A native of Taiwan, Shiao-Yen, better known as Ann, has lived in the U.S. for thirteen years. She did her undergraduate work at Soo Chow University in Taiwan and went on to pursue post-graduate studies in Fine Arts at the University of Kansas and Framingham State College in the Boston area. Although Ann’s early training was in Chinese brush painting and ceramics, she really came into her own as an artist while studying in New England under the tutelage of Randy LeSage, currently of the Boston Fine Arts Museum. It was then that she discovered her true passion for oils.

The varied and bountiful landscapes of Northern California and the Sierra foothills provide Ann with both inspiration and subtle environmental themes in her work. The surreal elements that often permeate her paintings are derived from vivid dreams or from her daily practice of meditation. Her love of Chinese philosophy has also driven many of the thematic elements that flow through her paintings. Whatever the source of her inspiration, Ann has developed a truly unique style of expression that stands out from the crowd as being original yet familiar.

Ann is a member of Chico Art Center and North Valley Art League. She has held several one-woman shows, and she has won several awards in art exhibitions throughout Northern California. Her oils and ceramics were recently accepted for a sixth-month exhibit at Chico City Hall starting in January of 2006, in which she will be the sole artist on display.

Ann currently resides in Chico, California with her husband and two sons.