Sumi art became an interest of mine while I was studying Feng Shui. Feng Shui is the Asian Art of Design which has principles that can be applied to any of the endeavors in life that one would like to create.
The principles of Feng Shui applied to a sumi painting provide a painting or space with balance, harmony and a live energy. When followed they render the basics of good design. A classic sumi painting is direct, spontaneous, elegant, vivid and alive with refreshing energy.
The whole process of a sumi painting is a meditative practice. While grinding the sumi ink you are warming up your arm, so you paint more spontaneously, plus you should be contemplating the subject to be created. All senses are stimulated to capture the sound, smell, taste, feel, sight and attitude of the subject. You are filling your intuition with the knowledge you want to communicate about your subject. Then your brush can begin the dance of energy that brings the image into existence.
Colored pigments, black ink, clear water and blank paper are the materials used. They are as simple as the elements of the universe, an empty space in which earth and water take their form.
As nature captures the essence and mystery of the universe in each living thing, so too sumi artwork captures the spirit and essence of its subject or theme in just a few brush strokes.
Sumi paintings remind one that enlightenment can be found in the common things of life.
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