“From Classroom to Canvas - A Journey
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“From Classroom to Canvas - A Journey of Artistic Transformation” HSU SHU-YA
by Viviana Puello
In this issue of ICON by ArtTour International, we are honored to explore the captivating artistic journey of Hsu Shu-ya, an artist whose life experiences and deep emotional connections have profoundly shaped her work. Her story, filled with personal trials and triumphs, is a source of inspiration for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Hsu Shu-ya’s art is a beacon of resilience and creativity, reflecting a life filled with profound experiences and deep emotional connections. Her journey from a senior high school teacher to an acclaimed artist is a testament to the transformative power of art, especially when it becomes a channel for processing life’s most challenging moments.
Hsu Shu-ya’s artistic style is deeply rooted in her personal life. Initially, her art was a therapeutic escape from the pressures of caregiving. When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Hsu Shu-ya found solace in painting, using it as a means to express and release her emotions. This therapeutic approach to art blossomed into a vibrant career, marked by her unique ability to convey joy and hope through her work.
Her first solo exhibition, “School’s Buildings & Students’ Activities,” was a heartfelt tribute to her career in education and a nod to the importance of sketching. This foundation in sketching laid the groundwork for her distinctive style, characterized by a blend of realism and imagination. The whimsical and colorful animal faces from her second exhibition, “Animals’ Faces,” showcased her ability to bring joy to viewers, reflecting her deep empathy and desire to uplift those around her.
“Window Display” Oil painting
The global pandemic and the subsequent isolation it brought influenced her fourth solo exhibition, “Inside Windows, Outside Windows, the Days & the Nights.” This collection captured the introspection and emotional landscape of the times, highlighting her connection to her surroundings and the world at large. Her art during this period is a poignant reminder of the power of creativity in navigating difficult times.
Hsu Shu-ya’s creative process is as fluid and dynamic as her paintings. She often begins without a clear plan, allowing colors and shapes to emerge organically on the canvas. This intuitive approach results in compositions that are both intricate and expressive, filled with vibrant hues and detailed forms. Her ability to combine realistic elements with imaginative ones creates a unique visual language that speaks to the viewer’s emotions and intellect.
Her work is not only a personal expression but also a vehicle for spreading messages of hope, gratitude, and faith. As a Christian, Hsu Shu-ya incorporates religious themes into her art, using her paintings to convey spiritual messages and glorify God. Her commitment to charitable causes, such as donating proceeds from her exhibitions to support orphans in Burma, underscores her dedication to using art for the greater good.
Hsu Shu-ya’s story is a powerful testament to the enduring power of art. Her ability to transform personal pain into
“Two Birds Flying Together” Ink 13.7’’x13.7’’ 2019(Grey Cube Gallery 2024.3.Mention Award)
“Two
universal beauty resonates deeply with her audience. Despite the challenges posed by her health, she continues to create, driven by an unwavering passion for painting. Her vision for the future includes transitioning to abstract painting, ensuring that her artistic journey continues to evolve.
In this issue of ICON by ArtTour International, we celebrate Hsu Shuya’s remarkable journey and her contributions to the art world. Her work is a shining example of how art can be a source of healing, joy, and inspiration. Through her vibrant and heartfelt paintings, Hsu Shu-ya invites us all to see the world through her eyes, filled with color, hope, and endless possibilities.
Join us as we delve deeper into the life and art of Hsu Shu-ya, an artist whose story is as compelling as her creations. Her journey from classroom to canvas is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit.
Keep on painting & you can make it.
HSU SHU-YA
MAIN AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Main Awards:
• 2024: Global Painting Conclave Gallery “The King of Lion” Certificate Award; Grey Cube Gallery “Two Birds Flying Together” Honorable Mention Award
• 2023: Global Painting Conclave Gallery “Flowers in Vase” Bronze Award; Global Painting Conclave Gallery “The Landscape of Europe” Certificate Award
• 2022: Award of Senior Volunteer in Taipei Fine Arts Museum (2000 hours); Art Room Gallery “Two Men are Chatting with Each Other” Certificate Award
• 2021: Light Space Time Art Gallery “Foster City in SF” Certificate Award
Recognitions:
• Taiwan-Japan Art Exchange in Tokyo, 2024; Audubon Artists’ 81st Annual Exhibition, 2023; Taiwan-Japan Art Exchange in Taiwan, 2022
Publications:
1. Facebooks
2. Inside Lattice Windows. Outside Lattice Windows. Daytime. Nighttime. 3. Children’s Facial Expressions, Speech & Children’s Study
Men are Chatting with Each Other” Ink, Brush
“The King of Lion” Oil painting
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
My artistic style has something to do with my daily life. I'm a retired senior high school teacher. Before retiring in 2013, I held my first solo exhibition titled "School's Buildings & Students' Activities" to thank the school authorities. This experience underscored the importance of sketching, leading me to sketch portraits and models. I retired at 55 to care for my mother, who had Alzheimer's disease. To release my sad and tedious feelings, I painted a lot of cute animal faces. I held my second solo exhibition titled "Animals' Faces" in a hospital art gallery in Taipei County to bring joy to patients and caretakers.
