Life: Childhood-Girlhood-Adulthood

Life:  Childhood, Girlhood, Adulthood

Cross-cultural art by Lily Kostrzewa

My doctor’s office told me it was time to have a hysterectomy.  When I left, I looked back on my life.  I then realized I have come to the age counting my white hairs.

I decided it was time to paint a painting about life. The picture of childhood –girlhood-adulthood came to my mind. There is a Chinese song I used to sing when I was a school girl: “When I was a child my heart was only for my mommy. One day, I grew up I found my heart was full of him. …”. I looked back at the innocent childhood; a girl’s life was occupied by dolls and tutu.  Then one day she became a teenager;  she started feeling attracted to boys and sex became such giggling topic among girls. Eventually she got married and had children. She was very busy with daily grind. Then one day her youth was gone and physical problem surfaced one by one. She realized it seems that overnight she has turned old.

I always admire Li Bai’s poem, (701 – 762 AD), also known as Li Bo was a major Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty poetry period, regarded as one of the greatest poets of the Tang Dynasty. Especially the one “Bring in the Wine” talked about life so well. I also want to use this poem to paint about life. I place the poem of Chinese calligraphy on three paintings (see translation below) and mix with abstract expressive colors to continue my unique East/West cross cultural style.  Childhood-girlhood-adulthood three painting series is 10 feet wide by 4 feet high.  

"Childhood 42" w x 48" h"

"Girlhood 42" w x 48" h"

"Adulthood 42" w x 48" h"

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Bring in the Wine (Li Bai, 701-762 AD, China)       Ying Sun © 2008

Can’t you see the Yellow River coming from heaven,
Running to the sea with no return?
Can’t you see the mirror, high and bright,
Weeping over black hair at dawn, but white by night?
Enjoy life when there is prosperity.
Never tip a gold cup to the moon, empty.
Heaven has given me a gift and it’s my turn.
All my fortune is squandered, but it will return.
Let's have fun - a fest with veal and beef.
Empty three hundred drinks before we leave.
Master Cen, Pupil Danqiu,
Bring in the wine and I'll keep pouring for you.
And I'll sing you a song.
Please listen and hum along:
The life style of the rich is all fake.
I’d rather stay drunk, never awake.
All sages in history were solitary,
Except those drinkers who left their glory.
When Lord Chen entertained in Ping-Le Palace,
Pricey wine was poured just for joyfulness.
Why worry about spending money, my host?
Bring in more wine and I’ll drink the most.
Take my spotted stallion and fancy fur.
Ask the lad to trade for the wine I prefer.
Drink away the eternal sorrow we all suffer.