Tag: Recreation
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How to Kill Your Muse
An eventful summer between painting, tax troubles, SEO, AI and book cover design. Somewhere in between, my muse took a few shots – but fortunately, she seems rather hard to kill.
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From SEO to Water Lilies
This post covers two major themes from my summer. First, I share a refreshing trip to the Kuenringerbad in Dürnstein, a natural swimming pond where you can swim right next to water lilies beneath a historic castle ruin. Second, I switch to the technical side of blogging. I share my recent experience cleaning up my…
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Nature’s Calligraphy: The Art of Seeing
We see how we think. What occupies our mind directly shapes our vision. In this post, I share a series of photos of ducks and swans that document my artistic shift from visual abundance toward minimalism. By observing waterfowl in their natural environment, you can trace what was driving me at the exact moment I…
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Lang Lang in Vienna and Other Music Anecdotes
What happens when you go skinny-dipping in a Carinthian stream with jazz legend Don Cherry, or watch Friedrich Gulda attack an amplified clavichord with a knife and fork? This personal reflection looks back on a golden era of musical rebellion in 1970s Austria and offers some insights into the world of classical music, the avant-garde,…
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Afterthoughts on the Yunnan Journey
Reflecting on a 3,000 km journey through Yunnan, this article explores the fascinating contradictions between the present, high-tech innovation and ancient heritage. From the deep “eyes of the earth” in Jianshui to the coffee-scented hills of Pu’er, I share my personal observations on traveling as a guest in a land that is rapidly moving into…
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The $20,000 Flea Market Find
I usually don’t spend time digging through dusty boxes at the flea market. But last Sunday, a bizarre album cover caught my eye. In this post, I share the story of a ridiculous two-euro bluegrass record that turned out to be a $20,000 find.
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Buddhas Light and Other Joy
Yuan Yang region is home to several ethnic minority groups, predominantly the Hani (哈尼族) and the Yi (彝族). They maintain their own distinct clothing, lifestyles, cuisine, and customs. But there is more….
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Customs, Traditions, and Religion
A look at the local customs and spiritual life along the Tea Horse Road. In this region, Buddhism, Daoism, and local folk beliefs merge seamlessly.
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South of the clouds
”South of the Clouds” is more than just a name; it describes a shift in perspective. Moving through Lushi, Lincang, and Nakeli, we follow the Ancient Tea Horse Road deeper into a landscape shaped by altitude and history.
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Lushi, Lincang, Nakeli
Moving through Lushi, Lincang, and Nakeli, we continue our journey along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Time and again, we discover remarkable landscapes that remain deeply connected to their history.
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Every Day an Adventure, Every Day a Joy
It might sound a bit cliché, but our time in Heshun has been one adventure after another. We even canceled our planned trip to Mangshi because the area simply has too much to offer. In this post, I share our change of plans, a great reunion with friends who drove all the way from Beijing…
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Pure Dao – Shi Dong Si 石洞寺
I recently visited Shi Dong Si, a historic Stone Cave Temple built directly into the natural rock in 1794. In this post, I share my impressions of a place that feels suspended in time, focusing on how its architecture and atmosphere capture the pure Dao and the essential balance of opposites.
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Density, Depth, Tradition, and Authenticity.
Density, depth, tradition, and authenticity have shaped my understanding of China since my first visit in 1978. In this post, we look at the Shizhongshan Grottoes at Shibaoshan. Often called the “Dunhuang of the South,” these ancient carvings perfectly embody these four concepts, revealing a unique Bai aesthetic that blends Han, Tibetan, and Indian influences.
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Just Shaxi and Fengyu. Yunnan Spring Greetings (II)
On the way from Dali to Shaxi, we passed through Fengyu, a quiet town known for its traditional stone carvings and inkstones. In this post, I share a look at the rural side of Yunnan and a memorable encounter with the incredible hospitality of the local people.
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Spring greetings from Yunnan 云南 (I)
In this post, I share a selection of photos from Kunming and look at the Dali Catholic Church. Built in 1927, the church merges a traditional Chinese pagoda structure with Christian symbolism and local Bai craftsmanship. This architectural fusion is a perfect example of the cultural yin and yang found throughout Yunnan, offering a quiet…
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Don’t let the Old Man in
Don’t let the old man in is more than just a song title; it is a directive for maintaining an open spirit against bitterness. This article explores that mindset by contrasting striking political imagery with the artistic independence of my 2025 Yearbook, proving that staying young is a matter of attitude, not age.
