My thoughts and personal approach to
ink painting called Sumi-e:
I am a contemporary sumi-e painter reaching beyond the
limits of traditional ink painting. My paintings one would not generally call traditional sumi-e. However, I adhere to
the traditional sumi-e principles and philosophies, as well as, the traditional preparation before beginning a sumi-e
painting.
Sumi-e expresses the character
and soul of the artist. It is a meditative process and spiritually personal. Understanding this concept has been
at the center of my art. I have been a student of Western painting and of ink painting. Ink painting called
Sumi-e has captivated my spirit and soul. I am continually trying to increase my understanding of the secret of beauty and
grace and elegance. The example of an ink painting that I have created and included above is called Branch of Persimmon. Expressed
in words by my Haiku:
" juicy ripe, branch of persimmon, gently live."
- Casey
As an artist, for me, ink painting is a
meditation and a creative process. I concentrate on trying to capture spirit as the ink is transferred to the paper
with the stroke of the brush. The brush is pushed across the surface of the paper quickly. If your intention is
correct, the object in the picture seems to 'breathe and take on life'. This unseen yet felt breath begins
to fill the page with spirit just as it does in all of nature which surrounds us. The special power of the painted
form shines and immerges through the ink and the white page. The white space surrounding the painted form becomes as
important as the object itself. The ink painting represents soul, spirit, elegance, and beauty all at the same time and in
concert. As I mentioned in my 'Meet the Artist' biography, meditating combined with the creative process literally saved my
life.
The Sumi-e art form is steeped in Zen Buddhism. In
Sumi-e or ink painting, you have to 'become one' with the object in the painting. When you understand and/or experience how
the simple and bold lines of the brush strokes and various shades of the ink are transformed to create a powerful
spirit and energy, then you will have a sense of what these philosophies and paintings are all about.
Brush painting
or ink painting called Sumi-e in Japan is done quickly without over thinking your subject matter.
Once the brush is laid to the white paper and you have a mark, that's it. There is no erasing, doing over, or changing. The
painting 'just exists'. This is why one who creates Sumi-e paints from a quiet centered place and has the intention
of capturing the object's spirit and essence with just a few simple and graceful brush strokes.
