Women in Art 278 Magazine October 2015 | Page 41

Chinese artist Ningning Li Oil I was born in Beijing, China. Now I reside in Lima, Peru. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), my family was separated and sent to the provinces. My eldest sister was sent to a remote countryside village near the border of Viet Nam. She took care of the farmers as a “barefoot doctor “. I borrowed medical books and copied the texts and sketched bones, tissues, blood veins and arteries for her studies. That was my only drawing experience during those years. Art was hence more of a must under the circumstances but by no means a desire. I experienced my artistic awakening 10 years ago but it only lasted for one year. I was lured by the Marinera Norteña, Peru’s most famous folkdance, and became addicted to competition and championships. Finally, in 2011, I came back to my painting. In April of 2012, I won the first price of the competition of still life of The Complete Artist workshop on the Internet. I am still learning there happily. My teacher is Richard Robinson, an excellent artist and teacher of the world. In August 2012, I had my first personal painting exhibition held by the American Woman’s Literary Club, a 94 years old American institution in Peru. At the end of the year, I was voted as the winner of the AWLC’s first Rising Star of the Art Award. Similar things keep on going up to now. I love painting. It makes my life more colourful and meaningful. Some of my works went to charity. I am very glad that I can contribute to the society by my limited cabability. wom en ART page 41