In geometric patterns and sacred snowy mountains, one painter found his destiny, Lin Qi reports.

In 2000, artist and educator Zhao Dajun (1937-2023) was forced to stop painting with oils, his passion since the day in 1954 when he first enrolled at the Attached Secondary Art School of the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts in Shenyang, Liaoning province.

Overwork and neurological allergies, caused by prolonged exposure to oil paint, had led him to his second round of hospitalization.

Over the following eight years, Zhao painted sparingly, opting instead for rest. During his recovery period, he found solace and healing in nature.

"I began with excursions. I bought a tent, cooking pots and other necessaries for outdoor activities like camping," he said.