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Jenso

4/23/2018

8 Comments

 
Picture

​"Jenso" - mixed media on SOHO urban painting board, 12" x 16".  Ready to frame.  Available here and at Artfinder.

I was playing with the art of enso  using my sumi-e brush and some ink last week.  But what do you think happened?  A bit of malarkey and my own "jenso", who is collaged with materials at the Morikami Japanese Gardens last month.  A little sideways visit to Japan, one might say.

​I consider this piece a failed enso, but a happy whimsical accident.  She makes me smile with her pretty kimono and side buns.

This is also my first time using SOHO painting boards.  They are less expensive than aquabord, and a bit heartier than Crescent board or Canson art board.  This one held a ton of liquid without buckling, but doesn't generate the same groovy textures as on the aquabord.  I will use it again, without inks, and see what happens.
Using ink in a painting is pretty much a forced surrender.  The ink cannot be controlled, nor can it be completely covered. Like an old hurt deeply buried, ink returns - seeping up through gesso and acrylic paint, regardless of the number of layers.  A reminder of what came before, and the need to embrace all that is our experience, even the parts we wish to bury.  Ink becomes a lesson in making lemonade of lemons.  Who knew certain art supplies mandate a personal archeological dig?

There is one aspect of the enso process I truly enjoy - vocal painting.  The more theatrical of the enso painters use large brushes (imagine brooms) and martial arts stances, along with guttural growls and shouts.  Now DO try this at home!  There is something delightfully mischievous about shouting and growling as you paint circles with big arm gestures.  Not to mention the looks you get from certain family members wandering by your studio door...though it might be more impressive if I weren't in a flowery bathrobe and pajamas.  

And speaking of physicality in artistry, here is a previously unreleased recording of Prince, along with a video montage of his incredible dance moves to start your week off right.
8 Comments
Dotty Seiter link
4/23/2018 10:14:36 am

Jen's O! What a fun post! Somewhat to my surprise, I've not heard of enso previously but I love the concept. My favorite bits of magical wonder in this painting: that amber shadow by Enso's eye and the quiet blue bleed from one of her side buns : ) Ink as surrender, gotta love it.

Reply
jen
4/23/2018 11:04:42 am

Thanks, Dotty!!! I really enjoy placing characters over ink, simply because the bleeds do what they want to, and it makes a bit of serendipitous magic. :) Complete surrender, because nothing else is possible! ha ha!

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Risa link
4/23/2018 04:44:09 pm

Oh Jen! I have never heard of enso! She came out lovely. I keep my purse in the front room where I can see 'my' girl everyday. This inspires me to do what I have been wanting to do for a while: blow painting through a straw. It's on the 'list.'
I have seen Prince at a concert, live. It was one of the most exciting performances ever.
Thanks for posting, Jen!

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jen
4/23/2018 05:13:06 pm

Risa! We watched Chauncey Nelson blow paint through a straw last week at a demo. Incredible! But to have seen Prince live, well, I am envious to say the least! xo

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Carol Edan
4/24/2018 11:44:33 am

Why think of failure! The symbol is there loud and clear. Absolutely love her kimono! Inks that's a totally new story. Needs a lot of courage!
Bravo! Kol Hakavod!

Reply
jen
4/24/2018 12:53:41 pm

ha ha! Carol, the enso portion was a failure...as it should have been, given I have zero experience and had never done it before! But my little kimono girl I love. She made enso lemonade! Tee hee! I had to look up Kol Hakavod....that's lovely! Thank you! And for teaching me new words. :)

Reply
Susanna Clemm link
5/11/2018 08:36:52 am

One of the best performers ever, my favorite. Left us way to soon.
ROCK ON.

Reply
jen
5/11/2018 08:57:55 am

I agree, Susanna. There is a whole in the world where he once stood.

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