Ziji

Oil on canvas.
16" x 20".

Does Paint Have Buddha Nature?

Oil on canvas.
20" x 20".

Water

Oil paints and water on canvas.
30" x 40".

Painting An Open Question

The process begins with a moment of silence and stillness in front of the blank surface of the painting to be - to allow the mind to settle. Everyday concerns, thoughts and fantasies are let go. Plans, visions and theories of what the painting might be are dropped.

The paint is poured onto the canvas, dripped or spread with a palate knife, cloth or fingers. Forms emerge. Forms disappear. The practice is to try not to obstruct the free flow of creation and destruction, almost letting the painting create itself, as it were. Figure emerges from ground and dissolves back into ground, unobstructed. No judgement is made as to good or bad.

When fixation is let go, freshness is always available. When we recognise freshness manifesting in the painting we stop. The painting is finished.

Salt

Oils and Rock Salt on canvas.
30" x 40".