I-Fang Wen

People ask me why I like to paint mostly women. Not too long ago, I sat in a lounge with my friends, enjoying the atmosphere, the music, and their company. A man came up to me and after a short while said, "I don't understand women. Women are very complicated creatures and I will never understand them." Later, as I observed the many different women in the lounge, they seemed to possess many things: high energy, serenity, joy, love, intelligence, pride, disdain, sadness, boredom, depression and so much more. Their behaviors varies from cautious to flirtatious, from coy to aggressive, from delicate to bold and abrasive. Their dress and makeup brought to light what they felt inside and how they desired others to perceive them. I thought, maybe I can help others understand women through my painting.

I am a woman. filled with traditional and modern ideals and values. I use oil colors on canvas with layered textures and brush strokes to express myself, the women surrounding my life and those who engaged in my life experiences. I paint our feelings and emotions, our loves and relationships, our moods and our temperaments, and all of our complications and sensitivities. Through my paintings I will lead my audience of today and tomorrow on a journey of our lives, one chapter or moment at a time. My art may tell our stories, but in the end, they will be the true expression of who and what we are. As the seasons change, so do our moods, temperaments, and lives. Many of my paintings reflect these changes.

In the 21st century, women have more freedom and choice than those of the past. Society gives us the right and opportunity to be educated, respected, independent, and equals. We are free spirits, full of intense passions for life, giving generously to everyone around us that touch our lives. We are anxious to be loved, desirous of approval and affirmation and intent on sharing our motherly instincts. Still we want the chance to stand on our own and be recognized and understood. At times we hesitate between roles and expectations of the traditional and modern woman, the old and the new. Our minds are eager to learn and develop the flexibilities required to adjust to their ever-changing world.

My women fly from my mind and dance on my canvas, with vivid emotion and intense color. The lines and shapes are building experiences of our lives. The layered textures are the symbols of our courage and freedoms. The varied brush stroke is the essence of our wonder and complications.

I do not paint portraits. What I bring to life in my painting is the incredible nature and beauty of woman with all of her feelings, emotions and complications. I hope my paintings will express the many facets and fascinations of women. These women I bring to you on canvas are the truth, the goodness, the beauty of our nature and the splendor of the Nu Woman.