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Winter Greetings
A winter photo diary from Innsbruck, the Salzkammergut and the Dachstein region — finding unexpected beauty in a season I don’t even like.
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Autumn Greetings
An autumn photo diary through Vienna, the Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey and Český Krumlov, tracing Egon Schiele’s connection to the region.
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Dao and Zen again: Applying Eastern Philosophy to Contemporary Ink Painting
Tao and Zen, along with minimalism, became my focus during a forced pause due to illness. This short article shares how fever dreams led to abstract works that explore the tension between Yin and Yang—an attempt to artistically grasp our world, which has been thrown off balance.
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Autumn Reflections
Autumn Reflections explores the connection between poetry, calligraphy, and painting through a series of original semi-haiku.
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The Abundance of Modesty
Delving into Daoist philosophy and the pictographic wisdom of Chinese calligraphy, this article unpacks the ancient proverb that “Modesty Brings Abundance” (謙受益). Grounding this profound concept in personal experiences, the author reflects on how the humility of an “empty vessel” allows one to receive a true overflow of friendship, knowledge, and spiritual wealth.
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Cracks in the Silence
“Cracks in the silence” is about our fractured times and the eroding foundation of global rules and humanity. I initially wanted to write a political article about this rising pressure and fading reason. But I discarded the idea—those who would read it already know how the game is played. In this post, I reflect on…
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One planet, many perspectives
A deep dive into the La Gacilly-Baden Photo Festival under the theme ‘One Planet, Many Perspectives.’ This review journeys from the rituals of Papua New Guinea to the paradoxes of modern development, exploring powerful photography that confronts our world’s greatest challenges and finds a path to understanding, mindfulness, and ultimately, hope.
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On Giving, Taking, and What Truly Matters
From a Cambodian tuk-tuk driver to quantum physics, explore the profound layers behind the Dalai Lama’s simple advice: “Be kind.” A journey into the power of giving and true connection.
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Would You buy a used Car from this Man?
“Would you buy a used car from this man?” This isn’t just a provocative question; it’s the title of what is likely my first, and probably last, article focusing on political topics. Breaking my own blog’s golden rule, I dive deep into the unsettling power of images and words, and how they actively sculpt new…
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The Gift of the Green Snake
“The Gift of the Green Snake” might sound like clickbait, but it carries a ring of truth. In this post, I share a few new drawings inspired by a recent Wu Opera performance I attended in Vienna. The show was a revelation that brought back memories from forty years ago, when I lived at the…
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Goodbye to the Winter
In traditional Chinese painting, the unpainted white space is often considered more important than the black ink. In this post, I challenge this balance of opposites by painting on black paper, shifting the focus so the unpainted black areas demand special attention. I share three new abstract works that explore the journey from winter’s darkness…
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Depression: A Journey Through the Long Winter.
A long, seemingly endless winter is finally behind me. I tried to channel this extended dark period into my art, looking deep within myself. In this post, I share these new works. They are not a collection of horrors, but rather a creative passage through the cold and darkness before the promise of spring brings…
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When Things Go Wrong.
When things go wrong, they can go very wrong. After years without serious problems, I recently experienced this first-hand. This post was supposed to be a lighthearted yin to the yang of my last article, which focused on the difficult living conditions of Chinese minorities. Today’s focus was meant to be the exact opposite—sea, luxury,…
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Every Picture Tells a Story
Every Picture Tells a Story. Let’s dive into the rich tapestry of Chinese minority people, captured in photographs from the hinterlands of northeast China, specifically Qinghai and the border area with Tibet, taken between 1979 and 1982.
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The Dao of Annual Planning in 2024
A look at annual artistic planning and how creative priorities evolve over time. The article reflects on long‑term projects, shifting focus, the balance between structure and intuition, and the ongoing process of aligning artistic goals with personal development.
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Merry Fir Tree
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You and Your Loved Ones!
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Discovering the Beauty in the Ugly
In my last article, we explored the concept of wabi-sabi. Today, we take a step further using photos from my recent trips to test the boundaries of our aesthetic sensibility. The images I am sharing are not meant to highlight misery, but rather to find beauty in the seemingly ugly aspects of life. It is…
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Andy Warhol, a Corpse, Opium, and a Botched Tribunal
“Andy Warhol, a Corpse in the Water, Opium, and a Botched Tribunal” might sound like clickbait, but it is all true. In this post, I share the background of my upcoming publication in the China Report, which features a selection of my surviving black-and-white photos from my years in China. I also reflect on my…
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The Silk Road: Personal Reflections
A contemplative look at the Silk Road’s cultural heritage and its influence on artistic expression. The article explores symbolism, cross‑cultural exchange, travel impressions and the timeless dialogue between Eastern and Western traditions.
