Why do I include gold, silver and copper in my paintings? The short answer is because these natural elements also symbolize celebration.
Gold is like a gift sent to human beings from heaven. Why do I say that? While human beings adore and treasure gold, no other plant or animal seem to have an affection for gold. In that sense, gold is not for them, it is for us human beings. And we made gold the most luxurious of all metals. It never rusts—even in water, nor does it lighten in fire. Also, it is soft and malleable enough to be cast into ornaments and jewellery to be admired, and most of all, gold doesn't lose its lustre under the sun and gold never tarnishes.
Gold is like a gift sent to human beings from heaven. Why do I say that? While human beings adore and treasure gold, no other plant or animal seem to have an affection for gold. In that sense, gold is not for them, it is for us human beings. And we made gold the most luxurious of all metals. It never rusts—even in water, nor does it lighten in fire. Also, it is soft and malleable enough to be cast into ornaments and jewellery to be admired, and most of all, gold doesn't lose its lustre under the sun and gold never tarnishes.
If you really think about it, gold has little practical use in reality; it is too soft to be used as tools, let alone weapons. Its biggest function is human defined—as a means of exchange among people, a very valuable one that is. For that alone, gold makes us proud and happy when we have it and when we wear it. It is a heavenly gift and that itself gives cause for celebration. Whether it is gold, gift or celebration, they make us happy and proud, and they always make us feel good and secure about ourselves.
Then, there is the case for silver. Silver is money of smaller value. Silver can be used to buy smaller things, things of everyday use. In that sense, silver can serve as a reminder that celebration need not be reserved only for a big harvest. Celebration can also be showered upon smaller achievements and gains.
What about copper then? Copper is commonly used to make coins, to buy even smaller things. It is a useful reminder to us to celebrate in even smaller and ordinary things. A bowl of rice? A candy? A toy? They are all worth celebrating.
Then, there is the case for silver. Silver is money of smaller value. Silver can be used to buy smaller things, things of everyday use. In that sense, silver can serve as a reminder that celebration need not be reserved only for a big harvest. Celebration can also be showered upon smaller achievements and gains.
What about copper then? Copper is commonly used to make coins, to buy even smaller things. It is a useful reminder to us to celebrate in even smaller and ordinary things. A bowl of rice? A candy? A toy? They are all worth celebrating.
Then, it must be said that copper isn’t only used as money, it is also used in tools.
With tools, human beings can upgrade themselves; they can produce more. No other beings can create tools like only human beings can. To celebrate is also a human quality, because human beings can aspire and create.
Copper is also used in weapons. He who owns the stronger weapon wins the war. And we celebrate in victory, especially when victory comes after a good fight. Celebration is for the strong and the powerful.
I believe that prosperity and good fortune can come from heaven and from the universe, which incidentally is why I have a series called the celestial series. What better way to celebrate than to include some of the most primal and precious elements that our universe bestowed upon us—gold, silver and copper—in my paintings. Most fittingly to my beliefs, gold, silver and copper also glitter in the light. And when celebration takes place in the light, their glitters will render the celebration even more joyous and bright.
-- Master Yun Long Zi
(Originally posted here: https://www.facebook.com/masteryunlongzi/posts/1344939875595989)
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