Rain Bamboo

Rain Bamboo

This Sumi-e is called Rain Bamboo. It is my hottest selling image of last year and is proving to be a favorite seller this new year as well. It is also my most viewed piece of art on my POD (print on demand) websites.

Bamboo is a very special image in Asian art. Bamboo signifies strength and the ability to bend. In our current world and economic climate, we all can use this quality within ourselves. We can embrace the spirit of the bamboo. We need to be strong and we need to be able to bend with the times in grace.

The original sumi-e painting is for sale at my website CaseyShannon.com Click on 'Portfolios' and go to Gallery Essence. Various POD websites where you can purchase Fine Art Reproductions of 'Rain Bamboo' are listed at the bottom of the page.

The rain is over:

South Mountain puffs out

Spring clouds.

- Soseki

Casey Shannon Studio

Bamboo of Color

Bamboo of Color

Here is another fairly early sumi-e created with Japanese Watercolor. This painting was created approximately one month following my very first attempt at painting after experiencing my stroke. This painting was a lot of fun to do and a personal spiritual journey into art. At this point in my recovery painting, I felt more 'at one' with the brush. I had done my meditation before starting my artwork. I felt calm and had no preconceived idea about how this sumi-e was to look. I let my brush lead me into the painting rather than trying to force the brush strokes into any shape.

With this painting, I let the spirit of the bamboo talk to me and guide me. I forced nothing and let my idea that I was painting with my non-dominate hand after a devastating stroke just 'be'. This was the first time I had been able to achieve that place and I was pleased with the result. Compared to the first sumi-e I shared with you in my last blog post, I had made serious advancements in my attitude and in my mind and in my painting.

The original framed sumi-e has a happy home in the collection of an art collector in Carmel, CA. The artist seal = Year of the Boar.

Casey Shannon Studio

Welcome 2010!

Welcome 2010!

To welcome the new year, I thought it would be appropriate for me to take stock of my blessings, which there are many, and to share a story. The restoration of my ability to continue my art after my experience of a massive brain stem stroke is a huge blessing for me. This event (turned blessing) is one of the most spiritual aspects and teachings of my life. For this, I am truly grateful.

The sumi-e you see above is THE very first attempt at painting with my non-dominant left-hand. This painting does not even have a name. It's untitled. Maybe I should call it 'Grateful'. Anyway, I thought it would be appropriate to share this painting with you today, the first day of 2010. I used drawing to recover from my massive and devastating stroke and this activity literally saved my life. I was an artist and a high school art teacher before the big event. However, somehow for years, I felt I would not be able to paint again. That was in my head!

About five years ago, I tried. The painting above was my first attempt and my first sumi-e in 20 years. I thought to myself, 'Huh, you can still paint' and 'It's not a masterpiece but you can paint' and 'You better get practicing girl'. So, I did. Along with my day job of counseling at the college where I now work - I painted. And, I painted.

Three years ago, I launched my personal art website and then began entering local painting competitions again. Last year, I started my first POD and this summer really expanded my art sites, adding more PODs, started this blog, and joined Facebook and Twitter. I'm on a roll now! My artwork is showing and selling all over the country. This is a wonderful blessing.

I wish you all a joyful and peaceful New Year in 2010! Count your many blessings. Big or small. And, if you don't see any, make some up. It's all in our attitude. They will come. You appreciate and have gratitude - They come!

To read my entire story of stroke recovery, view my drawings, and learn more about recovery art, visit my website and view Healing with Art.

Casey Shannon Studio