Chinese Ink Painting Rituals W/ Nicole Tang

In this episode of the Podcast we chat about the ancient Chinese Art of Ink Painting and other artistic expressions, with Nicole Tang. She is a multi-disciplinary creative, whose work spans fine arts, murals, photography, and design.

Nicole has a BA in Visual Arts and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from The University of the West Indies. She is the Founder of Nicole Tang Studio. 

We talk about her journey as an artist and creative, her experiences living abroad, the evolution of her work, and this beautiful season of her life where she continues to paint, teach, and share her love for art through curated outdoor experiences.

Nicole said that at a very young age her artistic genius was discovered and nurtured by her Mother, who ensured that her creativity was developed as she grew older. 

Nicole spoke about exhibiting her work locally and internationally
and her contribution to global creative projects, including her trip to Spain to work on the iconic mural and design work on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. 

We discussed her experience working at Disney, which was life changing, distressing and also an awakening. She spoke about extending creative energy in the "wrong space" with no return and her evolution as an artist. 

She spoke about her intense creative energy, when released she feels more fulfilled. Also about her painting process, which is a deep connection to body and soul in the ritual of painting. 

We discuss the significance of the design, colour, themes and imagery in her art, which she says focus on different energy. The mountains represent grounding, the ocean cleansing and therapy and the wind movement. 

The colours are a from of therapy in her art, the use of blue makes her feel calm. 

We talk about her shift into Chinese Ink Painting, Nicole said she has been doing it for over 10years, and started with her experimenting. 

It involves painting with ink and the imagery are classic Chinese images of bamboo, pandas, mountains, flowers etc. She incorporates Japanese elements as well. It captures the spirit, energy and essence of the subject rather than every element. 

We discuss Chinese calligraphy which involves brush strokes, and requires meticulous and precise work. It is about painting characters, but you must capture the energy of the letter. When displayed it captures and holds that energy.

Nicole speaks about balancing work as an artist, her business and curating beautiful mindful experiences. 

What does retirement look like, it's a softer more intentional lifestyle for her. She works fulltime in her studio, exercises, eats intentionally and loves to create beautiful experiences for persons.  Afterall Art is Work, but it is Joyful Work. 

A day in the life of Nicole involves exploring, eating healthy, design work, marketing, household chores and upkeep. It is very organized and intentional.

We spoke about her Chinese Ink Rituals sessions which is a very curated experience. Full of mindfulness, breathwork, nature, grounding and more.  

Her advice to people who want to explore and reconnect with their creative side, is  "Don't wait, for the simple reason that we are all going to die and we do not know when we will die" So start to create and explore. 

Nicole said "let Art be your guide". It is a very feeling thing, be patient with yourself because it is a journey. Don't feel pressured, it does not have to be perfect - be yourself in the moment and create.