5 Activities that has influenced my theme of Bare Branches
I’m a trained artist in the Western realistic tradition. However, in the last 2 years, I’V made a conscious decision to loosen my self of some of the standard of classical art by experimenting with various medium, and using diverse brush, and application techniques. Through these experiments I’V found freedom in expressing myself, and focusing on what really catches my eye or interest. This is how my theme of Bare Branches began to develop. Not only have I found joy in my new creative expression, I also realize that my style has taken a more contemporary feel.
Besides spending time experimenting in the studio, I’V come to realize that 5 other activities have influences me in this development.
1. Observation.
I’m by nature very attentive and curious of my environment. Most of my life I’V been surrounded by nature. At a young age I had to opportunity to live in a jungle in Africa, enjoyed pristine public parks and verdant countryside in Belgium, and lived most of my life in rural settings in California. I’m always drawn to observing native and transplanted tree during walks in California parks or Daily walks in orchards, vineyards and on the creek bank running through our acreage, noticing seasonal changes and the effect to my surroundings. My observations are usually about details in designs that I see everywhere: rocks, barks, branches, knots, pods, tree holes, as well textures and the structures of various trees. Lately this has leaded me to illustrating the essence of trees rather then defining a specific tree.
2. Collecting
Collecting odd pieces of bark, rocks, old vines, pods and twigs, and continually adding to a collection of photographs, and sketches, are ways to jar my memory and challenge my creativity, I bring them in the studio, shine a light on them, look at their shadows, or just let them sit there, and wait to see what else I’ll notice when least expected. Their structure and design even inspires me to future projects not necessarily pertaining to trees, but definitely an extension from the aesthetics of trees.
3. Hands-on
Besides observing my husband, who has an exceptional eye for three dimensional arrangements, landscaping and, care of mature trees, I also had mini hands-on lessons from a genuine landscaper, Eddy Ortiz. He introduced me to the art pruning and caring of large bonsais.
4. Bonsai Club.
What a fascinating art expression, and what wonderful people I’v had the pleasure to meet at the bonsai club. I have always been fascinated with bonsais, and am very much aware of the difference between the Eastern and the Western philosophy in art. One of The main differences is that Western idea of beauty is to aim for perfection, as Eastern art accept imperfection as part of beauty. There is so much more for me to grasp, but hopefully I will learn more with time, and willing teachers.
5. Aesthetics of other cultures
Last but not least, I find it very advantageous to familiarize myself with the Zen sensibility, appreciate it, and see my world through its lens. However, I also resolve to continue to broaden my understanding of other culture’s aesthetics, not to become an imitator, but to gain more awareness of how things can be seen.
