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 rit
art, photography by Juana Almaguer