The Process

Creative expression

The Iris flower, subject focus of a series in its own right, of 12 paintings. 

Painted set in the formation of a clock face, a circle, 360 degrees, 

12 expressions of the Iris. Each painting will be 1.2 metres square, laid
out flat on the floor. 12 days duration and 12 layers for each painting.

Movement & PRESENCE

Each stage/layer will be approached in the form of calligraphic movement of the brush. My focus and intent is to totally go with fluid flow, expressing the iris as pure creative expression of movement.

I’ve been greatly inspired by Japanese performance calligraphy. Using a very large brush with flowing brush strokes across the flat plane, just pure expression. And so I will take the centre of the circle and perform a series of moves so that at the end of each session I will have completed all 12 paintings.

Duration of 12 days, 12 layers to each painting, thereby giving a total of 144 brush strokes.

Method of application
’cosmic clock’

12 x Canvas arranged as a clock face.
120 x 120cm square

inspiration

Japanese Performance Calligraphy

This practice of writing characters with a brush and ink on paper or silk has for centuries served not only as a medium of communication but also as a pathway towards self-realisation and spiritual cultivation.

Each stroke, its direction, sequence, and shape hold a unique importance, rendering the art akin to a meditative practice.

More than just a form of calligraphy; it is a spiritual discipline, a manifestation of aesthetics, and a mode of personal expression. As each brushstroke glides across the paper, the art of Japanese calligraphy becomes a dialogue between the calligrapher and the viewer, a dance of ink and imagination, and a testament to the cultural richness of Japan. 

In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, the tactile, physical, and spiritual experience of Shodō reminds us of the profound beauty of handwritten expression. Learning and appreciating Shodō not only connects us with an ancient tradition but also offers a serene retreat from the bustling modern world, allowing us to explore the depths of our creativity and self.