The motivation behind this study is to point out the importance of self-reflection of life. In this study, first, I point out the content and meanings of images and prospects from the traditional Chinese Aesthetics of allusive concepts in academic terms. Then, from the Zen aspect, I describe the value of inner reflection and the emphasis on the spirituality of the awareness of life. From Zen’s influence on Chinese paintings and its interaction with the culture, we can shed light on Zen Art and get to know that the meaning of life lies in the primacy of mind. It shows that tendency of art expression is pursuing the state of life, and that the highest state of Art is the point of view inspired by life. I am also inspired in rethinking the meaning of my own life. Finally, through Chinese and Western Art theories, I study turning the relationship between artistic metaphors and transformation into the expressive content of painting. Through the theories, the whole series of work is founded. The notion behind the study comes from the reflection of my own life, revealing my interpretation on forms of existence and values of life. My work is divided in to two parts; “the Tangle states” is about my direct feelings towards “Tangle”, while “the Zen states” present the understanding of life in Zen. I express the metaphors and symbols of visual signs by applying natural materials in artistic forms. By using the contemporary ink painting concepts and techniques, I present the life images of “From Tangle to Zen” through transforming the mind and building personal sense of beauty. In conclusion, artistic creations are the actual presentation of the mind and thoughts of the artists; they have high spirituality and reveal the artists’ interpretation on individual life. In “From Tangle to Zen” series, one understands more about the value of one’s own life through self-pursuing of mind and deep reflecting of life. Painting is about portraying the mind. It is my eternal goal to live my life with all my heart and mind
