Each subtle brushstroke by traditional Chinese artist Zhang Cuiying brings canvases alive with the guiding force of truth, compassion, and tolerance, revealing the unspoken wonders of her tranquil inner world. Behind the renowned Chinese-Australian painter’s delicate art lies lifelong hard work and an unwavering resolve to uphold her faith. It’s hard to believe that an acclaimed artist like Zhang, with solo exhibitions in over 100 cities in the world, once faced persecution in her homeland before the Australian government managed to rescue her. Zhang, who swapped toys for paintbrushes as a child, believes that traditional Chinese painting is an art bestowed by the heavens, and therefore, the discipline is exceptionally strict. A blend of literature, poetry, calligraphy, and seal cutting, this divine art foremost entails the “cultivation” of one’s inner self, eventually leading to the attainment of “harmony between man and nature.” “The painting is just like a person, as …