Before finishing the visiting, Dr. Clifton M Smart (first one on the right) -President of Missouri State University gave me some very good directions on how to develop my project, such as how to work with some local media, such as newspaper, how to make some new products, such as CD and DVD... also he asked me some good questions.
What he asked have really made me to examine my former jobs, to think of how to innovate my current products, improve my future work no matter in theory or in business.
Do you know, after President Smart left from the art gallery, I suddenly realized, in fact, behind Chinese painting's 4 main elements includes at least 3 elements that relating to the main elements: music (because 诗言志， 歌咏言 -- Poetry should express the inspiration of human being and music/song is the method to express a poem); culture background, each classical poem includes a history story; Modern Chinese Language's Primary Words. Just the things behind classical Chinese poetry, makes traditional Chinese paintings, music and Modern Chinese Language to be connected naturally and artistically...
I was surprised why I did not think of connecting the 3 elements together and mentioned them out one-off before President Smart asked me some questions ago?
I felt sorry for I did not answer the question of President Smart very well. Then his first question related to my students' work result, did make me realize: I should collect what my students have done, at least to take more photos, to help myself to summarize and to improve my work quality and to help the social public to know the work result of my effort. Students' work result, needing and let them get benefit, should be the key of the teaching part of my project would be able to go forward or not.
The most important is: Since I was informed that President Smart would like to meet me, until he came to my art exhibition in person and asked some questions and gave me some quite professional and helpful directions. I did have felt the good care for, interest, insight and actual help from my Alma Mater.
It has really warned my heart in the cold winter in the USA, and gave me a confidence to come back to Springfield, MO after I complete my study in Beijing, to give what I have learned in the best art academy and the highest art research academy earlier than the local people, to the land that has benefit me and the kind and sincere American people, especially Missouri People.
In the process to serve the non-Chinese speakers and anyone who is interested in China, to return my Alma Mater, Presidents and all of the professors and staff, organizations and people who have taught me and have helped me.
So, as soon as my art exhibition was finished, I left 5 boxes data, books, DVDs, keyboard, paper, brushes... in Springfield and left for China. For I will go back to Beijing to accept the finger print test in Chinese National Academy of Arts for taking part in a national English Examination. If I can pass it in May, 2014, I will be able to enter the next process, to write a paper by the direction of a professor that CNAA appointed, for my Art Master Degree.
It is said that the English examination is difficult, but, I will try to do my best.
Do you know? Within the 2 days after I came to Shenzhen, I have visited 2 top companies in Chinese Securitas Industry to ask help. It seems like they are interested in my project and would like to give me a hand via some way. :-)
Now I have booked my airplane ticket and I will be in Beijing March 9, 2014.
I really hope to work harder and to make my American and Chinese Alma Maters proud of me as their graduate.
Are you confident in me?
If you have any questions, comments and suggestions, please write to
shirley@ebridge.cn . You are welcome to publish your opinions in
Message Board as well.
Shirley Yiping Zhang
March 7, 2014
