Bridging Art and Psychology
Dr. Ginger Lai, an abstract and impressionist artist, entrepreneur, and clinical psychologist, transcends traditional boundaries with her creative vision. Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, upon immigrating to the United States, Dr. Lai embarked on a path of academic, entrepreneurial, and artistic exploration. She pursued her studies in psychology, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. This academic foundation provided her with a unique perspective on the intersection of art and mental health, shaping her approach to both her clinical practice and her artistic endeavors.
Her artwork serves as a reflection of her fundamental life experiences, initially shaped by Eastern traditional paintings and later influenced by Western abstract impressionism and Dutch post-impressionism, seamlessly combined to channel her inner subconsciousness. However, while viewers of her artwork may interpret it as deriving directly from the sumi ink style of paintings found in Eastern cultures, in actuality, Dr. Lai does not see her creations as expressions of sumi ink paintings at all. Her intentions are to have international appeal, presenting her own style of artwork that can be easily interpreted and accepted by the majority.
Dr. Lai's artwork and clinical psychology practice intersect in a harmonious blend aimed at promoting stability and happiness. In her therapy work, Dr. Lai prioritizes stabilizing her patients' behavior while fostering emotional well-being. This emphasis on stability translates into her paintings, which are characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic energy. However, upon closer observation, they also exude a sense of stability. Dr. Lai's artistic creations not only uplift individuals but also aim to provide healing, mirroring her role as a psychologist dedicated to improving the mental health of others.
In Dr. Ginger Lai's art-making process, she seamlessly integrates her spiritual practices, cultivated through years of meditation and yoga, with her creative expression. Her artwork often delves into themes of spirituality, self-expression, and the interconnectedness of all things. In 2023, a profound psychological and spiritual transformation deeply impacted Dr. Lai's life and art. Spurred by an increase in daily meditation, weekly sound baths, and recent immersion in Hare Krishna chanting, her spiritual awareness elevated, resulting in a shift in her artistic style while still maintaining her original aesthetic. This spiritual elevation offered her a fresh perspective and transformation in her artistic expression, transitioning from the abstract to a more ordered vision of sacred geometry inherent in the world around us. In addition to her abstract artwork, this newfound perspective laid the groundwork for her recent series, Sacred Geometry, which explores the spiritual essence of shapes and patterns in the natural world. Encompassing concepts such as the circle of life, aging, wisdom accumulation, and the possibility of alternate selves across a multiverse, it reflects an evolving perspective and the transformative influence of art.
Driven by a desire to share her entrepreneurial vision with the world, Dr. Lai is the founder and president of Gingi, Inc.; manufacturers of a luxury line of unisex skincare products made in the USA, and ABC Barter, a multidirectional barter company boasting over 45,000 affiliate members. Dr. Lai's entrepreneurial achievements have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award from Minorities in Business Magazine, the Enterprising Women of the Year award from Enterprising Women Magazine, and acknowledgment as one of the Top Ten Chinese American Entrepreneurs by Vivid Magazine. Additionally, she was honored with the Outstanding Women Award at the esteemed City Club on Bunker Hill.
Dr. Lai's artistic journey has taken her work to numerous galleries and exhibitions both locally and internationally. Her very first art exhibition took place in 1983 at the Spring Gallery in Taipei, Taiwan, marking the beginning of her career as an international artist. In recent years, she has exhibited artwork at prestigious venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Japan, where several pieces were accepted into the permanent collection. In 2019, Dr. Lai was invited by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) to create a solo exhibition entitled “Ecstasy,” hosted at the TECO Art Gallery in Taipei, Taiwan. Furthermore, she contributed to the artistic discourse through publications, including several catalogs published by the Sasse Museum, Inland Empire Museum of Art, and Los Angeles Art Association.
Dr. Ginger Lai continues to inspire and uplift viewers with her profound artistic expressions. She remains guided by a singular vision: to uplift and empower others through the transformative power of creativity. She believes that art has the power to heal and inspire, serving as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
Solo Art Exhibitions by Year (most recent on top)
- 2023 to 2024 "Transcendence in the holidays" at Upper West in Santa Monica, California.
- 2023 "Sacred Geometry I" at Kinkworth in Palos Verdes Estates, California.
- 2023 "Sacred Geometry" at Bellavita in Taipei, Taiwan.
- 2020 "Ecstasy" at Mayor's Residence Gallery with the Taiwan Cultural Bureau in Taipei, Taiwan.
- 2020 "The Art of Ginger Lai" at Sasse Museum of Art in Pomona, California.
- 2020 "New Energy" at Lisa Derrick Fine Arts in Los Angeles, California.
- 2019 The Progress Gallery in Pomona, California.
- 2018 University Club of Pasadena, California
- 2013 "Abstracts in Watercolor and Ink on Paper" at Cero Space in Art Brewery in Los Angeles, California.
- 2012 Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Japan
- 2012 Crowell Public Library in San Marino, California
- 2012 “The Open Studio Tour” in Glendale, California
- 1983 Spring Gallery in Taipei, Taiwan
Artwork outlined in black, to show canvas shape, for reference only.