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Visit of the old Zen Master and other Nonzens
I don’t actually know a physical Zen master, but his presence is still felt. In this post, I explore him as a teacher through a few grains of wisdom and semi-haiku. I also share my attempts to visually portray this master by finding the exact line where the concrete and the abstract meet. It is…
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When you live in the most livable city in the world
Vienna has once again been voted the world’s most livable city. In this post, I share my personal perspective on living here, without any tourist hype or nationalist slogans. Instead, I explore the true Viennese attitude and their famous dry humor—a classic balance of opposites where the highest global praise is met with a healthy,…
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Emptiness, Space, and Depth
Many artists explore space and depth in their work, qualities that are often less prominent in modern painting. In this post, I examine these themes and share how navigating a recent crisis led me to simplify and reduce my own art to its core. This process of release is deeply inspired by Zen Buddhism and…
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Delving into the Realm of Seals on Artwork
A reflection on the role of seals in artwork, exploring tradition, authenticity and symbolism. The article examines how personal seals convey identity, how their placement influences meaning, and how the practice connects contemporary work with historical artistic culture.
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Selection of New Works
A presentation of new works highlighting evolving motifs, fresh energy and shifts in artistic focus. The article reflects on how recent pieces explore variation, gesture, rhythm and the continuous development of expressive ink painting.
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Petra and Sharm El Sheikh Trip
In this post, I share photos and historical facts from an exhausting but worthwhile journey from Sharm El Sheikh to Petra. Beyond the famous movie backdrops of the “Pink City,” we will also look at the complex situation in the region from a Jordanian perspective.
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Superior Haiku by Ashley
In this post, I take a beautiful haiku written by my fellow blogger Ashley and turn it into a piece of calligraphy. I share a short video of the creative process, some extra details about the art of calligraphy itself, and the story of how this artistic collaboration came about.
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Red Dao & Black Zen – The Art of Painted Calligraphy
In this post, I detail the creation of my “painted calligraphy” series. After an old collector asked to watch me work, I realized the lengthy process is better captured on film. I share short videos of two pieces—”red dao” and “black zen”—and reflect on the hidden complexities and the balance of contrasting forces that shape…
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Birthday present from Confucius
I recently turned 70, which brings up the inevitable question of how to react to a round birthday. Since I don’t celebrate and skip the gifts, I’m just sharing a few thoughts on aging and a fitting joke about why being 20 in the 70s was a lot more fun than being 70 in the…
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About being happy – reflections and thoughts.
I promised a fellow blogger I would share a few thoughts on happiness. While I have studied the topic intensively, these are just fragments meant for reflection. In this post, we look at how happiness and unhappiness are basically the same thing—two balancing forces much like yin and yang—and how reflecting on this duality might…
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2024 How do you set it up?
Despite the current world situation, I am welcoming the New Year with an optimistic, Daoist mindset. In this post, I want to take a moment to thank my readers for their continued support and share a surprisingly positive forecast for 2024, based on a rather unusual metric: twenty years of spam emails.
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New Yearbook is Out
A reflection on assembling a new yearbook, capturing artistic milestones, evolving themes and personal highlights. The article explores how a year’s work forms a visual narrative, how selection shapes meaning, and how the process reveals development across time.
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Yin Yang and the Journey of Artistic Expression
A reflection on yin‑yang aspects in two new ink works, contrasting abstraction and figuration as well as ego and superego. The article explores shifting visual perception through AI engagement, the dilemma of artistic self‑analysis, and a promotional video created largely with AI. It concludes with a playful fantasy graphic and thoughts on AI as a…
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not nothing this time, but
A playful reflection on developing catalog drafts for Dao and Zen, including minimalistic cover designs, room mock‑ups and a children’s‑book idea. The article shows how ink works appear in curated spaces, how AI assists with hanging and lighting, and how philosophical concepts can be introduced visually — even for kids.
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Another new morning for the same old sod
A reflection on a ‘new morning’ marked by fresh ink works and shifting motifs. The article presents playful experiments, evolving gestures and small studies that signal renewed energy after a quieter phase — a gentle restart in artistic rhythm.
