Beginning January 20, 2015, QBG is proud to host a new exhibit by the artist Paul Lin in the Gallery of the Visitor & Administration Building. Blending fine art and traditional crafts, Lin explores natural materials and transforms them into stunning landscapes and portraits. The Botanical Therapeutic Arts collection breaks away from using traditional art techniques; the works are composed solely of natural materials, such as petals, feathers, twigs and dried leaves.

“The materials are not purchased from anywhere,” explained Lin. “You can pick them up any place – by the roadside or by the mountainside. Usually the materials are all very simple in nature…At times in the beginning two materials don’t connect. They probably contradict each other,” he said. “You have to put care into it and arrange them peacefully. You have to make them into harmony.”

Mr. Lin began his study of art in his native Taiwan and continued after moving to the United States during his 45 years as an ordained minister. During this time he discovered the effects of combining natural arts with spiritual intuition. Mr. Lin found that art is therapeutic for both viewer and artist, evoking reactions of intimacy, memories or hope, which is why he refers to his work as “therapeutic art.” He has taught art workshops to people suffering from various illnesses.

“The most important thing in nature and art is healing because there are two elements – peace and harmony,” he said. “My painting is not only art, but there is therapeutic power there. Mentally and spiritually people will be empowered by this art and, in turn, physically as well.”

Lin describes his small pictures as “being able to see the whole universe from this small thing. Although the materials are simple, the picture is not just like nothing,” he said. “It’s about the artist and the person who owns the art being able to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.”

Board Trustee Pauline Huang, who introduced QBG to these works, has this to say: “Mr. Paul Lin is not only the preacher to heal people’s heart but also bring the vivid art work for their vision.”

The artist will conduct a workshop at the Garden to teach his techniques on March 28 from 1-4 pm (materials fee applies). The exhibit will be on display until April 12, 2015, with a closing reception on April 11th. ‘)}