Hsi-Mei began painting as a child in Taiwan. Her talent was recognized early when she won awards for her paintings at school.  After graduation, Hsi-Mei went to work at the China Pottery Art Company where she decorated pottery. She and her husband moved to Virginia in 1983, where Hsi-Mei began teaching Brush Painting.  She says that these 2 sentences sum up everything! “You have to inhale, hold your brush, and move your entire body. You have to have confidence in each stroke.”