Figure paintings, especially of Chinese and Tibetan subjects, comprise the vast majority of my artistic creations. During the pandemic, I reexamined materials for sketches that I collected on a previous visit to China. This process inspired me toward new ways to express my emotions that cannot be expressed through words – only through painting. Seeing the world through the eyes of children is a special interest of my recent paintings. Sometimes their stories are clear, other times ambiguous. This is among the reasons that painting is unique. Through painting, I can share my feelings with the audience. Like good music, art can reach its audience in ways that leave a strong, lasting impression. All I have to do is express my innermost emotions without hesitation. This is why I paint. - Jie Wei Zhou