Ensō Aven

Ensō Aven

What is an Ensō?
The Ensō is one of the most prevalent images of Zen Art, and it has become a symbol of the clean and strong Japanese aesthetic. The ensō is an expression of the mind of the artist who brushes it. As a symbol, the circle expresses the totality of our being. The circle points to the most vital aspect of our essence -- it's ultimate wholeness. The ensō symbolizes enlightenment, power, and the universe itself. It is a direct expression of thusness or this-moment-as-it-is.

This image was inspired by my new granddaughter due to arrive soon. Her name will be Aven. Aven is a 15th century Celtic name meaning 'pure radiance'. Aven is also a flower. Mountain Aven's are delicate yet strong sturdy little flowers that grow in very high altitudes. These little beauties are related to the rose. Puts a different meaning to the phrase 'my wild Irish rose!'

Fine Art Reproductions may be purchased Here.

Casey Shannon Studio

This is Where I Live ~ Inside

This is Where I Live
Inside

My Mini Sketchbook Monthly is finally finished. The inside of 'Where I Live' is complete. I enjoyed working on and creating this book very much and I can honestly say I am sad this project ended!
Please take a tour! Sketchbook.

The Art House Gallery.
My Sketchbook will be on permanent display at
Brooklyn, NY.
For more information on this project, see my previous blog post
- July 11, 2010.

Casey Shannon Studio

This is Where I Live ~ Outside

Sketchbook Monthly Theme:
This is Where I Live

Sometimes I like to take a break from painting. At this time, I thoroughly enjoy creating sketchbooks with a theme. Making them feeds my very soul. Each individual drawing is a snapshot in time and it contains a loving part of me. To start my book, I took many many pictures of the outside and inside of my home. I enjoyed shooting all the 'nooks and crannies' of every corner and space. And, all the while thinking in my head, 'how shall I draw this scene?'

This sketchbook is still a work in progress. The book has the theme of 'This is Where I Live'. The completed sketchbook will be on display in The Art House Gallery at 303 Grand. The gallery is located in Brooklyn, NY. The Art House is a co-op for artists around the world and we build projects together. This is the second sketchbook I have created for The Art House. My book will remain on permanent display in their library.

So far, I have the outside completed, which consists of the first 19 pages. The finished sketchbook will contain 38 pages both inside and outside of where I live. Please stop by my website to view the sketchbook at this point ~ Outside. Stay tuned. The Inside will be finished soon!

Casey Shannon Studio

'News from Casey Shannon Studio'

Dancing Cranes

Artist in the Spotlight
Ransui Yakata

'News from Casey Shannon Studio'

Sumi-e Art Newsletter
from Casey Shannon Studio just published for July contains:

Dance of the Pollen
Artist in the Spotlight ~ Ransui Yakata
Haiku of the Month ~ Issa
Gabe's Gossip!
Enjoy

Archived Newsletters here

Casey Shannon Studio

Watch a video of Ransui painting Camellias

Casey Shannon Studio

Dance of the Pollen

Dance of the Pollen

I have been a tad-bit neglectful of my blog recently and for that I apologize. I'll dust of the pollen and try to keep up better and in a more timely manner this summer month of July. Ah, speaking of July. Now this brings me to the subject of my post today. July and summer pollen.

Pollen was actually the inspiration for this sumi-e called Dance of the Pollen. Every summer afternoon here in Carmel Valley a breeze kicks up. It shoots down the valley hills and covers the land. This breeze can be warm or a bit cold depending on the temperature of the day. The daily breeze generally carries all sorts of pollen that dance in the air. The pollen come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. They dance, they twirl, and they fly. Very fun to watch as long as you don't get it in your nose! The above sumi-e was created on just such a day.

Dance of the Pollen may be purchased from my SumiSpirit Gallery at ImageKind as a beautiful fine art reproduction. You may finish your art print with a frame and mat of your choice right on the website if you wish.

The original sumi-e can be seen in Gallery Journey Into Art

Casey Shannon Studio