He Si, born in Beijing, China, is a gifted and accomplished female artist. She demonstrated an exceptional artistic talent in drawing, painting and sculpting in her early years.  She began serious art training at age 12, and revealed a profound artistic nature.  At age 15, she secretly consigned several of her favorite artworks at Beijing’s leading gallery.  When she saw the joy her paintings brought to the faces of the people at the gallery, she knew she must pursue a career as an artist.

In 1982, He Si enrolled in the Central Academy of Art and Design. While a student there, He Si developed her lifelong signature style which achieved an integration of eastern and western artistic values in ceramic designs and paintings.  Upon graduating, He Si earned a permanent position as an associate professor at the Fine Arts Department of Beijing’s Central University of Nationalities.

During her early years as a teacher and working artist, He Si gained attention because of her unique combination of traditional Chinese artistic themes and values with western aesthetic forms and expressions. Her award-winning integration of surrealistic and naturalistic ceramic figurines gained her widespread recognition in China.  Her work “The Pearl of Orient” received the Gold Medal in the China Ceramic Art Exhibition, “Chain” received the Medal of Excellence in the Invitational Art Exhibition in Singapore, and “Flame” received the First Prize at the 1991 China Ceramic Art Exhibition.  Her oil painting, “Youth”, received the Longfuji Gold Medal in Longfiji International Art Exhibition in Japan.

In 1992, He Si moved to America and lived in New Mexico for three years.  The artworks of the Southwest, particularly those of Georgia O’Keefe, had a profound impact on her style.  He Si developed quite a following:  “Her paintings are extraordinary.  I have never seen such a unique combination of Oriental images and western style; they are absolutely beautiful.” Dr. James Srubek, Chairman, Department of Art Education, University of New Mexico.

He Si moved to California’s Silicon Valley in 1995, and in keeping with her adventurous nature, she began to explore a new style.  Beautiful images of super-realistic flower blossoms, Irises in particular, became her new passion. 

“For me, Irises evoke more expression and emotion then any other flower.”

He Si explains, “Even though their forms and colors are a bit exaggerated, the soft texture and the see-through petals convey a sense of clarity and simplicity far beyond mere exterior beauty.  I love all beautiful things in the world, especially the beauty of nature.  I think that flower blossoms are one of the best expressions of that beauty. Though they might look fragile and delicate, the different shades of colors and different appearances of blossoms reveal their inner strength and energy.  This is where their true beauty lies.  The life of the blossom is short, but it leaves  beautiful things in the world, especially the beauty of nature.  I think that flower blossoms are          

one of the best expressions of that beauty. Though they might look fragile and delicate, the different shades of colors and different appearances of blossoms reveal their inner strength and energy.  This is where their true beauty lies.  The life of the blossom is short, but it leaves people with a strong impression of its beauty.  I hope I can capture the most stunning moment in Nature with my paintbrush; and present it to the world.”

“The more I paint, the more emotions I have about the Irises.  Sometimes it’s as if I feel what the flower is feeling, and all of a sudden, I sense the wonder of the blossom through a wordless language, which sparks my artistic creativity.  To me, the Iris has such a power to convey different feelings.  Sometimes I get caught up in my paintings, and I just can’t stop.  Before I know it, I’ve been painting for ten hours straight.  I feel like I am a part of the Iris, or somehow, within the Iris. The feeling is unforgettable and I think that this deep connection is very important to my success as an artist.  Irises are my heart.  I love Irises.”

He Si’s art evolves and grows even as her life changes with each season.  You are invited to take a look at her life’s work, and share in her unique integration of Eastern and Western artistic traditions.  From Beijing, to Santa Fe, to the Silicon Valley, He Si creates, integrates, and forges, her own stylistic tradition.

He Si’s artworks are held in collections in China, Japan, United States, France, Singapore and Hong Kong.