Wang Mansheng turns to nature and makes his own brushes with organic materials – Huge

Have you ever looked for the best paper, the highest quality paint or the most trusted brand of equipment to find cheaper, easier to obtain versions that actually work better? This is the idea of Wang Mansheng, a Chinese painter and calligrapher. The artist made his own brush from natural materials and believed that organic imperfections are often more interesting than anything “perfect” in the factory.

The artist’s solo exhibition in Huntington Without us, Imagine a world without us literally, which he describes as “a pure land without humanity without humanity without human damage”. The works on a series of 22 ink scrolls highlight the interconnection of all living things. From the equipment he used, nature remains at the heart of practice.

A short documentary produced by Huntington explores Wang’s process of creating his own brush from scratch, using pieces of grass and twine. “The things made have some form,” the artist said. “Like the brushes made – they are all good. The factory is trying to make it as good as possible. But when you use it, all the lines get smooth and beautiful. But sometimes, I think it’s too perfect.”

To bring out the features of old trees and dramatic cliffs in his paintings, Wang uses brushes to produce brushes of rougher lines or textures. In the movie, he demonstrates how he transforms the soft, broad bristles of tall reeds into tools that suit his needs. Through repeated trial and error, he taught himself how to shape and use different sizes and densities to achieve various effects. Overall, the texture reflects age and exposure to the elements that shape the way trees and rocks look like over time.

Wang Mansheng: Without us Continues until August 5 in San Marino, California. Find more on the artist’s website. (via Kottke)