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Born in 1952 in New York, NY, United States


1970-1973, SUNY, Fredonia, NY


2003-2006, Study of Chinese calligraphy with Master Painter Zhu Chengjun (Lao Zhu)

"I have nurtured a lifelong passion for painting and drawing that tends towards natural subjects often ephemeral in spirit. Since 1997 my primary medium has been oriental ink painting, a focus that has taken my work into new directions, I am drawn to the inherent mystery, elegance and subtlety of Chinese ink painting, (sumi-e in Japanese). Combined with the idiosyncratic design of the Chinese brush, Chinese ink is ideally suited to reveal the essence and emotion that reside within even the most simple and commonplace of subjects. The brush techniques echo natural shapes and patterns which appear consistently throughout nature. The substrates for ink paintings - Chinese xuan paper and various washi (Japanese paper) - each have distinct characteristics. This individuality contributes to the "organic" feel of the artwork. At the same time, they demand spontaneity of execution: the first stroke is the final stroke and no corrections are made. I strive for purity of form through direct expression and well-tempered brush strokes.

Chinese and Japanese ink painters have different approaches towards painting. As an American, my work borrows from both these traditions but carries its own distinct flavor. "

Lisa Chakrabarti, November 2007

  • Solo Exhibitions
  • 2007: Mo Tao: the way of ink, Schauerman Library, El Camino College, Torrance, CA

  • 2002: Entering Spirit and Form (to introduce the book "Black Ink: Entering Spirit and Form" realized in collaboration with writer/photographer Beth Shibata), The Gallery at the Dojo, Lomita, CA

  • 2000: Visual Reflections on Aikido: the way of harmony with the universal life force, The Gallery at the Dojo, Harbor City, CA

  • Group Exhibitions
  • 2005: Lunar New Year Exhibition of Calligraphy and Paintings, Evergreen Books, Monterey Park, CA

  • 2004: Lunar New Year Exhibition of Calligraphy and Paintings, Chinese Culture Center, El Monte, CA

  • 2000: The Gallery at Dojo, Southwest Aikido and Karate Center, Harbor City, CA

  • 1996: Alexander's Fine Arts Gallery, Inc., Tampa, FL, "The Goddess Within - a woman's group show"

  • 1992: Courtyard Collections, Century City, CA

  • 1991:
  • Gene Sinser Gallery, Larchmont, CA

  • E.S. Lawrence Gallery, Aspen, CO

  • 1990:
  • L.A. Art Expo, L.A. Convention Center - participating artist in coordination with Shelly Art Group, Marina del Rey, CA

  • Bank Leumi-le Israel, in conjunction with Yad B'Yad Charitable Foundation, Encino, CA "

  • 1989:
  • Otis-Parsons School of Design/Wilshire Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles, CA

  • The Sculpture Gardens Gallery, Venice, CA

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    Selection of paintings from Lisa Chakrabarti

    Read the guestbook of Lisa Chakrabarti

    Sign the guestbook of Lisa Chakrabarti