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

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

Be Well Forest

Forest of Shadows
Contemporary Sumi-e

This sumi-e is from my Gallery Be Well.

The phrase 'Be Well' is a greeting between friends that is used frequently in Africa. When I visited that lovely continent, I picked up this phrase and I use it often in my everyday communication with others. It has become a personal greeting known to all my friends. After experiencing a devastating stroke several years ago, this phrase grew to have a heartfelt meaning for me. The large round red chop is interpreted to mean 'Be Well'. I have used this chop on each of the Sumi-e paintings exhibited in this gallery.

Be Well my friends!

This sumi-e 'Be Well Forrest' was inspired by the oak tree forest that surrounds my home. My house is nestled in and under these beauties. The Oak Trees are majestic spirits and provide a pleasant home, not only for me, but also for the delightful creatures of Carmel Valley. My favorite creatures are the plentiful and various birds that flit around in the branches of these incredible trees every day, while singing and playing to their hearts content. It's a marvel to watch them.

The original sumi-e painting is available for purchase at the Gallery Be Well ~ Art Prints called Forest of Shadows are available at my Zazzle Gallery and Fine Art Reproductions are available in my SumiSpirit Gallery at ImageKind.

Casey Shannon Studio

Art for Cancer

This Sumi-e is called Tulips Three and is an Art for Cancer image. The painting was inspired by a visit to my friend's garden where many lovely tulips were playing and dancing with joy in the sun. Tulips Three is available from my Sumi Gallery at ImageKind as a fine art print and as greeting and note cards. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this work will be donated to breast cancer research. I offer several other paintings for AFC at ImageKind in addition to this piece. Please take a peek!

I am a proud member of the Art for Cancer Group. We are a global group of artists that have banded together to help fight the dreadful disease of cancer. We offer selected artworks for purchase and donate a percentage (10% - 100%) of the proceeds of the sale to cancer research. The group is housed at Imagekind. We offer prints and cards at this POD location.



October is "Breast Cancer Awareness" month and we have just launched our new video on YouTube of artwork dedicated to help fight breast cancer. Each piece of artwork maintains a pink theme and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the work will be donated to breast cancer research. Please take a moment to view our video.

Sumi-e Painting with White Ink

White Ink!

Here is a fun twist on traditional Sumi-e ink painting. Painting with white ink! This is a creative and beautiful alternative to the traditional practices.

There is no beauty quite like that of snow and winter time splendor. As an artist and a lover of the outdoors and nature, I have come to love our magnificent earth in all her wondrous seasons especially her magical glistening snow.

The original Sumi-e painting is located in Gallery White and it is called 'Noble Snow Spirit Like Bamboo'. It was inspired by bamboo leaning into the weight of snow.

The materials I used to create this sumi-e included traditional ink stick and Japanese watercolor. However, in addition, I used Dr. Ph Martin's Bleed Proof White ink. And, the image was painted on Canson Ingres paper from France.

Fine Art Reproductions of this image are available at The Untapped Source. Art Prints are available from my Zazzle Gallery and in my Sumi Gallery at ImageKind.

Leaves of Life

The college where I teach recently started the new Fall semester. Getting students organized and settled into my courses is always a challenge. It takes up all my time and leaves me very little personal time for things like blogging about art, which is one of my favorite things to do! Today I blog!

The sumi-e you see here is called 'Leaves of Life'. The original painting can be seen in my Gallery Journey into Art. This painting was inspired by the beauty and spirit of life. And, how life enfolds us in experience. This sumi-e just flowed from my brush as if directed by divine intervention and was an incredible experience. It was a complete journey into art!

This painting was created on Arches hot press watercolor paper and painted entirely with a Hake brush, which is a flat wash brush. I find this kind of brush very useful and versatile when painting freely. The sumi (ink) was ground using a stone. Japanese watorcolor was also used. Fine Art Reproductions of 'Leaves of Life' are available from the Untapped Source. Poster Art Prints are available from my Zazzle Gallery and Art Prints are available in my SumiSpirit Gallery at ImageKind.

Cause/Effect Challenge

I decided to take on a Cause and Effect challenge raised by, Diane Clancy, an artist acquaintance of mine. She challenges artists to intrepret 2 words. This week the challenge is Cause/Effect. In general, Sumi-e lends itself to the concept of 'cause and effect' very easily. Sumi-e is rooted in Chinese philosophy. The idea of 'yin and yang' is used to describe how seemingly opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving rise to each other in turn. This concept is at the heart of Sumi-e and the artist's mind as one paints in peace.

This Sumi-e painting is called 'Dance of the Pollen'. This painting was inspired by all the pollen dancing in our air during summertime. I think it's relationship to 'cause and effect' is obvious. Wind blows. Pollen dances. Reproductions of this work are available two places: at my Zazzle Gallery and from my SumiSpirit Gallery at ImageKind. Each gallery offers special printing choices. The original work can be seen at my website in Gallery Journey into Art .