Painting the Dao

142 ak24.98 Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Conversation, No.10 Ink and watercolour on cloud-dragon paper 78.7 × 71.0 cm, Hong Kong, November 2024 Three artist seals 水松石山房 Shuisongshi shanfang (Water, Pine and Stone Retreat) 墨者不朽 Mozhe buxiu (Let ink be my immortality) 士撝 Shihui [name] inscr iption Climbing from my wilderness retreat to listen to the sonic roar of the falls, I found an ancient pine, massive and gnarled, ribboned by vines, blown sideways by the prevailing wind the gorge had channelled for millennia. It provided a fine perch from which to disappear and unite with the song that was unfettered nature, becoming the wilderness as essence. In no time, having left time behind, I was in my holiday retreat in the realm of immortals. I shall return, but not until the last seal is placed and the inkstone covered. Inscribed by the Master of the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat in winter of 2024.