You You

$50 [+shipping] : Ink on paper : 8 x 11.5 inches :

The extreme simplicity of an Enso is at once its profound strength and its greatest deterrent to being accepted by viewers.  A painting is often given value based on the time spent creating it or the difficulty in producing it.  With an Enso however a whole other set of criteria must be understood in order to enjoy it. Enso come from Japan and are a motif of Japanese Zen Calligraphy.  If you are familiar with Zen Buddhism you may already be appreciative of Enso, if not I will offer a few things to consider. For one with a painting this simple it is helpful to notice the mark that the brush has made and how each edge of the brush and even individual hairs took part in defining the Enso.  Second is the ink itself and how its qualities took part in marking the paper such as drips as the brush was lifted over the paper or how the texture of the ink changed as the brush became dryer near the end of the circle. This particular Enso is tagged with the words "you you".  Its an isolated portion that I heard recently in the phrase "What makes you you?"  The isolation of the words makes them feel abstract yet provocative and open to meditate on.  The words also give a point from which to relate to the Enso. I will be posting Enso for a few weeks so be sure to check back for more insights into appreciating them. Be well ............................................................................................................................................ Want to see more paintings plus free exclusive articles and updates? Subscribe to my newsletter The Monthly ENSO, find out more here. ............................................................................................................................................