Spiritual woods

Chinese Brush PaintingVisual Fine Art
Written By Laura Beaton

Spiritual Woods is now for sale via The Gallery on the Pond, located across from the lovely Fogo Island Inn situated on a tiny island of Fogo at the northeast coast of Newfoundland. This painting was created using Chinese Inks on rice paper and measures 33”x33”. It won an Excellence Award for the 10th Annual Juried ICCPS show, Tokyo, Japan in 2021.

The intent was to capture the essence of Canada's wilderness depicting that it is a mysterious life form unto itself.   There is a spirit within the air that permeates the land.  The painting is of a breathing forest, while inferring that humans (campers) are nearby).    The camper's fire pit is properly contained, which is integral to retaining the forest in its current state.

Spiritual Woods, Chinese Ink on Rice Paper by Laura Beaton

Spiritual Woods is for sale via Gallery on the Pond, NL

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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