Artist Statement

An innovative use of traditional material: Chinese rice paper, paint & ink with cold wax.

Sherry Ying Ruden, an award-winning artist based in Seattle, draws inspiration from her experiences bridging the East and West. Her artistic journey has led her to explore the innovative use of traditional Chinese rice paper, paint, ink, and cold wax. Through the delicate yet surprisingly versatile medium of rice paper, Sherry embraces the concept of Zì-Rán 自然, which translates to "Nature" in Chinese and represents the interconnectedness of all things.

Unlike traditional Chinese brush and ink painting, Sherry's process involves manipulating the rice paper itself, embracing its natural grain and texture to create shapes and colors. This unique approach reverses the traditional method of mounting the artwork afterward. Sherry's artistic process is both specific and spontaneous, allowing the imagery to evolve organically, forging a connection between her surfaces and our contemporary world. Ultimately, her work is guided by an Eastern philosophy that the highest form of art is the art of living in the present moment.

About Sherry

Sherry’s life began in China's greatest cultural city – Shanghai. Surrounded by culture thousands of years old, she developed a deep appreciation for the spirit of Chinese art; a unity of painting, poetry, and calligraphy. After quitting her job as an accountant, she attended the prestigious Shanghai University of Fine Art.  Traveling throughout China, her early works focused on landscapes and village studies primarily in oil. She has had multiple exhibitions at Shanghai Fine Art Museum - at the time the only gallery that exhibited works of contemporary artists.

After graduating with honors, she decided it was time for a change and moved to Seattle, Washington. For over a decade, Sherry has worked as a graphic and UX designer leaving nights and weekends open to pursue her unique artistic voice. Always active in the local art community, her personal journey has evolved from the more traditional figurative to pure abstraction. In late 2021, she made the transition to full-time artistry.

Winter of 2023