushed me to refine my techniques. Exhibiting with artists who deeply respect ink traditions has been both humbling and inspiring. It\u2019s also given my work a wider platform, including national juried shows and publications that have helped broaden my audience.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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9) Your work is described as \u201cgentle, graceful, and magical.\u201d What emotions or thoughts do you hope viewers take away from your paintings?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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I hope they feel connection, whether it\u2019s peace, joy, prosperity or quiet strength. My goal is never to dictate
meaning but to spark a silent dialogue. If a viewer walks away feeling something real, even if they can\u2019t name it, then the painting has done its job.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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10) What\u2019s next for you as an artist? Are there new themes or mediums you\u2019re eager to explore?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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I\u2019m exploring the concept of \u201chuman-dragon fusion\u201d from ancient texts like Shan Hai Jing (Dragon man fusion! Boundless magical power!), and diving deeper into jade-inspired symbolism, such as Divine figures in ancient jade, jade pendant or motif. I\u2019m also considering expanding into ceramics (The Inlay of high temperature colored glaze and Ceramic Mosaic) or mixed media\u2014 new forms where ancient themes can live and breathe in unexpected ways. Growth is essential, and I\u2019m ready for the next transformation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor my new serial of painting for Han Chi, I will hide a unique piece of calligraphy, offering a quiet discovery for those who look closely. Cali Max Han Chi is my branding name. Art with spirit, story, and hidden meaning. I blend calligraphy and brush painting, East and West. Every piece holds a secret, each stroke a symbol, each Han Chi a guardian.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Copyright \u00a9 2025 TheBirdwing. Alle rechten voorbehouden.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
July 1, 2025 interview with maxine xu where tradition meets transformation in contemporary chinese brushwork Life is a<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_tutorstarter_page_metadata":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4648","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4648"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4648\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4712,"href":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4648\/revisions\/4712"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebirdwing.be\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}