It all began with my grandpa.

From our sixth floor apartment in Beijing, we would sit by the light of the window, lay out our brushes, paints, and a perfect sheet of rice paper. I was 5 years old.

Soon, we’d lose ourselves in creation – as white turned into color, formless into form, and emptiness into imagination. Is there anything better than making art?

As Elizabeth Gilbert writes in her book Big Magic – Creative Living Beyond Fear:

“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner—continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself.”

So, onwards, dear friends. Go forth and live your most creative life. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting mine.

© 2020 Helen Ai He All Rights Reserved