My mom, Liuping Yu, grew up in a large family of seven children. Life was happy but hard, and her parents had many responsibilities, so there was no chance for extra lessons like art. Still, she loved watching people paint and often imagined what it would feel like to hold a brush of her own. As she grew older, she started working early and later devoted herself to raising me. The dream stayed with her, but it had to be set aside.
Many years passed before she finally had time for herself. After she retired three years ago, her days became quiet for the first time. With this new space in her life, she picked up a brush and decided to learn traditional Chinese painting from the beginning. She practiced for long hours, sometimes repainting the same flower or landscape until she felt satisfied. Each piece taught her something new and brought her closer to the dream she once thought she had lost.
Over time, she began taking classes and exploring more subjects—seasonal flowers, animals, fruits, and scenes inspired by daily life and Chinese festivals.
Liu is the Chinese word for the number six, so I promoted her art under the name 6pingart. Today, Liuping paints with calm focus and a sense of joy. Her journey shows how a dream can wait quietly for many years and still return with full strength.
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Which ’hood are you in?
I live in a lovely neighbourhood in Yueyang City back home. One of the things I enjoy most about living here is the nearby park, which is perfect for morning jogs. In fact, I’ve been jogging for over a decade and have even participated in several marathons. When I’m not in China, I love visiting my daughter in Calgary, Canada, where I stay in the heart of the city. In Calgary, I live in Downtown Beltline.
What do you do?
After 25 years in the telecom industry as an engineer and sales manager, I retired three years ago to fully pursue my true passion, which is traditional Chinese painting. My work mainly focuses on four distinct styles: Gongbi (delicate detail), Xieyi (spontaneous expression), Mogu (boneless/ink-wash), and modern illustration with simple shapes and colourful palettes. My most recent projects include a beautifully painted fan featuring the Twelve Flower Goddesses, as well as a themed calendar for the 2026 Chinese New Year of the Horse.
What are you currently working on?
Lately, I’ve been experimenting with a modern fusion style that blends traditional Chinese brushwork with minimalist illustration. I’m also expanding my subjects beyond nature, diving into human-centred themes to build atmosphere and explore inner emotions through my brushwork.
Outside the studio, I keep my mind active and creative by playing the piano, learning new music, and travelling! My daughter has also stepped in to help elevate my brand—she designs our custom logo packaging, creates our event banners, and sources premium, high-quality frames to really make the artwork shine.
Where can we find your work?
If you’re in China, you can find my original paintings on the Goofish platform. Locally here in Calgary, my daughter represents my work at various artisan markets. This spring, we’ll be at the Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge, the Remington YMCA in Quarry Park, and the Lilac Festival! You can also explore my portfolio on Instagram or visit my website.
