A Day | Portland Japanese Garden

A day in the life of my favorite place.

Just love the Japanese Garden.

Ah Peace!

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

Enso Noble

Enso Noble

by Casey Shannon

How great is this? I just sold this original sumi-e called "Enso Noble" to a traditional taekwondo school in Madison, NJ. They are having a special event for their Sensei and giving my painting to him as a special gift. I am so pleased and honored. I am having the painting made into a hanging scroll for them. The event is in September 2017. Wow! 

Copyright © Casey Shannon Studio Art

Inside the enso is a mountain, three trees, and three dots. There is not really a profound particular significance to the three trees and the three dots. Other than the number three is a beautiful esthetic number which I use in my paintings a lot. A gathering of three (birds, trees, dots, etc.) denotes beauty and simplicity to me.  It is sacred. It is oneness. It also signifies wholeness to me. This directly relates to the significance of the enso which among other things also signifies wholeness. The enso is a profound symbol in Zen. Mountains are very strong and noble. Hence, the title. 'Enso Noble'.

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

 

 

2013 Zen Calendar

2013 Zen Calendar

by Casey Shannon Studio

 

Looking for something unique and beautiful?

 

This is a stunning Zen calendar by Casey Shannon Studio. It is available in 3 different sizes and is a 12 month flip calendar. Each page displays a beautiful image from the accomplished Carmel Sumi-e artist Casey Shannon.

This calendar is a striking combination of my sumi-e paintings and my Zen digital brush images. This calendar is available now in my Zazzle Gallery.

 

Casey Shannon Studio 

 

Director of North American 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

  

Copyright ©  Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved.

Zen Digital Gallery

Zen Art

 

 Asian Moon

Zen Digital Art by Casey Shannon

I have not created much digital (computer) art in the past. I am a very traditional artist using brushes, paint, ink, and paper. I am a contemporary sumi-e artist. Recently, my friend gave me an iPad which I have come to use a lot for many things. I ran across some art apps and thought I would try some just for fun. And, fun they are.

The above image Asian Moon is an example of my digital creations. I have been asked by many people to offer these works as prints. Therefore, I created the Zen Digital Art Gallery.  The art in this gallery is relaxing and soothing. You will find prints and cards here of my work. You can frame your print right on the site if you choose or buy a canvas, acrylic, or metal print. Single cards are available or in boxes of 10 or 25.  

Framed Asian Moon

I hope you enjoy visiting the gallery!

Casey Shannon Fine Art Prints

Casey Shannon Studio  Originals

Director of the North American 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

Studio Video

Studio Video

Contemporary Sumi-e Art studio video

by Casey Shannon Studio

This is a new studio video. It contains Contemporary Sumi-e Bamboo (only). Modern brush painting reaching beyond the limits of traditional ink painting creating spirit and the sound of one hand. Meditative artistic Zen. This video includes music called 'Waves of Bliss' by Marina Raye. So, turn your volume on. I hope you enjoy viewing it. Get ready for some visual eye candy!

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Casey Shannon Studio 

Hakuin

Hakuin ~ Zen Master

Contemplating 'The Sound of One Hand'

What is the sound of one hand clapping?

So asked Hakuin, the author of this well known Zen koan. Hakuin was one of the most important Japanese Zen masters of the Rinzai school. Hakuin often asked his students to contemplate and meditate on this koan. Hakuin Ekaku (白隠 慧鶴, 1686–1769 or 1685–1768) was one of the most influential figures in Japanese Zen Buddhism.

Much of Hakuin's practice focused, as his teachings did, on zazen and koan practice. His motto was "meditation in the midst of activity is a thousand times superior to meditation in stillness". Hakuin's experiences of enlightenment seemed to come at unexpected moments, often when he was just walking or reading. One experience that he wrote about took place while he was walking through a torrential rain. As the water reached his knees, he suddenly realized the meaning of a particular verse that he had read earlier, and was seized by enlightenment. He had many such experiences, both large and small. Laughter was a large part of Hakuin's reaction to his enlightenments, and he was known to burst into spontaneous laughter upon realizing the essence of a particular koan, causing those around him to believe him to be a madman.

My heartfelt mission is to tell everyone on the planet that there is hope and life after stroke or any traumatic life-altering experience. I want to inspire others not only with my words but also with my art. Hakuin asked this question: 'What is the sound of one hand clapping?'. Could it be painting in wild abandon with your non-dominate hand? Creating 'The Sound of One Hand'?

Click Here to read my story and view 'The Sound of One Hand'.

Casey Shannon Studio

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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

'News from Casey Shannon Studio'

Enso Spring By Casey Shannon

'News from Casey Shannon Studio'

In the studio April Newsletter:
Enso ~ Zenga Art,
Artist in the Spotlight ~ Jean Levert Hood,
Self - Portrait Project,
and the best of Gabe's Gossip ~ Observations from a Service Dog. Enjoy!

Casey Shannon Studio

Ensō - Zenga Art

Potter Enso ~ Nakazato Muan (1895-1985)
~ Photo: Robyn Buntin of Honolulu

Potter Enso Shikishiban
brushed by Nakazato Maun
about 1976

This is a treasure from my personal Ensō collection. What is an Enso? 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. The Ensō symbolizes enlightenment, power, and the universe itself. It is a direct expression of thusness or this-moment-as-it-is. Ensō is considered to be one of the most profound subjects in zenga (Zen inspired painting).

'Kokoro tadashikereba sunawachi fude tadashi'.
If your mind is correct, the brush will be correct.


To learn more about the symbolism and beauty of 'The Ensō', please visit Gallery Enso.