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Elements of Rhyme
A reflection on elements of rhyme within new ink works, exploring rhythm, gesture and variation. The article presents playful abstractions, shifting motifs and small studies that reveal how visual rhyme emerges through repeated movement, intuitive flow and poetic resonance.
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about letting go
A reflection on flow within recent ink works, focusing on movement, rhythm and intuitive gesture. The article presents new pieces shaped by unforced expression, explores how brushwork becomes more direct, and considers how artistic flow emerges through practice, reduction and openness.
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Cucumber cutting, abstracting and –
A brief note on cutting cucumbers and the small routines that shape a day. The text touches on simple gestures, quiet moments and the ease that comes from doing something familiar. A light, almost playful reminder of how ordinary actions can steady the mind.
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Something totally different: My new Friend Bing Chat
Many people have a negative view of tools like ChatGPT and Bing Chat, but I think we are missing out on real opportunities. In this post, I want to clarify a few aspects of this technology and look beyond the current fears and objections to see how we can actually use it.
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Two Links – TV Portrait and Dao Index
A brief reflection on a TV portrait broadcast in Austria and China. The post comments on diplomatic relations, long‑standing cultural ties, an updated Daoism index and a painting connected to Kokoschka’s tradition. A light mix of personal notes, context and artistic reference.
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Interview for TV and Stream
A personal account of filming a TV portrait for Chinese television and okto.tv in Austria. The post recalls earlier exhibitions, long‑standing cultural ties, the preparation of older works, and the three‑hour interview session at home. It also reflects on past projects in China, the atmosphere during media work, and the mix of curiosity, professionalism and…
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a poem about one of my paintings
A spontaneous collaboration with poet Dominik Alexander. The post recounts how a late‑night discovery of one of his poems led to contact, quick agreement and a new poem written freely about one of the artist’s paintings. It reflects on creative exchange, earlier collaborations, shared views on writing, and the idea of responding with a painting…
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The Magic Sea
Magic Sea Opera: Even if the idea that I would like to present today might sound unrealistic or at least utopian at first, I would by no means see it as unfeasible. Namely, the idea of an opera as a total work of art, in which the visual part is the actor
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I promised you the sky
A photo‑based reflection on sky, travel and shifting landscapes. The post closes the Egypt chapter with images taken above clouds, deserts, sea and the Alps, linking them to lessons in composition learned from nature. It moves between airplane windows, early‑morning skies at home, and the changing view on the return flight, ending with a lighthearted…
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The Valley of the Kings
A short travel note from the Valley of the Kings. The post shares impressions of the site, the dry heat, the colours of the desert and the atmosphere around the tombs. It includes a few personal snapshots, brief remarks on the visit and a light, informal tone that keeps the focus on the moment rather…
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Back from Egypt trip – stones and sands
A short travel note after returning from Egypt. The post shares impressions of stones, sand, desert colours and the dry heat, along with a few casual snapshots taken along the way. It keeps a light tone, mixing simple observations with the quiet charm of everyday travel moments.
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The children’s book of my last post
A brief reflection on an old children’s book project. The post recalls early drawings, the lighthearted tone of the story and the thought of bringing the material back to life after many years. It keeps things informal, mixing nostalgia with a quiet smile at past ideas.
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Criticism: Not amused with the Emperor
While my posts usually focus on art and Asian philosophy, today I am sharing a few historical examples of resistance and criticism by Chinese artists. Throughout history, figures like Su Shi used their craft to voice dissent against the system, often facing exile as a result. Although I avoid modern political issues, examining these historical…
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About Jack
Our generation takes many internet developments for granted, but I am still enthusiastic about the unexpected connections it creates. Today, I am sharing the story of Jack—a friend I have never actually met in person. After seeing a video of my calligraphy and contemporary ink painting, he reached out to purchase a few pieces. It…
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gone they are
A calm note on depression and how it can sit in the background of daily life. The post touches on hesitation, the difficulty of speaking openly, and the way art can hold a mood without exaggeration. It stays understated, pairing the text with a small ink work that mirrors the tone.
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Getting rid of the Blues…..
Since my work is usually heavily influenced by Chinese calligraphy, I decided to try a more Western approach this time. This new piece is a study. I could have kept working on it, but I chose to leave it exactly as it is to preserve its basic mood, contrasting with my usual contemporary ink painting.
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Merry – what, actually?
