Abstract
This research examines Shih-t'ao's "Hua-yu-lu" (Treatise on the Philosophy of Painting), particularly his thoughts on what painting is and what it is to be a painter, and questions its significance as an instructional document and what it can contribute to contemporary foundational art education. The treatise is recognized as a reference for artists well advanced in their profession, but also contains a wealth of suggestions applicable to the problems of contemporary art education. Of prime importance is the fact that Shih-t'ao (1642-1707) was himself a painter, and used its lifetime pursuit to also deepen his speculation on how to live. The core of which is the description, be it abstract, of what creation should be. This is symbolized as the 'primordial line' which strongly encourages the continual return to the origin/source and renewal of self-awareness; facing ourselves facing each new creative endeavor. From an educational stand point, the 'origin' is rooted in the fundamentals of art education. Teachers themselves should question the source of their own work while at the same time be aware of the influence and effect it has on their students. Repeatedly mentioned in "Hua-yu-lu" and from a present view the aim of foundational art education, is the ability to trust the hand. To do that the eyes must correspond to the heart, materials and the hand that moves them must be one. Eyes, hands, materials and heart mutually unified is indispensable to feeling and thinking in creative activity. Today, expression tends to highly valued, however on this premise, training the gaze must also never be neglected.
