I started Chinese painting in 2002 and learned from a few teachers for several years, following their example, which is the traditional way of learning. From 2008, I tried to use the techniques to paint the subjects I see in Australia. In the same year, all three paintings I submitted to Camberwell Art Show, my first attempt at an Australian art exhibition, were accepted. This encouraged me. At the same time I had been interested in looking at Western art, and learned a lot. Towards the end of 2008, I began exploring new ways of painting with the conventional materials (ink and water colour on thin paper), to give my painting a contemporary theme. One of the reasons I chose to do abstract art is that, having been living in a totally different culture for many years, I feel it can establish the connection between my art works and audiences easier and quicker since it may have more direct visual impact on viewers, who can be reached without requiring too many other references. Nature, interesting photos, and modern visual images are all inspiration for me. I'm working almost without actual references, but according to what the images were left in my memory, what my mind's eye has seen, and on many occasions only the memories of glimpses of images. This gives me much freedom to express myself and makes me inclined to paint spontaneously and playfully. Also it leaves more imagining space to audiences. Painting on paper allows me to create images that often combine contrasting characteristics on one piece of paper: fluidity vs coarseness, continuity vs abruptness, and stillness vs movements. It brings me great pleasure to discover the potential of this art form with a long tradition while experimenting with new techniques. In 2009, my application to Canterbury Art Exhibition was successful and I received third prize in the Small Work Competition.