Feng Zikai's Art Night Tales

Author: Feng Zikai & Lin Yao (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: A small encyclopedia on the aesthetics of life, appreciation, and stories in art. It compiles the essence of 122 artistic essays by Feng Zikai, accompanied by 200 colorful illustrations. A classic introduction to art for half a century, guiding readers into the garden of art through Feng Zikai's gentle narration. Before art, we are all children. Cultivate innocence and interest, and learn to live a life centered on joy. Art is not a profession, and painters are not professionals. Art is not about technique but the heart. Therefore, painting is not a commodity or a practical tool. Practicing painting is not about exercising the hands but the heart; viewing art is not about seeing with the eyes but with the heart. — Feng Zikai
This book extracts the essence of 122 artistic essays by Feng Zikai from his collection, compiling them into a concise and clear art encyclopedia. In addition to the main text, it features sidebars, dialogues, and other formats, allowing Feng Zikai to engage in face-to-face conversations with readers, sharing insights on art, life, art appreciation, and introductory art knowledge, as well as his most authentic heart-felt reflections.
The so-called "artistic life" is applying the attitude of creating and appreciating art to life, teaching people to see the artistic essence in daily routines. If, through artistic cultivation, one gains the eyes to dream of this beautiful world, the world they see will be filled with beauty, and their lives will be enriched. Art education teaches people to approach the world with the same attitude as painting or viewing art; in other words, it teaches people to be like children, nurturing the "innocence" of children so that it never fades as they grow older.
In adults, innocence is akin to "interest." Cultivating innocence is cultivating interest. Those who educate children—parents and teachers—must never scold children for their naivety or treat them like adults. Instead, they should preserve and nurture their innocence until adulthood. This naivety is the essence of innocence.
In adults, innocence is akin to "interest." Cultivating innocence is cultivating interest. A child's life is entirely a life centered on joy. What I mean by "cultivating" is that parents and teachers should seize opportunities to encourage and correct their perspectives on things. They should break free from conventions, traditions, and habits, nurturing a fresh and pure "human" heart. In everything in the world, teach them to receive or critique and choose with this new, pure heart.