Ai-Wen Wu Kratz
My works are influenced by nature, classical music, stage design and choreographic lines in ballet and modern dance. My search in the visual art is spirituality, intellectualism and aesthetics. I grew up in one of the high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, a city among the most populated in the world. The skyward expansion in architecture and the twenty-four-seven city activities had fostered my ability to be flexible, a dutiful sense of community wellness, and an appreciation for higher education. The self-made toys in childhood had enriched my imagination and aptitude for creativity. Here, I would like to share Richard Strauss’ viewpoint on composing music: “… the most important aspect a composer has to face is inspiration, for without it nothing of lasting value can be put on paper. A good composer must also be a skilled craftsman …. But no matter how clever the workmanship, no composition will live unless it is inspired.” (From an interview of Strauss conducted by Arthur M. Abell.) I am attracted to the romance of purity. The mere mention of Mahler’s composing huts has the power to drift me afar.