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas with a self-made card. In this post, I share a few thoughts on how holiday traditions change over time, sometimes without us even noticing. I look back at my childhood in Austria, our rich baking traditions, and the mystery of the “Christkind”—the angelic figure that brought us…
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explanation and summary of #WordlessWednesday
I recently wrapped up my #WordlessWednesday project, but the core idea still appeals to me: sharing photos that let the viewer interpret the story. My underlying thought has always been that no matter where we travel, we resemble each other much more than we realize. Today, I am sharing a few photos that didn’t make…
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goodbye #WordlessWednesday
With this last photo of the Wordless Wednesday Project, I would like to thank everyone who has followed this series and, of course, I would especially like to thank you for the numerous feedback and likes.
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black and white. more fish #WordlessWednesday
Black and white. More fish: A fisherman from Negombo points to his dried fish
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Jean-Michel Basquiat Exhibition at the Albertina, Vienna
Jean Michel Basquiat Exhibition in Vienna: I finally visited this important exhibition, experiencing a stark contrast between profound inspiration and artistic doubt.
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the big catch #WordlessWednesday #snapshot
The big catch. Dedicated to the participants of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Photo for #WordlessWednesday
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busy painting the future #WordlessWednesday #snapshot
busy painting the future. huge wall painting, beijing, china . photo for #WordlessWednesday
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belated halloween #WordlessWednesday #snapshot
basement window in the streets of verona, italy 2014. photo for #WordlessWednesday
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soft drink delivery #WordlessWednesday
soft drink delivery in the medina of fez, morocco. photo for #WorlessWednesday
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standpoint and point of view #WordlessWednesday
A standpoint as point of view. Wien, Liesing 2022. Photo for #WordlessWednesday
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Falco & the Vienna Music Scene of the 1970s
A personal account of Vienna’s 1970s underground music scene, the Bona Mente art studio, and its connection to Falco and other rising stars.
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Hakuin’s Koan: The Sound of One Hand Clapping
I will continue posting new articles every two weeks. Today, we revisit the challenging concept of the “existence of the nonexistence” through Hakuin Ekaku’s famous kōan, “The sound of one hand clapping.” I am sharing an older painting where I explored this paradox graphically. Rather than literally illustrating a sound, this piece of Zen-inspired art…
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alternative to #WordlessWednesday
Silly old news from The United Kimdon ®: In times like these, we all need something to cheer us up and nothing is better than the unvarnished reality, away from political correctness. Alternative to #WorlessWednesday
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On special request: more Morocco
Morocco trip, photos and report about Fes, the Atlas Mountains and Chefchaouen
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Back from Morocco
Fés – Atlas – Chefchaouen Fez and Chefchaouen If I work a lot, but the result is less and less, that is usually an unmistakable sign that I need a vacation. And this I did now. First I thought of Italy or Greece but that’s too dangerous. Both countries are known for their good wines…
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not much to see #WordlessWednesday
not much to see. photo of a river scene for ‘WorlessWednesday
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one of those… #WordlessWednesday #snapshot
It must be one of those black wires. Photo from Vietnam, Hanoi for #WordlessWednesday
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the blind musician #WordlessWednesday
The blind musician. Foto for #WordlessWdenesday. Tianjin, China, 1979.
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two book covers and one dragon
A short look at two book‑cover designs and a small dragon sketch. The post comments on layout, colour decisions, the practical side of preparing covers and the spontaneous humour behind the dragon. It keeps the tone relaxed, mixing design notes with a touch of playfulness.
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curry restaurant kitchen #WordlessWednesday
The kitchen of an amon and curry restaurant in nowhere land, North of Dambulla. Even if the picture doesn’t look inviting, the curries are the finest.
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Book Cover Design – A Clean, Focused Draft
A brief reflection on creating a book cover. The post comments on layout, typography, colour decisions and the small adjustments needed to make a cover work. It keeps the tone simple and practical, pairing the text with a clean draft of the design.
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wien, the capital of music #WordlessWednesday #snapshot
Vienna, the capital of music, where even the horses jam too. snapshot for #WordlessWednesday by © friedrich zettl
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yes, no coffee today. #WordlessWednesday #snapshot
Yes, we have no coffee today. A Shanghai Starbucks coffeeshop as a failed business. A photo for #WordlessWednesday
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fish and chips #WordlessWednesday #snapshot
Fish and chips Asian style. Negombo, Sri Lanka 2016. Photo for “WordlessWednesday”