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Name: Ann Niu
Location: Shanghai, China

Shanghai- and San Francisco-based artist Ann Niu pulls inspiration from everywhere, she says, and it's no wonder—she has traveled just about everywhere, enlightening lives with her stunning paintings and large scale creations. Having just closed her Drama exhibit at Sin Sin Fine Art in Hong Kong, Niu recently sent us an e-mail update about having also finished a glass mural on the windows of the Joyce Boutique in Hong Kong titled Between the Hearts in the Crowd. All in a day's work…

How does Shanghai inspire your work? What other cities inspire you?  Shanghai is about mood and it lends a lot of moods to my work. I like to do sketches and paintings in San Francisco – it gives me an eased, free spirit. Kyoto is my favorite city where I feel very inspired by its aesthetic.

What big aha! did you have while working on the pieces for your Drama exhibit?
Drama is an additional show to my 10th Anniversary homecoming solo exhibition at Shanghai Art Museum in March, 2010. My big aha! was realizing that drama is about life and life is a drama.

How would you sum up your design philosophy? Be unique. Be simple. Be thorough.

What is your favorite quote?  “Get problems solved. Get things done. Get attention.”

Is drama a positive or negative thing? Drama could be sad or tragic, but as art, it’s always a positive thing.

Fill in the blanks: When I feel satisfied I want to cry.  

What was the last product you purchased? The iPad.

What makes you smile? Great taste!

Name the three things you can’t live without: Love. Someone’s trust. Coffee.