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Lew sometimes combines the abstraction with realistic themes, such as "Fish." "I painted this painting from the koi fish from the pond of my backyard," says the artist. Lew adds that the abstract nature of this painting is obvious, however, the details of the koi fishes are not ignored, they are depicted in a very realistic way, that conveys to the viewer this very moment that all fish (except one) were swimming toward a single source - probably food - or toward a light at the bottom of the painting. "One fish was going the wrong direction as if it was curious and wanting to find out why everyone was dashing the other way, causing traffic congestion as two of them in the middle collided with each other," he explains.
Lew's work exemplifies the artist's training in his early years in Asian Contemporary Art, with strong stokes or variable shapes of lines in a calligraphic style. The painter was born in Shanghai and studied contemporary Chinese painting under Master Cheng Shifa. He was a staff painter at the International Gallery in Hong Kong while attending Hong Kong's University's Art School. He worked and studied in Germany for seven years years before moving to California.
Lew's paintings are also coming to the canvas from his rich imagination and inner visions. He describes the painting called "Sun Power Abstraction" as something of a photo shot from outer space, maybe a satellite, capturing the passing movement of a tremendous energy source, probably the sun. "It gave me the inspiration to paint multiple layers of transparent colors which do not create a confusion but a harmonious environment - like our universe," he says.
Lew's work is on exhibit in the Homework Center of the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd. - S. Braccini
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA