Bamboo, plum blossoms and orchids are very popular subjects in Japanese art. In addition to their obvious beauty, each plant symbolizes particular human characteristics.

Bamboo – The bamboo is symbolic of what the Japanese believe to be ‘masculine qualities’. It represents great flexibility, integrity, vitality and enduring strength.

Orchid – The orchid is symbolic of what the Japanese believe to be ‘feminine qualities’. It represents elegance, gentleness, vulnerability and beauty.

Plum Blossom – Blooming after surviving the winter weather, the plum blossom symbolizes hope and endurance. The plum blossom is also popular because of the contrast between its gnarled trunk and its fragile blossoms.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my contemporary Japanese art, canvas art, and art prints.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

Mount Fuji

Climbing Mount Fuji in the middle of the night, I was on a journey to catch the sunrise from the summit.  The increase in altitude made it hard to catch my breath as I was pushing my aching body to its limits.

I felt grateful for the pain since I knew this hike was more than a physical challenge.  I was challenging my inner strength.  When it came down to it, I was the only person on that mountain that could keep pushing me to take another step, and then another step, until I reached the top.

Challenges

Challenges, big or small, are the perfect training and reminder that you can rely on yourself when the tough gets going.  You are your best coach.  If you think that you’re not a strong individual, than I dare you to prove yourself wrong by getting out of your comfort zone and doing something you’ve always wanted to do.  People are usually much stronger than they think they are.

You can always start with something small.  It’s amazing what you’ll learn about yourself when you’re faced with any challenge in life.  Challenges give you the opportunity for an awakening.

Failure

What if you fail?  No one is perfect.  Everyone fails.  Plus, failing is learning what not to do in order to reach your goals.  It can also be the inspiration behind a new and better suited goal.  Failure is there to teach you.  It’s a good thing.

The Painting

The moon was the only light I needed to climb Mount Fuji.  It was freakishly large and clear that night.  I could hardly believe my eyes.  I felt like I was on another planet.  I wanted to portray the moon this way in my painting.

Even though I wanted to keep the painting fairly simple, I wanted to paint chaotic designs on Mount Fuji to represent the physical pain, adrenaline and eagerness I was feeling that night.  I picked the colors of fire… and I think subconsciously I equate fire with these feelings. I can’t explain why because I don’t quite understand it myself.  However, the way my mind is wired, it feels right to paint it this way.

I left the summit uncomplicated to symbolize my awakening.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my contemporary Japanese art, canvas art, and art prints.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

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Have you ever had a moment in your life where you’re 210% at peace?  I’m talking about the type of serenity that makes you feel like you’re living in a dream and nothing in this world could bring you down.  This happened to me when I was 11 years old, almost 20 years ago, and this experience has influenced my art ever since.

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I was at the family cabin, which is deep in the woods and about 40 feet from a lake shared by only a couple cabins.  My dad and a few others built this cabin with their own hands and there’s no electricity or anything too luxurious in it.  I always believed that the purpose of this cabin is to get away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and to find tranquility in nature.

That day, the only people around for miles were me and my parents.  Only a few clouds were in the sky and the sunlight was intense.  I remember the breeze saving us from the summer heat.  My mom and dad were happily drinking their tea on the balcony overlooking the lawn and the lake.

I decided that I would go fishing while relaxing on the wharf my dad had built.  On my way to the lake, fishing pole in hand, I clearly remember tiny wild flowers scattered on the lawn.  A few butterflies were fluttering around, like they were welcoming me to paradise.  I took my time walking to my destination.  I wanted to soak in the summer day as much as possible.

As I finally reached the lake, I sat on the wharf next to a ladybug.  Dragonflies kept passing before me, soaring above the lake.  With the rustling of the tree leaves behind me, and the smell of the forest in the air, it was the perfect day for fishing.  I could just be still and enjoy the scenery.  The tranquility of my spirit was so pleasant that I remember thinking to myself, “When I’m older, I’m going to remember this moment”.

After a few hours of existing in bliss, I started to get hungry. I got up and leisurely walked back to the cabin.  The butterflies were still fluttering around the flowers; a beautiful farewell from paradise.
This was such a simple event, but it gave me a special connection to butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, flowers and trees.  Twenty years later, these subjects are still prominent in my art.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution and inspiration behind my contemporary Japanese art, canvas art, and art prints.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

Buy the Bushidō - Samurai Print

Bushidō means “The Way of the Warrior”, the unwritten code of conduct for the samurai warrior of ancient Japanese, and includes:

Gi – Justice

Yū – Bravery

Jin – Benevolence

Rei – Politeness

Makoto – Veracity

Meiyo – Honor

Chūgi – Loyalty

Buy the 7 Codes of Bushidō Print

To some extent, the Bushidō code is similar to the concept of chivalry.

I find this balance between violent behavior and honor fascinating. Even though we’re now in the 21^st century, the Bushidō Code can still guide us in managing conflicts and living an authentic life.

Too often, I’m quick to equate violence with revenge and protecting your own honor; which sounds ridiculous because how can anyone take your honor unless you hand it over to them yourself? When the words violence, conflict and war come to mind, I habitually think of violence originating from hatred, revenge and corruption. Running through my mind are thoughts of gangs, school bullies and abusive parents (just to name a few).

What my recent reading about Bushidō has done is remind me that violence can also be very heroic and driven from love. Even the most gracious and timid mothers would quickly turn into a wild beast to protect her child from harm’s way. In my opinion, this is the kind of courageous behavior that follows the way of the Japanese samurai. It is to live life of integrity and to resort to violence only when it stems from justice, honor, loyalty and protection from harm.

