GATHERING IN TORONTO

Chinese Art ExhibitionTraditional Chinese PaintingChinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
Written By Laura Beaton

I was honoured to be a invited as a VIP guest speaker at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto for the inaugural exhibition of Gathering in Toronto. It was a privilege to share my artist experiences through this cultural exchange.

The esteemed artists Mr. Chuxiong FANG, Ms. Shuran LIN and Mr. Gaokong ZHENG took centre stage with their truly jaw dropping art. Mr. FANG traveled to Toronto from China specifically for this exhibition. I never imaged I would meet the man behind whose many books I own.

This exhibition ends Thursday July 27th (10am-3:30pm) so if you have a chance to visit Scarborough, drop by and see this exhibition located at 5183 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, ON.

Ms. Shuran LIN, Laura Beaton, Mr. Chuxiong FANG, Mr. Gaokong ZHENG - July 22/23 Gathering in Toronto

Laura Beaton - VIP Guest Speaker at Gathering in Toronto, Canadian Chinese Cultural Centre

Group Photo - July 22/23 - Gathering in Toronto

Laura Beaton

I am a Toronto-born, international award-winning visual fine artist whose work fuses the traditions of Sumi-e, Chinese Brush Painting, and Western mixed media. Through my art, I explore and celebrate the differences and similarities among cultures—particularly Japanese, Chinese, and North American.

Though my roots are in Scottish bagpipes and English tea, a chance encounter with a Chinese brush painting on an antique tea wagon sparked a lifelong artistic journey. That early moment ignited a creative curiosity that led me to explore what it truly means to live, and create, in a multicultural society.

My art honours centuries-old techniques while looking to the future. I transform inks, rice papers, and layered textures into serene, imaginary worlds that are contemporary, yet grounded in tradition. Each piece whispers a quiet declaration: “I Am Canadian.”

Highlights of my career include:

• Election to both the Society of Canadian Artists and the Federation of Canadian Artists

• Multiple national and international awards, including Japan

• Serving as North American President for the International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society, representing artists from eight countries

• Exhibiting in China, with my work held in the permanent collection of the Chinese government

As a non-Asian artist mastering the philosophies and aesthetics of traditional Japanese and Chinese ink art while infusing Canadian narratives, I aim to reimagine tradition, transcend borders, and create space for new perspectives. My practice is a re-wilding of the social graces and an invitation to connect.

https://LauraBeaton.com
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