Ink Stick vs Bottle Ink

Ink Stick or Bottle Ink?

That is the question!

Shanghai Premium Ink Stick

This ink stick is made from coal oil creating a shiny brown-black finish that is smooth. It's highly regarded as one of China's finest quality in ink sticks. It has markings of "101" on the side of the stick to differentiate it from others.

Bottled Ink or Ink Stick and Slate?

Traditionally, ink is made by grinding an ink stick made from pine soot or oil in water against a stone, also known as a slate, using circular motions of your hand and arm. The Japanese have perfected the bottled ink, which makes ink convenient and easy to use. Traditionalists frown on the bottled ink as it takes away the essence of this ancient art form.

 

Best Bottle Ink

A warm brown-black permanent liquid ink.

It's a "toss up" between making your own ink with stick and stone or using bottled ink. Some artists love tranquility and centering of the mind and body as they grind the ink stick to a piece of slate for several minutes as they meditate to get into their mindset to paint or write. In class,  students enjoy the convenience of the instant pour, enabling them to start right away with their practice.

 

Ink Grinding Slate/Stone

This handsome new round grinding stone that features a charcoal black stone base/well, capped with a richly varnished dark wooden lid makes for an elegant showpiece, even when not in use!

Whether you like the convenience or the meditative process, the choice is up to you.

More Information Below

The Process of Sumi 

Casey Shannon Studio

Director of North American Branch ICCPS

International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Siciety

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

'News from the Studio'

Regal Gabe

'News from Casey Shannon Studio'

In the March Newsletter

My March newsletter has just been published! Check it out.
Sumi Preparation,
Artist in the Spotlight ~ Annie Gazeley,
Sketchbook Project,
and a new feature ~ Gabe's Gossip!

Enjoy!

Casey Shannon Studio

Sumi-e Ink Stone

Above is an example of a Sumi grinding stone. This inkstone is an ornate one and very beautiful. This ink slab was carved in a 'cucurbit' shape. This shape stands for good fortune and every success. This is the stone that I use.

The Sumi stone for grinding the ink is an important tool in the creation of Sumi-e. An inkstone is literally a stone mortar for the grinding and containment of ink. Traditional Chinese ink was usually solidified into sticks for easier transport and preservation. Even a small amount of water could be applied to the end of a stick of ink, and that end would be ground with the flat surface of the ink stone. A larger quantity of ink could be ground from a small pool of water placed on the inkstone. Water could be stored in a water-holding cavity on the inkstone itself.

The inkstone, together with the ink brush, inkstick and paper, are the four writing implements traditionally known as the Four Treasures of the Study.

Each artist prepares his/her ink in their own special way creating a calm and empty mind. I generally use a black Shanghai Premium stick. I moisten the slab and use a circular motion to grind. I like my ink to have a dark and smooth consistency. The contemporary sumi-e you see here by Casey Shannon is called Winter. This image is an example of the various shades you can create by adding water to your ink. Variation in color of ink adds depth to your painting.

Sumi Preparation

Traditionally, Sumi (ink) was made by grinding an ink stick on a moist ink stone. This method is still favored by many brush painters today. Shanghai Premium Ink Stick produces a smooth, shiny brown-black permanent ink for calligraphy and painting. Black ink sticks range from the inexpensive to the very rare and quite expensive. Ink sticks come in color also. However, black ink sticks are commonly used in the creation of Sumi-e. As the artist grinds the ink stick on the moist stone, the mind is cleared of all thought except for preparing the ink. In this way, the artist is moving gently to the space that allows one to create and capture spirit. The Sumi-e you see here is called Orchid Yellow by accomplished artist Casey Shannon. This painting was inspired by my friend's orchid garden where you can sit, breathe, and meditate. Many beautiful orchids are displayed there and this one caught my eye dancing in the breeze.

From the Artist:

As a Sumi-e painter, for me, the grinding and preparation of the ink is a wonderful meditation before I begin my painting. I prepare my work in the traditional way. However, my Sumi-e style is 'Contemporary Sumi-e'. My intention is reaching beyond the limits of traditional ink painting. This Sumi-e is called Snowdrops on a Quail Waiting by Casey Shannon. It was inspired by the many beautiful quail found in Carmel Valley. What if it snowed there?