You can also view Contemporary Western Ensō by Carmel artist Casey Shannon. There you can purchase original Ensō paintings or Fine Art Prints, which can be finished with a frame right on the website you will be directed to view. Enjoy!

Casey Shannon Studio

Be Here Now

Be Here Now
Sumi-e by Casey Shannon

Jon Kabat-Zinn asks 'Can you be here now, wherever you are?' Interesting and very important question. Is this a wake up call for each of us? Zinn says 'the bell of mindfulness tolls in each moment, inviting us to come to our senses, reminding us that we can wake up to our lives, NOW, while we have them to live'.

We live in a very fast paced and somewhat unhealthy world. I find it difficult to 'be here now' in every moment. However, when I am painting I come very close to attaining that divine presence. Or, when I am meditating, I also find myself solidly in the present moment.

There is a Japanese Proverb:
'Now is a gift, that's why they call it the present'

The sumi-e you see above is called 'Be Here Now'. This image was inspiried by my personal journey into art. It was created after my mind preparation for painting. I saw this image vibrantly clear in my mind and needed to brush it to my paper. The original painting is for sale in Gallery Spirit. Fine Art Reproductions are available here. You may purchase an art print only or you can finish your print right on the website with a mat and frame of your choice.

Casey Shannon Studio

Ensō

Have you ever wondered what an Ensō is and what it symbolizes? Well, I have the answer for you and have an example to show you. I have been fascinated with the concept of the Ensō for years. It has been only recently that I have been creating them.

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. 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. Ensō is considered to be one of the most profound subjects in zenga (Zen inspired painting). - Loori

This Ensō is called ' Ensō Willow Bud'. The original painting is located in 'Gallery Ensō'.

Click Here for this image as a Fine Art Print from my Zazzle Gallery.

Why do I create Sumi-e?

Why does any artist create anything? This is an interesting question. Each artist will have a different and usually very emotional answer.

Here, in short, is my answer to this question. I create for the sheer joy and pleasure of creating. I create for myself. For me, the creative process is spiritually personal and is a meditation. Being still and meditating allows the creative juices in me to start flowing. Creating my art allows me to be in the present right NOW. I focus only on painting and allow all else to fade away. Worries, plans, responsibilities, what I should do, etc. all become less of an immediate presence. In the act of painting, I attain a level of peace that I achieve no place else. Creating is a selfish act most satisfying. I create for me.

That being said, I humbly offer my paintings for others to see and hopefully enjoy. It is my wish that viewers find in my painting a sense of beauty, peace, something that moves them, and a feeling of ‘wow, I really like this’ or ‘jeez, what was she thinking?’ I would hope the first reaction is obtained. Although, whatever one feels about my artwork is OK. Viewers were moved in some way. They may or may not purchase my work. Either is fine. If they do, I am always very pleased. If they do not, that is beautiful too because that was not the painting’s purpose. The painting 'just exists'.

The sumi-e painting you see here is called 'One Pelican Waiting' by Casey Shannon. It was inspired by all the pelicans that swoop and glide in a line across the waves of the ocean. Pelicans are my favorite bird. I always see these wonderful creatures along Highway One as I drive up the coast to the college where I teach. They seem to gather at Moss Landing and greet me as I drive along the road. Seeing them is always such a delight and I look forward to this treat along my journey. A reproduction of my pelican painting can be purchased from my Zazzle Gallery. The original sumi-e can be viewed at Gallery Journey into Art.

Sumi-e and Haiku

The sumi-e I have created above is called 'Branch of Persimmon'.

Expressed in words by my Haiku:
” juicy ripe, branch of persimmon, gently live.”
- Casey Shannon

Since Sumi-e or brush painting is minimalist painting and Haiku is minimalist writing, it would be reasonable to say that the two ancient art forms would naturally support one another and often be studied and exhibited together. Both Sumi-e and Haiku are strikingly beautiful and are a compliment to one another.

In Japanese, haiku are traditionally printed in a single vertical line, while haiku in English usually appear in three lines, to parallel the three metrical phrases of Japanese haiku. Such as :

The fragrance!
Though I know not
Whence it comes.
~ Basho

Previously called hokku, haiku was given its current name by the Japanese writer Masaoka Shiki at the end of the 19th century. The typical length of haiku appearing in the main English-language journals is 10–14 syllables and have a symmetrical line arrangement such as 5-7-5 or 3-5-3. Some haiku poets are concerned with their haiku being expressed in one breath and the extent to which their haiku focus on “showing” as opposed to “telling”. Therefore haiku is concerned with showing minimally as is Sumi-e. Sumi-e is concerned with 'showing' spirit minimally.

Now let’s look at the undisputed master of the haiku, Matsuo Bashō, an Edo-period Japanese haiku poet. Bashō’s poetry was quickly recognized for it’s simple and natural style. Sumi-e is recognized for it’s simple and elegant brush strokes. A natural combination.

Let me show you an example of how I have used haiku in combination with non-traditional contemporary sumi-e. For me as an artist, usually the haiku inspires the sumi-e. This results in a simple creative expression and profound experience. The following haiku is considered to be Basho’s most famous haiku writing.

At the ancient pond,
a frog plunges into,
the sound of water.
~ Basho

The sumi-e below is called 'Sound of Water' by Casey Shannon.

Sumi-e Mind

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.Sumi-e exemplifies the concept of 'Less is More.'

'Kokoro tadashikereba sunawachi fude tadashi'.
If your mind is correct, the brush will be correct.

Sumi-e Art

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.

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 appears 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.