Inspiration: Kasuri or "Flying White"

The art of Zen calligraphy or "Hitsuzendo" has had a large impact on my work.  This style of painting originated in Japan and seeks freedom and vitality, acceptance of the accidental, and a gestural physicality on the part of the artist. (See previous blog post about Hitsuzendo and the work of Franz Kline here). This style has particularly influenced my mark making, or how I choose to apply paint to canvas. 

The concept of Kasuri or "flying white" can be seen in the example above of Zen calligraphy by the priest Kasumi Bunsho (1905-1998). This term describes the presence of white streaks in the ink, evidence of the brush's bristles as they glide across the surface. This effect has always been extremely fascinating to me, as the precise moment, the fleeting instant that the artists pull the wet brush across the surface is forever immortalized. This brief happening is something I too strive to capture with black latex or acrylic paint. Below are some examples of my attempts of Kasuri or "flying white" in recent works. 

The pain of Achilles, latex, oil and spray paint on canvas, 18x25", 2017

The weariness of Ajax, latex and spray paint on canvas, 18x25", 2017

Swift Chionis of Sparta, latex paint on canvas, 30x48", 2017

Figure with drapery, latex paint on canvas, 36x48", 2016