Dan Xu
Dan Xu is a contemporary Chinese-Canadian artist celebrated for her distinctive approach to landscape painting. Born and raised in China, she developed a deep love for art and a fascination with traditional Chinese painting techniques. After immigrating to Canada in 2001, Dan continued to explore her passion for art, with a focus on plein air landscape painting to connect with nature and share her vision.
Dan's work uniquely blends classic Chinese ink and wash techniques with contemporary methods resulting in evocative and immersive landscapes that capture the beauty and power of the natural world. Her paintings often explore themes of flight and movement, creating a sense of suspension and freedom that invites viewers to experience landscapes in a fresh and dynamic way.
Her art has been widely exhibited both in Canada and internationally, earning numerous awards and accolades. Dan’s series, ‘The Bay of Fundy’ and ‘The Canadian Rockies’, exemplifies her approach, offering a stunning bird's-eye view of eastern Canada's diverse landscapes. Her work is praised for its technical mastery, emotional depth, and ability to transport viewers to new and wondrous worlds.
Committed to creating connections between people and the natural world, Dan uses her art to explore innovative approaches to landscape painting. She views her work as a celebration of the world’s beauty and complexity, aiming to inspire others to see the world from new perspectives. Dan’s artistic practice spans multiple mediums, including paper, canvas, and ceramic.
What led you to become an artist?
An inner calling and a sense of mission. Creating art makes me feel that my life has meaning.
How did your training and experience help you to create and innovate in your artistic practice?
I was born into a family of ceramic artists and later studied at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, where I received professional training in ceramic painting. With over 30 years of plein air practice, ink and wash painting has become my most familiar visual language. This visual language allows me the freedom of expression. The long-term use of the brush in outdoor painting has also led me to rediscover and revive classical observational techniques. Through my years of plein air practice in Canada, compared with classical Chinese painting, I have confirmed the true existence of these observational methods, even though historical records on this are sparse.
What stimulates you most about your practice?
When I pick up the brush outdoors, I let go of myself and allow nature to guide me. For me, the brush is a tool to record the inspiration nature provides. When I finish, I often find myself using techniques that I wouldn't typically employ in the studio—techniques that feel new to me. Later, I often discover similar traces in classical paintings. This sense of crossing time and space is deeply inspiring to me.
What motivates your creativity?
I feel compelled to uncover and apply the ancient observational method I encounter in my practice as much as possible. My work is driven by the desire to prove their true existence.
How has living and working in New Brunswick helped and/or inspired you on your journey?
I find the New Brunswick landscape inspiring.
How does your creative process unfold as you create an artwork?
I allow my art to guide me and unfold naturally, letting it lead the way.
Why do you think it's important to make art and pursue an artistic career?
Creating art is my lifeline. Without it, I would feel lost.
What have you learned about yourself and the artistic community through your work?
In the course of my creative journey, I have come to realize that my art not only serves as a form of self-expression but also as a powerful medium for forging connections with others. Through this process, I have unearthed a profound resilience and fervor within myself, propelling me to constantly venture beyond familiar confines and push the limits of creativity. Moreover, my interactions within the artistic community have underscored the immense significance of collaboration, mutual support, and the shared wellspring of inspiration that enriches and propels us all.
Describe what you are most proud of in your career.
I am most proud of having spiritually traveled through time to connect with the great artists of the past, gaining an understanding of their creative processes and ideas.
What advice would you give to emerging artists?
Before you strive to innovate, take the time to patiently study the great classical works related to your field. Even if the learning process feels tedious and lengthy, engaging with classical art is essential.
