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Island holiday greetings from an eastern artist
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Posted on Nov 12 1999
Forget about Hallmark. Consider sending Micronesian-flavored greeting cards this Christmas. Chinese artist Chen Xiao Ping will be releasing in a few weeks holiday greeting cards, which will also be featured in the CNMI Arts Council’s pre-Christmas art exhibit.
Chen’s Christmas cards, with six island designs to choose from, feature miniature reproduction of her oil and pastel and watercolor paintings.
She has produced post cards and calendars in the past. Entering the greeting card market fascinates her.
“I came up with the idea of producing Christmas cards because I think people would appreciate receiving Christmas cards that they can relate to. My paintings show the traditional way of their everyday life,” says Chen.
Most of Chen’s artwork depict the lifestyles and cultures of Micronesia. “I’m Chinese and I can see the islands from a different point of view. Island culture is unique, and I want to express my feeling about it through my art,” Chen says.
She says the holiday greeting cards will soon be available at local stores and at her own shop, Phoenix Art Studio in Susupe, which opened recently.
Chen began her career in art as a student in traditional Chinese landscape painting at Fujian Provincial Youth Painter and Calligrapher Institute from 1987 to 1992. She came to Saipan immediately after completing the art course.
Considering her naturally gifted hand, Chen could be expected to despise technology, better yet, computer graphic arts. This isn’t the case, however.
In fact, Phoenix shop is accepting graphic design and layout job. Chen has learned to blend her natural talent with digital art. “Although I prefer manual art, I cannot deny that computers can be of help when I’m working on layout designs,” Chen says.
Some of her paintings are on display at the First Hawaiian Bank, the CNMI Legislature building, and the Marianas Visitors Bureau. (MC)
