Kungfused Art Studio
Art Inspired by Kung Fu
Creativity is an art form, and everything is Kung Fu. While my story began when I first travelled to China to train at a rural school in the Song Mountains, with my continued training, I began to fall in love with the surrounding temples in the Henan Province. In quieter moments, I draw the landscapes by hand. Drawing has become an extension of my meditative practice — and also a creative way to cultivate my qi.
The quote ‘气韵生动’ (Qì yùn shēng dòng) originates from a 6th-century Chinese text by Xie Hie called Six Principles of Painting. It expresses the idea that artwork itself should carry the essence of life from creative practice. The philosophy suggests that with every stroke of a brush in painting or calligraphy, this movement is a form of expression imbued with energy from your spirit, much like each move in Kung Fu.
This creativity is said to be born from internal energy, or the life force known as Qi. With this thought in mind, all creative endeavours can be seen as inspired by the energy of movement and the practice of Kung Fu, whether through a brushstroke, a pen, or a sword.
Standing in front of the temple buildings are often large incense holders for making prayers and blessings. Many people will light incense and make a bow to pray here for their families and loved ones. The feeling surrounding these incense stands seems to radiate good energy and a sense of calm.
Dharma Blessings
Shaolin Lion
Guarding the temples around China are large stone lions, also known as foo dogs. They are strong presences and are thought to be the guardians of the temples. The vibrant characters of the statues really bring the history to life.
Outside the Fawang Temple, skirting the edges, are the walls of the temple, rich with colour and emblems resembling the historical relevance of Kung Fu within the sacred grounds. The Fawang Temple is thought to be founded in 71 AD, making it almost 2,000 years old.
Mount Song
At the top of the Mount Song sits the peak of the mountain called Lián Tiān Fēng, where the Songshan Buddhist Monastery resides. The Song mountains are a breathtakingly beautiful sight to behold around the Henan Province. Chinese astronomical mythology believed Mount Song to be "the centre of Heaven and Earth."
Known as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, the world famous Shaolin Temple has been visited by warriors, emperors, monks and martial artists alike for hundreds of years. This temple is rich with history and Chinese culture and is truly the home of Shaolin.
Zhongyue Pavilion
At the opening entrance of Zhongyue Temple stands this beautiful pavilion. Zhonyue is a very old Taoist temple, predicted to be built around 220 BC. The pavilion itself seems to emanate peace, spreading a gentle atmosphere throughout the grounds. I once hid in here from the rain.
Towards the edge of the Fawang Temple are the moon gate entrances, with traditional tiled roofs and dragons decorating the top. This is my favourite temple in the whole of China. For many years, the Fawang Temple was home to Kung Fu students who lived and trained there, including my Kung Fu Master.
Fawang Moon Gate
Fawang Wall
Shaolin Temple
Monastery Pot
While climbing up Mount Song on the many stairs leading to the Shaolin Monastery, you will come across a small temple. Stood proudly outside in all of its rustic antiquity is this giant cooking pot, about ten feet tall, surviving through all the many weathers.
Yin Yang Tigers
The push and pull of two tigers reflecting the balance between the two forces of Yin and Yang. Yin being soft, feminine, water, night; and Yang representing the strong, masculine, fire and day. There is balance in everything.
Note from Holly:
In the future, I might make some of these artworks available to purchase. If this is something you would be interested in, please let me know by adding your name and the piece you like to the mailing list at the end of the ‘Training Resources’ section.