Traditional techniquesInk painting is a form of traditional Chinese painting that originated over 1,000 years ago during the Tang Dynasty. Ink painters seek to bring to life not only the outward physical appearance of the subject, but also its internal essence.
Traditional ink painting uses only black ink rather than color to emphasize technique. Solid ink in the form of an ink stick is combined with water in an inkstone reservoir. The artist’s brush is then dipped in the reservoir before being put to rice paper to create the painting. Brushes can vary in size, material, and density to create different brushstrokes from washes to precise lines. Scrolls are a traditional format for ink paintings. Horizontal hand scrolls are meant to be unrolled bit by bit from right to left to reveal the painting continuously. The vertical hanging scroll is better suited to display, as it can be viewed in its entirety. |
Stormy Sea, Ink and watercolor, 1995, 71" x 35"
The ocean's magnificence comes from the endless and infinite vitality of the tides and waves as they continuously release energy. The enlightenment of the ocean spiritually motivates my creation in this Chinese ink painting.
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A Cornucopia of Gladiolus, Watercolor, 1997, 31" x 43"
Sunshine, air, and water are the most precious treasures of life bestowed by the Creator God. I painted these lovely and beautiful flowers to express my gratitude and admiration for the Creator.
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watercoloR PAINTINGThe painting medium of watercolor was introduced to China during the Qing Dynasty. Color in Chinese painting comes from pigments in the form of powders or solid cakes. These colorful pigments are made using plants and minerals and contain a glue as a binder. Watercolor tools include paints, brushes, and thick paper. Like ink painting, watercolor uses washes, but places less emphasis on line. Watercolor paints can be applied wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry. Chinese painters initially favored traditional ink painting but have since embraced watercolor and combined the two media to create beautiful works like that of Rose Chiu.
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Sars and COVID: Artists During Pandemic Quarantine TImes
On February 21, 2003, a nephrologist in Guangzhou, China developed a respiration infection and died of respiratory failure. Other countries reported similar cases to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO named this disease Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.
The Center for Disease Control of Taiwan tried to prevent the SARS epidemic from spreading. Unfortunately, Taiwan could not be rid of the SARS invasion. On March 10, 2003, the first case of SARS appeared in Taiwan. It soon became a difficult fight to control the disease.
Finally, on June 17, 2003, Taiwan was removed from WHO’s list of travel advisory. On July 5, 2003, WHO lifted Taiwan from the list of areas with recent local transmission of SARS.
In December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was formally notified about a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, home to 11 million people and the cultural and economic hub of central China. By January 9, 2020 the WHO announced Mysterious Coronavirus-related Pneumonia in Wuhan. That same month, the Center for Disease Control in the United States confirms the first Coronavirus case. By February the United States declared a public health emergency and in March the WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic. The COVID-19 quarantine, began that same month and did not officially end until May 11, 2023.
During pandemics and quarantines artists can find themselves with time that allows them to create without the usual routine of daily life. During the SARS quarantine, Rose stated that she used a more relaxing method of expression to remember the phenomena of this period. Some of her work includes the text “SARS” within the composition. She stated “everyone helped each other and loved each other with one heart. During the epidemic, love was flourishing, and finally the fight against SARS was successful, and peace and freedom were regained.” The paintings above define that time period for her and how she felt during both the SARS and COVID pandemics
The Center for Disease Control of Taiwan tried to prevent the SARS epidemic from spreading. Unfortunately, Taiwan could not be rid of the SARS invasion. On March 10, 2003, the first case of SARS appeared in Taiwan. It soon became a difficult fight to control the disease.
Finally, on June 17, 2003, Taiwan was removed from WHO’s list of travel advisory. On July 5, 2003, WHO lifted Taiwan from the list of areas with recent local transmission of SARS.
In December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was formally notified about a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, home to 11 million people and the cultural and economic hub of central China. By January 9, 2020 the WHO announced Mysterious Coronavirus-related Pneumonia in Wuhan. That same month, the Center for Disease Control in the United States confirms the first Coronavirus case. By February the United States declared a public health emergency and in March the WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic. The COVID-19 quarantine, began that same month and did not officially end until May 11, 2023.
