Mantis and Roses Painting

Miami-based artist Valentina Battler has traveled extensively, living in Canada, England, France, Japan, and China. A graduate of the St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia, she began her career as a classical pianist before expanding her artistic horizons. Her journey into Chinese painting began with an unconscious attraction to this art form, the volume of philosophical ideas and lines fulfilled with beauty. After meticulously studying the basics and passionately developing her skills, Valentina's long journey and efforts led to recognition as an artist of Chinese painting. "I would never have dared to start painting in the Chinese style ("Chinese") if I had understood what an immense journey it is, whose form and substance is based on the philosophical knowledge of the world. It's like jumping off a riverbank, but instead of hitting the water, you keep falling further and further away. You dive in, only to find yourself plummeting into an endless abyss - a real mind bender.” Valentina’s style has evolved from traditional Chinese painting and Japanese ink painting on water (suminagashi) to her own unique style that incorporates both traditional techniques and innovative elements. The artist leads the viewer into a world of art and appreciation of beauty, encouraging the audience to listen, see and absorb. Wang Liushi (translated from Chinese as Queen of Weeping Willow and Poetry) is the artistic pseudonym under which Valentina Battler creates her Chinese paintings. She has held several solo exhibitions in galleries across the globe.