In my ongoing pursuit of abstract painting, I am constantly experimenting with new methods and media, pouring and mixing acrylic, enamel, urethane, watercolour, and oil onto canvas, panel, and glass. I discovered that certain combinations of paints mixed together would manifest the most complex and intricate patterns and textures — ones that would be impossible to paint by hand. These surprising designs arise and morph in the process of drying; they have a very organic and earthy quality than can appear to be both microscopic and macroscopic views reminiscent of multicoloured cells and gaseous nebulae.
My paintings are inspired by all types of elements and compositions found in our natural world – everything from landscapes, water, and rock formations, to stars, galaxies, and nebulae. My painting process incorporates a unique combination of spontaneity and control. By pouring my paints, I allow a certain amount of the painting to paint itself – the different media react with one another in unpredictable ways, giving chance a prominent role in the creative process. I always finish the pieces with detailed brushwork to unify the layers of poured paints.
I am inspired by nature’s inherent creativity, its ceaseless and cyclical processes of growth and decay. Through abstraction, I am able to capture my deep sense of wonder about our immediate and hidden surroundings, and imagined places as well.
My current work is a growing series of collage paintings. The process involves cutting pieces of my poured paintings into shapes that I use for assembling into new compositions.
Hui Lin lives and works in Richmond, British Columbia.