O-Bon Festival

Chanting 'The Lotus Chant"

O-Bon Spirit Festival

Portland Japanese Garden

I attended the O-Bon Festival at the Portland Japanese Garden last night. What a special occasion that was! So lovely! I found such peace and respect at a time when our world seems to need it the most.

O-Bon is a Buddhist memorial festival, which dates back more than 1300 years in Japan. Buddhist services are held at temples and homes throughout Japan to pray for one’s ancestors and particularly for those who have died within the past year. This serves as a reminder of the importance of family ties, as a gesture of respect for those who have gone before, and as an acknowledgment of the brevity and preciousness of life as a family.

We danced, we chanted, and we lit candles to float on the pond to help guide the spirits of our loved ones and Ancestors.

Music

Dancers and Musicians

Musicians

Everyone Dancing

Path to the Pond

Lighting the Candles and Floating them on the Pond

“O-Bon is a time to reflect on our immortality and remind ourselves that we are not alone, but that we are members of a vast and ancient society made up of both our forebears and of future generations.” – Garden Member

Casey Shannon Studio

Casey Shannon

Director of North America Branch ~ ICCPS

International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

国際中国書法国画家協会アメリカ支部：Ms. Casey Shannon　アメリカ現代水墨画家

  Casey Shannon Studio Art. 

Copyright ©  Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved

Casey Shannon Studio

凱西香儂齋

Ensō Noble

Ensō Noble 

Original sumi-e by Casey Shannon

This lovely Asian scroll just sold and is being shipped to New Jersey as we speak. It was purchased as a gift to a Tae Kwan Do master teacher. I am very honored my art was chosen to be given as the gift.

In Zen Buddhist painting, Ensō symbolizes a moment when the mind is free to simply let the body and spirit create in full moment-to-moment concert. In Buddhism, enlightenment has been symbolized by a “bright full moon”. This painting was inspired by the Ensō  and the strength and power of the mountain, tree, and rock. A gathering of three (trees and rocks)  in the center denotes beauty and simplicity.  It is sacred. It is oneness. It also signifies wholeness. This directly relates to the significance of the Ensō which among other things also signifies wholeness. Mountains are very strong and noble.

Hence, the title.’ Ensō Noble'.

To learn more about the Ensō click here

Casey Shannon Studio

Casey Shannon

Director of North America Branch ~ ICCPS

International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

国際中国書法国画家協会アメリカ支部：Ms. Casey Shannon　アメリカ現代水墨画家

  Casey Shannon Studio Art. 

Copyright ©  Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved

Casey Shannon Studio

凱西香儂齋

The Importance of Words

Look what I just received! I just received this photo of my artwork from my favorite professor in graduate school at California State University, Long Beach, Dr. Casey. (John Jack Casey).  I created it way back in May of 1990. He was leaving to go to teach at another university and I was very sad so I made him this drawing with the Richard Bach saying on it. He has kept it all these years and has displayed it in his office wherever he went. We have just recently reconnected on FaceBook! At the time, I did not fully realize the importance of the words.

Here is our FaceBook exchange about the work!

Comments

John Jack Casey One of the reasons I kept it on my office wall continuously from 1990 until 2017 was for what it meant to me. You are my hero, Casey Shannon, for your perseverance in life, to find beauty and strength when times are seemingly insurmountable. You don't know how strong you can be until strong is your only choice...and no one has shown that more than Shannon Casey and Casey Shannon, And I believe meeting again is certain in ways beyond our own mortal comprehension. ❤️ Thank you.

Casey Shannon Art Studio 凱西香儂齋 Dr. Casey your comments mean a great deal to me. I am actually in tears reading them right now. Thank you so much for your words and your wisdom. I have always thought you were an amazing person and your family and friends are lucky to have you. I am lucky too.

Words are important!

Life is amazing!

Casey Shannon Studio

Casey Shannon

Director of North America Branch ~ ICCPS

International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

国際中国書法国画家協会アメリカ支部：Ms. Casey Shannon　アメリカ現代水墨画家

  Casey Shannon Studio Art. 

Copyright ©  Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved

Casey Shannon Studio

凱西香儂齋

 

Fun Quick Draws

Shadow Mountain

by Casey Shannon

I am on a sweet little vacation right now from teaching. I am having a bit of fun with some quick draws and I thought I'd share some of them with you! These works are 7 x 10 inches on Masa Paper. They are quick renditions of the spirit of nature. The trick is to clear your mind of all pre-ideas, grab your paper and paints, and 'just go for it'. 
I hope you enjoy them. 

Garden House by Casey Shannon

Pagoda Tree by Casey Shannon

Little Bird by Casey Shannon

Modern Bamboo by Casey Shannon

Landscape by Casey Shannon

Sticks of Bamboo by Casey Shannon

and finally!!!

Gentle Grass by Casey Shannon

I hope you have enjoyed viewing these. All are available for sale on my art website.
Casey Shannon Studio

Casey Shannon

Director of North America Branch ~ ICCPS

International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

国際中国書法国画家協会アメリカ支部：Ms. Casey Shannon　アメリカ現代水墨画家

  Casey Shannon Studio Art. 

Copyright ©  Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved

Casey Shannon Studio

凱西香儂齋