CHEN ZHONGSEN

Born in China of intellectual parents, Chen Zhongsen is a respected brush calligrapher, micro-carver of precious stones, painter, and musician, His work has been exhibited in many parts of China, in the United States and all over the world. Most recently Ru Yi Studio/Gallery has brought him back to Taos for the Harwood Museum's Mystery and Magic show.

<click here to see a gallery of Chen Zhongsen's micro-engravings, calligraphy and paintings >

Excerpts taken from Chen Zhongsen lecture notes in Boston, December, 1999:

“The foundation of micro-carving/engraving lies in brush skills in painting and calligraphy. To reach monumental heights in micro-engraving one must first become a competent painter and calligrapher... Micro-engraving is a unique art, whose challenge lies not so much in keeping the form and character small but in achieving stability, beauty, variation, liveliness of brushstroke, rhythm and spirit. All the elements that account for the fineness in painting and calligraphy must be present in micro-engraving. It is only when these merits are blended with the characteristics of engraving and stone texture that the unique attraction of the micro-engraved stone can shine through…In fact, the micro-engraver’s task is more challenging than that of the calligrapher and the painter. This is because the impact of carved line as brought out by the knife should be visually stronger than that of brushed line on paper… In conclusion, the substance of Shoushan Stone Micro-engraving is the embodiment of truthfulness, purity and beauty. When the artist produces visual beauty under the knife, which finds resonance in the eyes of the viewer, the work moves by its inner charm and draws marvels. It is only when art has reached this stage that it can survive the scourge of time and is worthy of a timeless appreciation.