DEREK OVERFIELD
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studio blog

Inspiration: Hitsuzendo

4/3/2014

3 Comments

 
Picture
Jiun Sonja (1718-1804), Nantendo (1839-1925) and Kasumi Bunsho (1905-1998)
Hitsuzendo, the "art of the brush" of Zen philosophy has had a great influence on my work. This style of calligraphy is direct and leaves no room for revision or hesitation.  You must act with self-confidence. The practitioners strive to be fluid and pure in their execution, breathing vitality and individuality into their marks. 
I share the same views in art making with this approach and below have included one of my recent paintings that I feel illustrate some of these elements. I hope one can see a similar stroke mirrored in the outstretched arm and torso of this figure.
Picture
Daedalus watching his son fall, latex paint on canvas, 48" x 30", 2014

The Abstract Expressionist painter Franz Kline was also influenced by Zen calligraphy and incorporated some elements into his own work. Kline is another artist I greatly admire and who has been influential on my work as can be seen in the montage below....
Picture
Below is another example of one of my recent paintings, that I hope illustrate some of the principles mentioned above.
Picture
Charging man, latex paint on canvas, 25" x 30", 2014, private collection, Great Falls, VA

3 Comments
Bill Shelley link
4/5/2014 04:43:16 am

Hi Derek - Thanks for this posting. There is so much to be learned outside of our western/European "art box!" Japanese and Chinese calligraphy has many sub-worlds within those traditions. I love the timeless quality of the art form - and I can clearly see the same qualities in your work. Thanks!

Reply
Derek Overfield link
4/5/2014 06:48:31 am

Well said Bill, and thanks for the compliment!

Reply
Sandy Marx
4/18/2014 09:58:35 am

Why no female figures?

Reply



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