Artist: Doug Hyde Deng 道海

I go by the English name Doug Hyde Deng, as its pronunciation is almost identical to my Chinese name 道海. This serves to facilitate English speakers while retaining the essence of my identity. However, my signature on the back of the artwork will only include my Chinese name.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate. I discovered my passion as a child and embarked on my journey as an artist after graduating from art school. Over the past two decades, I've dedicated myself to cultivating a sustainable lifestyle centered around that passion.

My works emphasize colors, forms, and textures rather than conventional representational imagery. I apply layers of paint and scratches with various tools. While the painting technique may seem casually applied, it is actually a carefully structured process. However, within this structure, the act of applying paint and layering colors remains spontaneous and emotionally driven.

The style of my paintings aligns with abstract expressionism, a genre deeply rooted in personal emotions and subjective experiences. The physical act of painting itself becomes a kind of performance art, where the process is just as crucial as the final piece.

This approach presents a significant challenge. Unlike traditional projects where planning ahead is possible, I can only envision the general ambiance that each piece will convey, but I cannot predict the specific outcome. Most of the time, I determine the next steps based on the actual progress of each phase. These unpredictable elements, while sometimes challenging, often lead to unexpected and fascinating results. Because of this creative process, each painting is truly one of a kind—an unrepeatable expression of the moment. Even I, as the artist, could not recreate the same piece again, reinforcing its true uniqueness.

While I have my own interpretations of each piece as the creator, I prefer to let viewers engage their imaginations and personal interpretations when appreciating my works; everyone's feelings and understanding of the pieces may differ.

Throughout my career, I've drawn inspiration from the beauty of the world around me, from the vibrant hues of nature to the complexities of human emotion. Each brushstroke is a reflection of my experiences, thoughts, and feelings, captured on canvas for others to interpret and enjoy.

As I continue to evolve as an artist, I remain committed to pushing the boundaries of my creativity and exploring new techniques and styles. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others and to contribute to the rich tapestry of artistic expression.