Why The Peace of Mind Project?

In the last century, the great Chinese painter Qi Baishi said:“Paint what people can understand.” I have often reflected on those words.In an age shaped by technology and endless information, I believe art has taken on a new responsibility—not simply to impress the eye, but to quiet the mind.

The Peace of Mind Project was born from that belief. Whether through painting, seal script calligraphy, or a simple piece of British Columbia jade, I hope each work offers a small moment of stillness—one that gently reminds us to slow down, breathe, and return to ourselves.

To me, peace of mind is not an escape from life. It is the beginning of a life lived more deeply.

Why Seal Script?

Seal Script is the oldest surviving form of Chinese writing. To me, however, it is much more than an ancient script.

Each character is a living symbol, shaped by our ancestors’ understanding of nature, survival, and the rhythms of the earth. Over thousands of years, generations of scholars and calligraphers transformed these symbols into one of the purest expressions of Eastern philosophy and aesthetics.

When I write Seal Script, I feel as though I am entering a quiet conversation across time.The movement of the brush carries echoes of ancient wisdom. Every line becomes a journey, every stroke a dialogue, and every completed work a moment in which self-consciousness quietly disappears.

If one of these works brings even a little calm or beauty into your daily life, then it has fulfilled its purpose.

Why Ancient Trees?

My earliest paintings celebrated flowers, birds, fish, and insects.Over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to the quiet strength of old trees.Their twisted trunks, weathered bark, and patient endurance speak of a life measured not in years, but in seasons. The more I observed ancient trees, the more I felt humbled by nature’s extraordinary design.Painting them in ink is no longer simply depicting a tree.It has become a way of printing the movements of my own heart upon paper.

Each tree carries my respect for life, my reverence for nature, and my belief that true strength is often silent.

Why British Columbia Jade Worry Stones?

My first worry stone was not really a worry stone at all.It was my grandmother’s jade bangle.As a child, I loved holding it in my hands.Later, my fascination with jade deepened through my family’s connection to the renowned jade master Yuan Jiaqi, whose craftsmanship introduced me to the richness of jade and its culture.

After moving to Vancouver in 2019, I carved my first piece of British Columbia jade.That single experience changed everything.

I discovered that BC jade possesses a quiet beauty unlike any other. Beyond its characteristic green, every stone carries unique natural patterns shaped over millions of years. Its texture is equally remarkable—neither too soft nor too hard, but warm, reassuring, and inviting to hold.

Gradually, I began collecting and hand-shaping what I now call play jade-jade meant not only to be admired, but to be held, carried, and quietly enjoyed throughout everyday life.

Many cultures believe jade possesses a mysterious energy.Whether or not that is true, I cannot say.Through years of polishing and carrying BC jade, I have discovered that every stone has its own unique spirit and character. The process of shaping and living with a piece of jade is, in many ways, the process of forming a relationship with it.With every touch, the hand grows familiar, and the heart grows still. Over time, I often experience a quiet sense of communion—as if the enduring vitality of nature flows gently into the calm that already exists within us.For me, this is the true meaning of a worry stone: not something that removes worries, but something that quietly brings the mind home to itself.

I have met people who convinced me that jade changes us in quieter ways.One elderly jade collector carried pieces of jade in nearly every pocket.His gentle manner, cheerful spirit, and peaceful smile left a lasting impression on me.He asked,

“Jade is alive. Do you believe that?” From that day on, I also began carrying jade with me: On walks, On buses, While waiting, While thinking, Sometimes doing nothing at all. With every touch, I noticed something different—the curve of a line, the softness of its surface, the shifting colours revealed by changing light. Over the years, I came to understand what he meant. Perhaps jade is “alive” not because it changes by itself, but because it quietly changes the way we see, touch, and experience the world.Since then, there has always been a piece of jade beside my bed.Whenever sleep is slow to arrive, I simply hold it in my hand.

One afternoon, while I was absent-mindedly turning an old jade thumb ring between my fingers, a young schoolgirl asked what I was playing with.“A thumb ring,” I replied. “People have enjoyed holding them for hundreds of years.”She thought for a moment and smiled. “Now I understand. The ancient people played with thumb rings until a good idea came to them.”I laughed. Perhaps she understood something profound. Sometimes wisdom begins with nothing more than quiet hands, a calm mind, and a small stone.