In the last three weeks, I’ve been trying to create two new collections of contemporary paintings. In the first collection, I want to focus on vivid colors and call it Iro (color in Japanese). In the second collection, I want to focus on the beauty of the planet and call it Chikyu (earth in Japanese). These collections are to be abstract only, which is something I’ve never done. I’ll keep some Japanese calligraphy influence in my paintings because it’s grown to be such a big part of my pieces. I’ll also incorporate more colors into my paintings, particularly the Iro Collection. (more…)

What is Zen? What is Sho? (Put VERY simply!)
Zen is a sect of Mahayana Buddhism that aims at enlightenment and emphasizes meditation, acceptance of the present moment, letting go of judgmental thinking, etc.
Sho means calligraphy and is an art based on writing.

Zen Brushwork
Zen Brushwork, a type of calligraphy, differs from other calligraphic disciplines because it focuses on achieving mu-shin (no-mind) through meditation. It is the practice and belief that true creativity is not the product of a conscious effort but develops from mu-shin, a state beyond thought, emotions and expectations. For those who are captivated with art, Zen Brushwork can be seen as a form of true artistic expression.

Demanding the highest level of spirituality, the ability to make one’s strength visible in Zen Brushwork comes only through dedicated practice. In contrast to other calligraphic disciplines, which use Chinese characters as a basis, Zen Brushwork is the expression of Zen through a brush, whether the end result is a single stroke, a circle or a painting. Using the principles of Zen, this art form represents the relationship between the mind, body and universe. (more…)