Charlottesville, VA, August 19th, 2022
Ming Qiu Chen, a gifted artist with exceptional paper cutting techniques will be our featured artist for the month of September. She will be at the gallery during the Historic Downtown Mall’s First Friday celebration on September 2nd, from 5 – 7 pm to share her intricate and inspiring collection.
In 2004 Ming arrived in the US and was eager to share her creative talents with the people of Virginia. Ming learned this special skill as a child from her grandmother in China. Paper cutting is a traditional art in China and can be traced as far back as the 6th century. As paper became more affordable through the centuries, paper-cutting became one of the most important types of Chinese folk art. Historically, this artwork was used to decorate during festivals as cut-paper artwork was and still is considered to symbolize good luck and happiness.
Ming's latest work incorporates her inspiration and techniques picked up during her numerous years living in Charlottesville. Many of her new designs utilize paper from recycled prints to take advantage of their vibrant colors and unique textures for non-traditional effects. With the help of her son, who attends Albemarle High School, Ming is using new computer processing methods to convert realistic scenes of Charlottesville into a traditional art format.
In this show, Ming combines traditional practices, innovative technology and help from her son, with her own imagination, exploring new ways to express emotions of joy, gratitude and happiness. The primary tools she uses are scissors and engraving knives to carve her intricate compositions formed by making inventive use of negative-space patterns. She has an eye for detail and her dedicated practice brings each composition to life. Her vivid use of color highlights her designs and captures the brightness of her gentle spirit.
To learn more about Ming visit our website https://www.cvillearts.org/mingqiuchen
For additional information, contact Genevieve Story at 434-972-9500. The gallery’s web site is www.cvillearts.org. The C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery, located on the historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville.
C’ville Arts is open 7 days a week - Monday - Thursday 10-6; Friday/Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 12-5.
ABOUT C’VILLE ARTS – C’ville Arts, a cooperative membership gallery of more than sixty local artists and crafters, was established in 1997. Original works include photography, painting, glass, fiber, clay and pottery, quilling, mosaics, jewelry, leather, candles and wood.