Shi Cun Kuai: A Fusion of Calligraphy and Oil Cubes

'Shi Cun Kuai' is a unique oil painting technique born from the creativity of artist Stone Chun Shi. This approach intricately combines the brushwork of Chinese calligraphy with the act of writing, utilizing oil brushes on canvas to craft individual, elevated cubes. These cubes converge to form a diverse array of figures and scenes. Upon closer examination, abstract color cubes harmoniously coalesce, yet stepping back reveals a landscape of clear, photorealistic people and scenery.

Stone Chun Shi labels this method as 'writing' non-character cubes onto the canvas, a process reliant on entering a state of 'flow.' Within this state, he employs physical strength and endurance to meticulously apply cube after cube onto the canvas, eventually completing an entire artwork. Creating a single piece demands time and effort, ranging from weeks to months. These artworks consist of hundreds to thousands of cubes in smaller compositions and even tens of thousands in larger ones.

Beyond the physical exertion, 'Shi Cun Kuai' embodies a profound spiritual depth. Rooted in the principle of 'qi yun,' central to Chinese calligraphy, the soul of the calligrapher finds its expression. An individual's heart and spirit shape the essence of calligraphy, embodying its humanity, philosophy, tradition, and aesthetics. In this vein, 'Shi Cun Kuai' encompasses the spirit of calligraphy and tradition, reflecting the artist's philosophy, psychology, and spiritual insight. Upon close inspection, each cube stands as a testament to neatness, beauty, and order. As viewers step back, these cubes collectively form a visual tableau—evolving from abstract forms into tangible figures and scenes.

The viewing experience of 'Shi Cun Kuai' spans from proximity to distance, a physical and spiritual process of focus. It's a transition from chunks to form, from confusion to clarity—a journey that encapsulates the essence of the art itself. As the Dao De Jing says, 'Being in the midst of it, you remain unaware of it.' Only by withdrawing can the truth of the world become evident. This sentiment resonates in Su Shi's poem, 'Not knowing the true face of Mount Lu, only realizing it when in this mountain.' Both express the same philosophical truth.

Stone Chun Shi asserts that relying solely on physical strength and endurance isn't sufficient to complete an artwork. He needs to enter a state of quiet meditation akin to sitting in contemplation—a state of 'flow.' This enables him to disconnect from the concept of time and space, immersing himself fully in the act of painting. Thus, every artwork requires him to retreat into isolation, cutting off external interactions and preserving a positive state of mind and spirit. Whenever his emotional state falters due to external influences, he finds himself unable to create. Consequently, he believes that relying on his personal strength alone is inadequate. It's the power of his spirit that propels him to persevere through the months-long journey of completion. Stone Chun Shi views his artistic process as an intricate connection between his personal energy and the universe's energy field. It's a process of seeking inner perfection through the power of the divine. Hence, every piece he creates is an amalgamation of his life, spirit, and aura—a testament to his journey of self-cultivation. He affirms that each person's life is a path of self-improvement. Some attain it through meditation, contemplation, or prayer, while he achieves it through secluded immersion in painting.