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Steve Ting, 88, is known as the “copycat” due to his love of replicating art works of the masters at classes at Stoneridge Creek. But his artistic endeavors have resulted in more than his paintings — they have lifted the depression he suffered after losing his beloved wife of 52 years.
“I played bridge here two or three times a week when my partners told me about the classes,” Ting said. “They said we should all go to support it.”
Ting, who was born in Malaysia and grew up mostly in Taiwan, came to the United States when he was about 15 years old.
“I didn’t speak English well so it was very tough for me in the beginning,” he recalled.
He settled on the peninsula, entered the banking profession and married his wife, Liai, who died three years ago in Palo Alto. His daughter became concerned about him living alone after a friend fell in her yard, where she lay for two hours before help came.
“My son is a dentist in Pleasanton,” Ting said, so they began to explore this area and found Stoneridge Creek retirement community.
“They keep me busy,” Ting said. “I go to the pool, do tai chi. It’s very good.”
He noted that his children also like the community.
“They come to see me all the time,” he said.
But he still struggled to be happy as he adjusted to life without his spouse.
“After my wife died, I just became so sad,” he remembered. “The doctor gave me medicine, three or four different kinds, but it didn’t help me too much. But I started painting — and now I don’t feel any bad feelings.”
He said the class changed his life as he enjoys the camaraderie of his classmates and is able to put his feelings and anxieties on paper.
Ting’s art hangs on the walls of local businesses as well as in his own home. He has two sons, one daughter, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren — and they all enjoy his artwork.
“I am very happy because my children like my paintings, too,” Ting said. “My granddaughter moved to Mississippi and bought a house with five or six bedrooms but had nothing to hang on the walls.”
He was pleased to provide his artwork.
Another daughter took some of his paintings to be sold at a silent auction fundraiser.
Ting does some original paintings, he said, but mostly enjoys copying the masters.
“Someone told me, ‘You are not creative’ — but I don’t have that much time,” he said with a laugh. “Copycat is good enough for me. I don’t care if it is original or my painting, I am feeling very happy.”
He uses various media, including charcoal, ink, acrylic and three kinds of pastels.
“I go to two classes a week, six hours,” he said.
And he continues his art at home.
“I take a piece of paper and feel so happy,” he said.
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Steve Ting enjoys art classes at Stoneridge Creek and credits them for lifting him out of the depression he suffered after his wife died. (Contributed photo) -
Steve Ting enjoys art classes at Stoneridge Creek and credits them for lifting him out of the depression he suffered after his wife died. (Contributed photo)
