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sumi brushes - gallery juana
sumi brushes


When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs.
When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.
― Ansel Adams

I've had my Sumi brushes for over 10 years. I bought some when living in Sendai and others when living in Sapporo. They've travelled with me from Japan to Mexico to The States several times. These are the only expensive brushes I have and the only brushes that I take care of habitually.

On the other hand, my mixed media brushes are cheap, often abused and easily thrown away when damaged. I often return to my art table to find I've forgotten to wash off the glue or gesso.

So why are my sumi brushes different? Possibly because they are expensive, I am more apt to take care of them. Still, there is a certain quietude that comes when I use my sumi brushes for painting with sumi ink. I am more present in the moment. And when I have finished painting, cleaning up is not a task but the ending to a ritual.



I've collected rocks and shells since I was a first grader. My first trip to the ocean was in first grade, and I remember being on the beach content and collecting odds and bits. Everytime I move, I return my collection to the earth and start again in my new digs.

... for whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
it's always ourselves we find in the sea.
― E.E. Cummings, 100 Selected Poems





joining 52 photos


view my art blog here http://GalleryJuana.com.

Comments

Your brushes are beautiful. I have only one. And I paint poorly with it. But my heart is in it!
Sheila said…
I love your brush collection. Treasures. I collect shells, and rocks and bits. But I keep them. I would not want to part with them. I am in awe that you "give them back to the earth". Love that statement.
A lovely picture of your treasured brushes. I am a huge collector of shells and stones ...but have a hard time parting with them. I share happy memories with each one of them.
Tracy said…
LOVE the beauty of your brushes and the shells/coral... similar soft tones! I've always like the ritual of setting up and cleaning up with creativity. It's those little things that elevate it to something sacred. :o) ((HUGS))
Barbara said…
Your brushes are beautiful well worth looking after, I too love to collect rocks and shells.

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