At 57, I pursued advanced studies at the National Taiwan Normal University Fine Arts Department while volunteering as a guide at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. My solo graduation exhibition in 2018, titled "Children's Facial Expressions, Speech & Children's Study," reflects my love for children and my anticipation of becoming a grandmother. The period of my mom's illness made me very sad, so I often walked around Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, painting the windows and buildings I saw. This led to my fourth solo exhibition, "Inside Windows, Outside Windows, the Days & the Nights," in 2020, during the global epidemic.
“The Journey of Kinmen” Oil painting
I am a Christian and a choir member, so I paint many pieces related to church buildings, choirs, and prayers. Last year, I was invited to be an artist in residence at Christian Wesley Girls' High School, teaching students oil painting, pastel, and acrylic. This culminated in my fifth solo exhibition. My artistic style is realistic and imagistic, reflecting different periods of my life.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
In the beginning, I imitated the paintings of beloved artists like Marc Chagall, Renoir, Vermeer, and Miro. I then learned to sketch and paint landscapes outdoors. When I retired, I held my first solo exhibition, "School's Buildings & Students' Activities," to commemorate my teaching years. This was a period of realistic paintings. After retiring, I volunteered at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and saw many fantastic artworks. During this time, my mother had Alzheimer's disease, which made me very sad. To cope, I walked around Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, which inspired my exhibition "Inside Windows, Outside Windows, the Days & the Nights" in 2020, continuing my realistic painting phase.
At 55, I developed cataracts and had surgery. The doctor advised me to avoid straining my eyes, so I began painting what I saw combined with what I thought. In 2023, I held an exhibition titled "Facebooks during the Epidemic," featuring items resembling eyes and mouths, all looking like faces, marking a
shift to imagery. Painting is my hobby and passion. With age, my vision has blurred, so I am considering transitioning to abstract painting to maintain my creative career.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
I was a senior high school teacher busy raising children and caring for my fatherin-law. As a career woman, I had no time to pursue art. During my mother's Alzheimer's disease, painting became therapy for me,
helping me release pressure daily. After my parents and in-laws passed away and my children grew up, I had more time to focus on painting after 55. After my mom passed in 2018, I painted her in youthful pink clothes, which won an award. It felt like she blessed me to pursue art. Since then, I have painted various subjects using multiple media, feeling immense happiness whenever I paint. I decided to become an artist to share my paintings and spread joy to my audience.
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
Although I began painting in my fifties, it brought several benefits. I developed a keen observation of nature and people, drawing closer to the beauty of leaves, flowers, and my grandchildren's growth. The Bible says, "Unless you become as little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven," which resonates with my work. Being a cultural volunteer has enriched my life. I have been guided at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum for 13 years, constantly learning about modern and contemporary art through rotating exhibitions. This role has kept my creativity alive. Volunteering at the Historic Art Museum has broadened my understanding of ancient Chinese culture, including calligraphy and artifacts from various dynasties.
Despite the rise of AI and modern technology, painting combines observation with imagination, fostering creativity. It's a practice that deserves to be maintained.
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
My mother's Alzheimer's disease profoundly influenced my work. Caring for her was tedious, and after her death, I missed her greatly, often painting scenes of family affection. The shift from paper to
“Winter Tree” Acrylic,10F
“The Cow with Face Mask” Pastel
digital news hasn't changed my habit of reading the paper every morning, which influences my work on contemporary issues like environmental and animal protection.
As a Christian, I paint religious themes, such as church buildings, angels, and Jesus Christ, to glorify God and spread good news.
In 2019 and 2020, I held public welfare art exhibitions in Taipei, donating proceeds to help Burmese orphans. Recently, my vision has blurred due to diabetes, so I blend realistic and imaginary elements in my paintings. I plan to continue painting what I love to spread good news worldwide.
“Pray God to Make Covid-19 Epidemic Disappear”