During pandemics and quarantines artists can find themselves with time that allows them to create without the usual routine of daily life. During the SARS quarantine, Rose stated that she used a more relaxing method of expression to remember the phenomena of this period. Some of her work includes the text “SARS” within the composition. She stated “everyone helped each other and loved each other with one heart. During the epidemic, love was flourishing, and finally the fight against SARS was successful, and peace and freedom were regained.” The paintings above define that time period for her and how she felt during both the SARS and COVID pandemics
Petals of Tears, Watercolor, ink, and gouache, 2003, 27" x 54"
No more music playing
No flower smell good We drink the bitter water, We saw tears dripping on the flowers — Hsiu-Yueh “I hold my trembling body, whispering in my heart: SARS disappear, disappear...” —Rose |
Unconditional Love, Watercolor, ink, and gouache, 2003, 27" x 54"
Yellow Ribbon Falling Like Leaves
They flutter to fight against virus Love combined with suffering It gives warriors amazing strength —Hsiu-Yueh |
Love is Spreading, Watercolor, ink, and gouache, 2003, 27" x 54"
When SARS struck, self-protection made it difficult for us. Life disappears in an instant.
It awakens love Plague escapes Love spreads —Hsiu-Yueh. Yellow ribbon, common to all human beings in the world today Language—Sincere prayers and blessings for you —Rose In the late spring and early summer of 2003, when Taiwan was fighting against SARS, everyone helped each other and loved each other with one heart. During the epidemic, love was flourishing, and finally the fight against SARS was successful, and peace and freedom were regained. |
about rose chiu
Rose Chiu: Heart Intoxicated by Watercolor is a retrospective exhibition featuring internationally celebrated artist from Taiwan, Rose Chiu (Hsiu-Hsia Chen Chiu). It is a captivating 50-year exploration of not only one of the oldest forms of traditional art still made, Chinese brush art, but also an evolution of a singular artist’s creative journey throughout the stages of her life.
Rose pours her heart and soul into her artwork. Each piece is inspired by the stories of her life and the endless beauty found in nature. Each brushstroke and color choice reflect her sensations, whether they are joyful or filled with profound depth, like those experienced during the SARS and COVID pandemics. The music she listens to, the songs she sings, and the memories she carries within her heart all serve to influence her creative process, resulting in a unique fusion of traditional Chinese brush art and contemporary expressions. Each painting tells a story, carrying the essence of Rose’s fascination and love for her subject matters such as landscape and floral, with roses being a prominent feature in many of her pieces. Viewers are transported into a world where traditional Chinese brush art seamlessly merges with contemporary expressions. This exhibition is sure to uplift and inspire audiences of all ages through elegant and colorful depictions of natural beauty.
Rose Chiu earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the Fine Arts Department of the National Taiwan Normal University. She has explored Chinese painting for more than 50 years and has been engaged in art education for 30 years, teaching both elementary and high school students as well as adults. Rose Chiu thrives on creation. She has stated that “creation is a joyful thing.” This exhibition, Rose Chiu: Heart Intoxicated by Watercolor, reflects the expression of her emotions and personal beliefs through the versatile medium of watercolor painting.
Written by Rose Chiu’s sister, Hsiu Yueh Chiu in Taiwan. Excerpt from “As Real as a Dream” found in the Retrospective Album by Rose Chiu
“Through her love for thousands of beautiful roses, Rose presents her attitude toward life. The paintings reveal the beauty of techniques such as lines, colors, and composition and the Rose’s hidden touches of kindness, integrity, and generosity of sharing. The motivation for endless effort in creation starts from a magical healing force. For a naturally keen Rose, the joy of pursuing beautiful objects results in masterpieces. For Rose, facing trouble is also regarded as an expectation of hope. There is always a beautiful figure of roses growing or singing in front of her eyes, they escort her endless creations. I have always admired the magical power of Rose through the brushes, which enriches herself and heals others. Thus, in Rose’s paintings, we can sense her praising the Creator of Nature—the sincere echoes from reality; the touches of the kind interaction of human nature; the gratitude to the elders and parents in her growth; the warm-hearted love between siblings; the family warmth when raising children, and the joy shared with teachers and friends.”
Rose pours her heart and soul into her artwork. Each piece is inspired by the stories of her life and the endless beauty found in nature. Each brushstroke and color choice reflect her sensations, whether they are joyful or filled with profound depth, like those experienced during the SARS and COVID pandemics. The music she listens to, the songs she sings, and the memories she carries within her heart all serve to influence her creative process, resulting in a unique fusion of traditional Chinese brush art and contemporary expressions. Each painting tells a story, carrying the essence of Rose’s fascination and love for her subject matters such as landscape and floral, with roses being a prominent feature in many of her pieces. Viewers are transported into a world where traditional Chinese brush art seamlessly merges with contemporary expressions. This exhibition is sure to uplift and inspire audiences of all ages through elegant and colorful depictions of natural beauty.
Rose Chiu earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the Fine Arts Department of the National Taiwan Normal University. She has explored Chinese painting for more than 50 years and has been engaged in art education for 30 years, teaching both elementary and high school students as well as adults. Rose Chiu thrives on creation. She has stated that “creation is a joyful thing.” This exhibition, Rose Chiu: Heart Intoxicated by Watercolor, reflects the expression of her emotions and personal beliefs through the versatile medium of watercolor painting.
Written by Rose Chiu’s sister, Hsiu Yueh Chiu in Taiwan. Excerpt from “As Real as a Dream” found in the Retrospective Album by Rose Chiu
“Through her love for thousands of beautiful roses, Rose presents her attitude toward life. The paintings reveal the beauty of techniques such as lines, colors, and composition and the Rose’s hidden touches of kindness, integrity, and generosity of sharing. The motivation for endless effort in creation starts from a magical healing force. For a naturally keen Rose, the joy of pursuing beautiful objects results in masterpieces. For Rose, facing trouble is also regarded as an expectation of hope. There is always a beautiful figure of roses growing or singing in front of her eyes, they escort her endless creations. I have always admired the magical power of Rose through the brushes, which enriches herself and heals others. Thus, in Rose’s paintings, we can sense her praising the Creator of Nature—the sincere echoes from reality; the touches of the kind interaction of human nature; the gratitude to the elders and parents in her growth; the warm-hearted love between siblings; the family warmth when raising children, and the joy shared with teachers and friends.”
Ming chuan university (mcu) and Saginaw valley state university (svsu)
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This year marks Saginaw Valley State University’s (SVSU) 60th anniversary and over 18 years of collaboration with Ming Chuan University (MCU), Taipei, Taiwan.
With support from SVSU, MCU officially established operations on the SVSU campus in 2013, which is known as Ming Chuan University—Michigan Location. This collaborative venture made MCU the first Taiwan university to have a U.S. campus, a 10-year dream of Dr. Chuan Lee, President of MCU. At the time of this collaborative establishment, “Ming Chuan was the first Asian university to be accredited in the United States, by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. University officials at the two schools believe this joint venture is the only collaboration in Michigan where an Asian university has a physical campus in the state.” According to their website “MCU offers a unique world class educational experience. We believe in building creative and innovative global citizens who are ready to become world leaders of tomorrow.” This, in turn, aligns with SVSU’s Strategic Plan and Mission. MCU programs at SVSU include a Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Communications and Media Administration and Ming Chuan Endowed Multilingual Writing Awards that recognize outstanding undergraduate writing by SVSU students for whom English is not their native language. MCU and SVSU support a mutually beneficial collaboration that will expand globally. At the same time, SVSU will thrive in internationalization through MCU’s strong Asian connections. SVSU’s Office of Global Engagement operates as the primary liaison between SVSU and MCU, a US accredited Taiwanese university. Ming Chuan University-Michigan Location is located in Gilbertson Hall on SVSU’s Campus. |