The Paintings

I wanted to make a set of paintings using the idea of Bushidō. I decided to use red paint for the background, to symbolize the violent aspect of the samurai’s way of life. To counterbalance the blood and the war, I painted white Japanese calligraphy to symbolize the wisdom and dignity of the Bushidō Code.

From painting tutorials to marketing your own artwork online, this website has so many interesting and informative articles for artists.  I advise that you check it out, even if you only doodle on a napkin while talking on the phone. Also, if you have any artistic friends, tell them about EmptyEasel.com. It will be a gift!

The Art Review: A Taste of Japan: Contemporary Japanese Inspired Paintings by Soniei by Dan, Editor of EmptyEasel.com.

Here’s a video about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money; by one of the authors, Chris Guillebeau.

“If you have a friend that dreams of one day becoming a full-time artist, think about buying them this guide. It would be such a great gift! I mean really… what better gift than to give your loved ones inspiration and knowledge in how to pursue their dream job? Seriously, name me one gift better than that.” – Soniei, Full-Time Contemporary Artist

Buy The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money!

Both collections sounded simple enough… until I tried painting them and went to hell and back a dozen times. I’ve learned two things about myself over the past sleep deprived weeks. First, I’m an artist who fears bright colors (strange, I know). Second, I find abstract art to be one of the most difficult styles. Both these artistic flaws drove me to give up all other styles of painting for awhile, and focus on what I struggle with the most. There’s no better way to grow as an artist.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution of my art and the inspiration behind my contemporary paintings.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

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.

Why my Zen Brushworks are not available to the public.
I know that if my Zen Brushworks or other more traditional Japanese calligraphy pieces were available to the public, sooner or later I’d start feeling the pressure to make it aesthetically pleasing. I started practicing Zen Brushwork to help me unwind and stay balanced, regardless of what the end product looked like or if I made mistakes. If I keep these works private, then I keep any conscious or unconscious pressures off. It’s just a personal decision I made and it works for me. I’m definitely not against people showing their Zen art to the public. I bow to those who master the brush as I’m still very early in my evolution of mastering Zen Brushwork.

Influence of Zen Brushwork on my contemporary Zen Sho Collection
The title of my contemporary Zen Sho Collection is more about honoring my practice of Zen Brushwork since it is what initially inspired me to paint contemporary Japanese themed art.
The Zen Sho Collection falls into the decorative contemporary art category and cannot be categorized as traditional Zen art. Actually, some of my paintings can be quite complicated and chaotic. Each of my paintings are influenced by my practice of Zen Brushwork in varying degrees, depending on how “Zen” I can let myself be that day.
My paintings are also greatly influenced by my experiences in Japan which include: hiking in bamboo forests; participating in Hanami night-time celebrations (cherry-blossom viewing) under hundreds of spectacular tree-hanging lanterns; going to trendy clubs in Roppongi (Tokyo); and climbing Mount Fuji to watch the sunrise above the clouds.

Why sometimes my paintings and Japanese kanji characters are repetitive.
I may be inclined to paint the same subjects or Japanese kanji characters over and over again for two reasons.
Reason #1 is that I paint what I usually want to be surrounded by and/or I try to represent my current emotions in a painting… which is pretty repetitive in itself. After the majority of the painting is done, I will look at it and usually pick Japanese kanji compounds that best describe the feeling or thought I get from the painting even though I’ve used the same Japanese characters in other paintings. I’m more focused on the feeling at the present moment, than whether or not I’m repetitive in my kanji use.
Reason #2 is that sometimes I simply enjoy making the same painting over and over again using different angles or colors. Sometimes I do it just so that I can practice different painting techniques.

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution of my art and the inspiration behind my contemporary paintings.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

Buy the 'Butterfly Bliss' Print

Contemporary art in shades of blue and brown. The painting includes abstract styled butterflies, flying in a serene world of endless skies and flowers.

This painting, titled Butterfly Bliss, was selected as Fine Art Registry’s (FAR) ARTWORK OF THE MONTH (April, 2008). This art was first registered in FAR on March 11th, 2008. The estimated Value went from $359 to $1299 on April 5th,2008.

The original painting was made with artist-grade acrylics on canvas by the Canadian contemporary artist, Soniei.

Buy cards and framed / unframed high quality prints of this contemporary butterfly art online now!

ORIGINAL PAINTING SOLD

Here’s a video of me, Soniei, trying to explain the evolution of my art and the inspiration behind my contemporary paintings.

This video includes a brief explanation of how I left the 9-5 work world to live my dream as a full-time artist.

1. Read a book. Once you visualize something that moves you, try to capture that image in a painting.
2. Go for a walk and look around you. Open your eyes!! Beauty is everywhere around you!!
3. Look at photos in a magazine, a book, online or in your photo albums.
4. Think of people, animals, places and things that you love. Celebrate these things in your art.
5. Look at favorite paintings you created in the past. Paint the same subject or scene from a different angle or perspective. Try a new style or technique.
6. Just had a daydream? Paint that mental image!
7. Angry? In love? Afraid? When you have strong feelings, pick colors you think represent your emotions best, and paint. Don’t think too much… just express! This is a great way to practice painting abstracts and it’s therapeutic too!

Here’s a video about The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money; by one of the authors, Chris Guillebeau.

“If you have a friend that dreams of one day becoming a full-time artist, think about buying them this guide. It would be such a great gift! I mean really… what better gift than to give your loved ones inspiration and knowledge in how to pursue their dream job? Seriously, name me one gift better than that.” – Soniei, Full-Time Contemporary Artist

Buy The Unconventional Guide to Art and Money!