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These images were taken over 18 days while traveling through mainland China. They represent the impressions and inspirations that express the art and culture of China through my eyes.

The national capital, Beijing is the starting point for the journey into China. With 11 million people, and 7 million bicycles I begin to understand the bigness of this country. I spent mornings at the Beijing Academy of Arts and the afternoons exploring the city and it's surroundings.

Zizhuyuan Park
Early morning in the park creates a peaceful, meditative space to reflect the beginnings of a trip through China. Purple bamboo hangs heavy with raindrops, groups of people gracefully move through their taichi routine, and the stillness of the water catches my attention.

Cloisonne Enamel
Colored pots of enamel make an interesting subject, however, the working environment surrounding the "art factories" cause me to reflect on worker health and safety. Tiny detailed work and potentially toxic fumes are a few of the conditions that cause my concern.

Essence of the Line
Prof. Zhao of the Beijing Art Academy demonstrates calligraphy. His inspirational talk focused on how calligraphy feeds the inner self, and is the spiritual worlds silence. Calligraphy's beauty is full of life and expresses the colorful world.

Yellow in full bloom
In the back garden of the Ancient Observatory I found this colorful field of flowers in full bloom. On top of the watchtower, once part of the city wall, is a variety of astronomical instruments used in olden times to facilitate astrological predictions and to aid seafaring navigators.

Glowing Buddhas
Teenagers crowd around this "Glow Buddha" vendor causing me to take notice. Capturing motion and color while in a dark subway tunnel was the experiment here. I was impressed with the performance of the digital camera in low light, no flash situations like this.

Forbidden City
This cluster of ancient buildings is the largest and best preserved in China. This complex was off limits to common people for 500 years. As I walk through the city grounds, I can't help but imagine what life was like here in this stone and wall compound.

Monster Mask
I found this monster mask door ornament leading down into one of the Eastern Han Tombs. It's teeth with moustache and big eyes gives it an almost human like quality, while the whiskers and horns clearly indicate that it is an animal form. The figure has an almost magical quality to it.

Han Tomb Painting
Lining the tomb walls are richly painted murals. In this example we see the human figure painted with ease and grace. Attention is paid to the flow of the line. Mineral paints in black, red and white are used to indicate color.

Longman Caves
Carved into the cliffs along the Yi River outside Luoyang are the Longman Caves. Over 100,000 images of Buddha and his disciples were carved into the cliff during the Northern Wei Dynasty and are an example of the peak of Buddhist cave art.

Painted Pottery Figure
The women of the Tang Dynasty carried unprecedented status and equality and were an active part of the social fabric of the time.
This figure represents the lifestyle of an affluent woman and was buried in tombs to assist in the afterlife.

Tibetan Buddhist Tanka
Tankas are paintings that represent the images and stories of Buddha. This image of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with One Thousand Eyes and Hands protects people and looks after the human world. Traditional techniques in creation include painting, embroidery, applique and brocade on cloth.

Local Paintings
On the streets of Xian I found young women selling a variety of paintings produced in smaller villages surrounding the city. A style called "Farmers Paintings" are unique to this region and are a type of folk art depicting the everyday life of the farmer.

With productive farmlands and close proximity to the ocean, Zhejiang is one of Chinas smallest but richest provinces. The Grand Canal ends here, and Zhejiang played a part in shipping food to depleted areas in the north. The merchant homes around here are evidence of the prosperity of the region.

Farmland
Driving through this beautiful countryside by bus I began to understand the richness of these fields. Every available space is planted with a variety of different crops. The patterns the different plants make in the open fields creates a texture of green outside the window.

A Bundle of Twigs
To the villagers, these twigs are fuel for cooking or heat. To me, they are a bundle of organic texture ready to be digitally incorporated into some artwork. As I travel, I'm always on the lookout for interesting textures that are made from ordinary objects.

Crossing into Anhui Province the economic differences between it and Zhejiang were obvious. The architecture of the region is unique, white washed walls and black tile roofs are standard building styles. Exploring small villages throughout this region provided a glimpse into rural Chinese life.

Door in Tangyue Village
A combination of cement, paper, wood and brick creates an interplay of texture and color. In the moment, I had a brief interaction with 2 village women as they couldn't understand my appreciation for their door. Their faces showed amazement when I showed them the photo I had just taken.

Lotus in Bicycle Basket
On the road in between the rice field and the lotus pond I found a bunch of kids picking lotus bouquets. The kids were really shy about photography, and laughed as I photographed this interesting still life. Dragonflies hovered everywhere as I showed the kids the digital still life I had just taken.

Misty Morning on Huangshan
The sea of clouds and fog that rise and fall on Huangshan provides a constantly moving view of nature. The scenic beauty of this mountain range has continued to inspire countless artists and poets throughout Chinas history.

Xidi Village
Line, color and texture caught my attention looking through this doorway. The simplicity of the earthy colors, white, black, gray, brown, moss green, blend together in harmony.

Xidi Village Arch
At the entrance to Xidi Village is a magnificent ancient arch. The detailed stonework has been skillfully carved with carp and lotus motif. The open lattice work and upswept roofline add to the elegance of this huge stone structure.

Bug on a Wall
Observing the insects of the world provides an opportunity to look at the designs that nature creates. The patterns and colors on wings and bodies are organic and free flowing. This bug blends naturally into the wall behind it. I also wanted to test the close up ability of the camera.

Boy with Door
The shape and design of this metal door caught my attention. The beautiful characters in the arched fan above, and the bicycle in front made a great photo opp. As I framed the shot in the digital camera, this young boy wanted to be included.

Kids seeing Technology
These kids in Hongcun Village gathered around as I was using the digital camera. After showing them the photos, they all wanted me to take one of them. I would shoot the photo, then show it back to them in real time. Several adults gathered around as well, curious about this different type of camera I had.

Green Onions in Basket
You never know where you'll find a garden in China. Here, in a sunny spot, I find green onions growing in a basket. The idea of growing green onions in a basket, on top of crates and plastic, on the side of the street, causes me to think again about the resourcefullness of the people I meet in the villages.

Lunchtime
Afraid I was photographing the interior of their home, the older man approached me. After I showed him the photo of the green onions, he got excited and told everyone what I was doing. The mother was quite curious and gathered the family together for a group photo. It was really fun sharing their image with them immediately.

Shanghai, meaning "by the sea" was once a small fishing town. In 1842 the British opened their first concession and from then on, the town became a city of Western invention. The Shanghai of today is reinventing it's future. Cranes fill the skyline as new modern skyscrapers fill the once traditional neighborhoods.

Banners at Jade Buddha Temple
Green, red and white banners with a lotus design hang still in the humid Shanghai air. The temple is again becoming an active place of worship, with local people of Shanghai coming to offer incense and prayer. The temple houses a two meter high jade buddha from Burma.

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