Painting dreams into reality: A housekeeper's artistic triumph over life's challenges 丨Faces

Zhou Qin, a 50-year-old housekeeper, achieved a remarkable feat by winning the first prize in a painting and calligraphy competition that was organized by Kangmei Street in Liangjiang New Area, Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. Despite her ordinary profession, Zhou's unwavering pursuit of her artistic dreams has become a beacon of hope.

Zhou Qin's confined living space does not hamper her pursuit of painting. [Photo/Li Ming]

Zhou Qin has transformed her modest 30-square-meter public rental housing unit into her personal sanctuary. She returns here to paint after completing her daily housekeeping duties.

Influenced by her mother's skill in embroidery, Zhou Qin developed a passion for painting as a student. Despite coming from a financially constrained background, she utilized every available surface, including the reverse side of notebooks and the walls in her home, to express her artistic talents.

Facing adversity after the loss of her younger brother, Zhou Qin took on employment at a sugar factory at the age of 16 to support her family. Once financially stable, she transitioned to making clothing under the tutelage of a local master. Determined to broaden her horizons, she left Chongqing for Guangzhou, where she worked in a clothing factory for a while and then pursued professional clothing design at the Textile and Garment Institute of Guangzhou University.

Zhou's academic achievements and dedication led her to first work for a Taiwan clothing company and then later she landed a role as a technical supervisor in Vietnam.

However, a tumultuous marriage and financial setbacks prompted her return to Chongqing in near poverty. Zhou describes that period as the lowest point in her life.

Zhou Qin writes the sentence of "life can only change when embraced with hope" on the wall to encourage herself. [Photo/Dai Yuan]

Despite changing jobs multiple times, Zhou found herself working as a housekeeper to sustain herself and her son. In 2022, a chance encounter with an online painting training video sparked a new chapter in her life. Painting rekindled her sense of purpose, leading her to invest in face-to-face training with renowned Chinese traditional painter Zeng Gang. "I suddenly see the sunshine in my gloomy life," said Zhou.

Zhou Qin, while economically prudent in daily life, expressed a willingness to invest generously in her learning journey. Her dedication to mastering the art of painting became the focal point of her life outside housekeeping duties. Upon learning of her first prize win in the Kangmei Street competition, Zhou was thrilled and still remains resolute in her pursuit of mastery. She was inspired by her teacher's solid advice: life can only change when embraced with hope. 

For Zhou Qin, every moment dedicated to painting is a source of joy and immersion in a tranquil world. Her mindset serves as an inspiration to her son, who is currently navigating the challenges of starting a business.

Some paintings by Zhou Qin. [Photo/Li Ming]

 "I still need find other housekeeping work after the Spring Festival," said Zhou. Despite the need to secure another housekeeping job for basic living expenses, Zhou vows to never abandon her passion for painting. She envisions becoming a painting instructor after she retires, demonstrating that one can continuously pursue their dreams regardless of life's challenges.