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JJ Jiang
An oil and watercolor painter, art workshop instructor, architectural illustrator, life time ardent reader, and writer of the occasion when painting is not sufficient to express his feeling and thoughts...
JJ’s childhood was spent in China during the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). During that era of madness, drawing, writing and reading poetry kept him safe and sane, and shielded him from the chaotic world outside. Drawing and painting have become inseparable parts of JJ’s life. They came to him naturally (and early) and have helped shape his view of the world and himself to a large degree.
JJ was trained as an architect and architectural historian with professional degrees from both the US and China. He practiced architecture as well as taught architectural design and history.. As a fine artist, JJ draws his inspiration from both his eastern and western cultural roots, as well as his inquisitive mind and inner poetry. He excels in drawing, watercolor and oil painting, while exploring subjects such as: still life, landscape/cityscape, portrait and figure, Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. His work has been widely exhibited, and collected and has won numerous awards. It has been featured in publications such as Watercolor Artist Magazine, SPLASH 21, The Art of Watercolour magazine, and Southwest Art Magazine.
Beyond the creation of art, sharing his creative passion for it through teaching has been an integral part of JJ’s journey for years. His open and inspiring instruction has been welcomed and much appreciated by students who often return season after season. Besides offering weekly classes in watercolor and oil painting at his studio, he teaches workshops at a variety of venues.
JJ currently lives in Cary, North Carolina and is the founder and director of the Village Art Circle Studio & Gallery in the heart of downtown Cary. His unique art journey was written and published in the OUR STATE, North Carolina magazine, January 2015 issue.