Painter Zshu-Zshu Mark presents a portfolio that ranges from luminous watercolors to bold abstraction. Visit her website to see more of her work.
“And Then, Just Like That!” acrylic on paper, 22″ x 24″
My first love for the watercolour medium as a self-taught artist brought instantaneous recognition. I received accolades in less than two years. This included commissions, teaching positions, and various exhibitions in Canada, the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, and the Royal Institute of Painters in London. Notably, a mysterious Japanese collector purchased nine watercolours all at once.
“Pursuit of Happiness” acrylic on paper, 22”x 24””
I was always intrigued by and sought the light, luminosity and transparency that watercolour is capable of. I realized that the honesty or truthfulness contained in a brushstroke was often present in my paintings. As a result, despite years of success with what I’d like to think is my unique watercolour style, I was also pulled towards abstraction.
“With Every Breath” acrylic on paper, 22” x 24”
Why abstraction? I did not want subject matter to get in the way of deeper exploration in order to reach more expressive depth. More weight and materiality was required, which watercolour did not supply. This led me to investigate oils, then acrylics—allowing me to throw myself at larger canvases, both physically and mentally—with loaded brushes of paint!
“Under Full Moon (Garden)” acrylic on Paper, 30” x 40”
More recently, along wth abstraction, I felt a strong call for more simplicity. I endeavoured to evoke form and space through the interplay of colour on a two-dimensional surface. The spontaneity from quick but fewer brushstrokes necessitated a push and pull that colour would also impart a visceral energy in my painting.
“Dahlias” watercolour on paper, 30” x 40”
All my early works are inspired by nature, the wilderness, wind, air, fields and flowers. Not so much to tell stories, but in my desire to evoke the senses. I believe that working with basic materials — during the act of painting, the simplicity of spontaneous painterly gestures tells its own story— inherent in the fast-paced dialogue (but lengthy meditation!) from my head through to my heart and hands.
“Bouquet for You” watercolour on paper 19” x 22”
With these images I show the most recent work first and proceed back towards earlier paintings as described in the progression of my art practice. I am eagerly anticipating the next series of abstract paintings that will encompass my passion for brushwork, illuminated by colour, informed by nature or revelations that come from life to yield quiet yet dynamic work.
“Hellebores” watercolour on paper, 22” x 28”
I am a graduate of Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design and Langara College (Vancouver) and the Schaeffer School of Design (San Francisco). Over the course of 13 years, I developed and taught intensive 2-week travel workshops Painting, Creativity & Experiencing in Corsica in France, Tuscany and Umbria in Italy, villages in Spain, Savary, Bowen and Hornby Islands in Canada.
“At the River” watercolour on paper, 30” x 40”
Throughout my art practice, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed 29 years of teaching, painting, and drawing in my studio and various institutions in Canada. These include Continuing Studies Programs at the University of British Columbia, Capilano University, Langara College, Academy of Art, Calgary Board of Education and Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. My artworks are in private and public collections including major hotels, offices and lobbies in corporate headquarters in Canada, USA, England, France, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.