YiXiong Gu Zen Master of Art, Xi'an Pursuit of Art

Yi-Xiong Gu Zen Master of Art

YiXiong Gu Zen Master narrative

Chang Hui Upasika translation

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Xi'an pursuit of art

Mr. YiXiong Gu at two years old

This is Mr. Gu paintings of his childhood, living in China Shaanxi cave.

YiXiong Gu was born in 1971 to a poor peasant family in China. His Father worked as a fitter, his mother did not work at this time. The family had three children with Gu YiXiong being the middle child, between two sisters. Because the family was very poor, Mr. Gu began to sell lanterns his Mother , Father sisters and he made at the market when he was only eight years old. The lanterns wee made to celebrate the New Year. Even since childhood, Mr. Gu was very talented in the arts. YiXiong was responsible for decorating the lanterns by painting patterns and auspicious words . From 8 years old until his college gradation in 1995 , Mr. Gu painted and sold Chinese Lanterns during the annual New Year's holiday. Year after year he and his family must scatter around the market to see their lanterns. Mr. Gu usually sold lanterns after school, as well as cut firewood for cooking. His Mother worked part-time in the morning to sweep the road, Mr. Gu helped his Mother sweep the streets of Xing Ping, China. This photo was taken in 1992 New Year's Eve, Gu YiXIong's mother and grandmother in the production of lanterns. In his poor childhood, Mr Gu's dream was to grow up to be an artist. 

It was at age 11 that Mr. Gu found an art teacher at school , he began to study drawing and painting skills. At 19 years old, he began the study Chinese philosophy. Since he possessed a natural instinct and was his hobby his perceptive was naturally strong. He had no teacher, learning was self-study. He quickly learned the ancient Chinese divination, researched Zen Buddhism and began to practice meditation . He became a devout Buddhist . At that time the family was poor , his mother gave him a little pocket money when he helped her everyday, she gave him a little reward money as an incentive. Mr. Gu loved reading and would safe his money to buy books.   

YiXiong Gu Xi'an Union University in 1994

This image is Mr. Gu and his college classmate graduation.

Mr. Gu was admitted to China's famous mural department Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts of in 1992, however he could not attend because his family did not have the money for tuition. After a year of hard work, his family accumulated tuition and he studied fine arts at Xi'an Union University in 1993. While tuition was more affordable at Xi'an Union University the tuition was till a strain on the family economy. 

Even though Mr. Gu grew up in a difficult environment he did not abandon his dream. Graduating in 1995, he received first prize of the province on art competitions. His meditation practice and ability of divination to predict has been recognized and praised by students and teachers. Finally, his teachers specially entertained Mr. Gu, celebrating his graduation. In 1998 Mr. Gu was specifically invited to go back to school to participate in the celebration. In the 25th anniversary meeting of the University.

1995 Xi'an United University graduation

YiXiong Gu 1999 teaches art in Xi'an 

YiXiong Gu graduated from college, started a career as an art teacher for four years at Xi'an Sang Rui private boarding school teaching elementary, middle and high school and Xi'an Institute of East -Asia Pacific Vocational and Technical College . In 2000 he left Xi'an, moved to Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) where he started his painting career, founded a Chinese Zen ink painting studio and continued to expand his research on Chinese Zen ink painting.

YiXiong Gu visited China Hukou Waterfall in 2001

In 2001 YiXiong Gu was invited to the the Chinese Painting Exhibition opening ceremony where he received the honor of honorary director of the Chinese Art Academy in Yan'an city, China and was presented with the highest honor of a Gold Medal. 

YiXiong Gu Zen Art