Ok. So. What is sumi-e about?

Sumi-e (aka suibokuga/shui mo hua/水墨畫/Chinese/Japanese ink painting) is an ancient traditional art form, originally from China. Rooted in Zen philosophy, it is a mindful and meditative practice of being present in the moment. Every brushstroke is an intentional and unrepeatable expression of the soul.
Yes, you have one “shot” but the idea is to learn about accepting things as they are in their raw, natural form. It can be interpreted as a mood MOT and quick-fix at the same time. By slowing down and becoming aware of the simple beauty in simplicity, the artist aims to catch the essence of a subject with mindful brushstrokes and the balanced use of empty spaces.

Mindfully mindless

One of the many aspects to love about sumi-e – and Japanese aesthetics in general – is finding beauty in imperfection (wabisabi). There is no pressure to create an immaculate piece of art. It’s about the process, slowing down, synchronising breath and movement, re-connecting with nature and the unseen, and enjoying a meditative, creative experience without thinking too much.

No. thoughts.

No more thoughts for tonight. Reached my zen state perhaps?
I hope I have pleased the search engine bots, or made an accidental human visitor’s day. 🙂 Feel free to

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