October 2013

Casey Shannon Studio Newsletter
凱西香儂齋

Sumi-e Art

In This Issue

International Exhibition in China

Wabi Sabi

Art Gallery

Autumn Scroll

Studio Video

Gabe's Gossip! ~ Observations from a Service Dog

Quick Links

Meet the Artist

Sumi-e Art Blog

Our Sponsors

Visit Our Sponsor

Casey Shannon Studio

'Your Treasure House
is in yourself,
It contains,
all you need'
~ Hui Hai

Original Sumi-e

Casey Shannon Fine Art
Reproductions
Cards and Prints

Our Sponsors

Framed Gems

Our Sponsors

Contemporary Asian Scrolls

Greetings!

Hello everyone.

October is here. I love this month with Halloween, my birthday, my granddaughter's birthday, and the celebration of a momentous life event. I have much to share!

Now, it's that time for us to journey together into art.
Shall we begin?

International Exhibition in China 2013

Article by Casey Shannon

International Exhibition in China

I am very pleased to announce that the International Exhibition in China from October 3rd to 10th in AnShan City, China was a resounding success!

My work was displayed with calligraphy and sumi-e artists from around the world. ~ Japan, China, France, Germany, Australia, United States, Canada, Holland, Croatia, Russia, and Argentina.

The exhibit was under the direction of Master Ransui Yakata of Japan and the founder of ICCPS ~
International Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society.

View inside the exhibit.
AnShan City - Public Center - China

My two landscape scrolls
Left Corner
"Sumi Soul' and 'Peace'

"Sumi Soul' and 'Peace'
by Casey Shannon

Please see my blog for a virtual tour of the exhibit!

China 2013 Exhibit

Casey Shannon

Director of the North American Branch - ICCPS

International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society

国際中国書法国画家協会アメリカ支部：Ms. Casey Shannon
アメリカ現代水墨画家

Wabi Sabi

Article by Casey Shannon

Wabi Sabi

Do you know what 'Wabi Sabi' is?

"Defining wabi sabi in physical terms is like explaining the taste of a piece of chocolate by its shape and color."
~ Okakura Kakuzo

Okakura Kakuzo wrote one of my favorite books of all time - The Book of Tea - written in 1906. His philosophy continues to inspire today's tea and art culture. The above quote about 'wabi sabi' is found in his book.

The Book of Tea

Anyway, I stray from my subject here : wabi sabi.

What is wabi sabi? Ask a Japanese this question and there will likely be a long silence. Pose the same question to an American, however, the answer will often be quick and sure: "It's beauty of things imperfect!" Why do the Japanese struggle for an answer to the meaning of wabi sabi that seems to come easily to Westerners? Could they be searching for a different answer altogether?

The term wabi sabi is derived from two characters shared by Japanese and Chinese. Originally, wabi 侘 means 'despondence', and sabi 寂 means 'loneliness' or 'solitude'. These are words for feelings, not for physical appearance of objects. it is a profound aesthetic consciousness that transcends appearance. It can be felt but rarely verbalized, much less defined.

Many of my readers and collectors of my sumi-e art work, know that I experienced a massive stroke. I learned many things from this experience. One of the most important things I learned is this:

I have found that it is important to love ourselves again, to be accepting and tolerant, and be open to what our lives are now. To help me with this concept, I learned about wabi-sabi, the art of imperfection.

Wabi-sabi is the Japanese tradition of celebrating the beauty in what's flawed or worn. It offers an inspiring way to look at your whole life. To discover wabi-sabi is to see the singular beauty in something that may first look decrepit and ugly. Bringing wabi-sabi into your life requires a mind quiet enough to appreciate muted beauty, find courage not to fear, and a willingness to accept things the way they are. Wabi-sabi depends on the ability to slow down, to shift the balance from doing to being, to appreciating rather than perfecting. Wabi-sabi can be adopted as a way of seeing and being in the world.

Celebrating 30 Years of Wabi Sabi
October 20, 2013

Personal Commemorative 'Wabi Sabi' Seal

This is my personal 'Wabi Sabi' seal/chop carved especially for me by Henry Li of Blue Heron Arts . Henry carved this mood seal at my request. It will be used on the special life occasion of the 30th Anniversary of my stroke, which will be on October 20, 2013. I will be painting a commemorative sumi-e on that day to honor my stroke and will seal the painting with this very special chop.

I will paint this day because I still can!

For more information:
Wabi Sabi Blog

Casey Shannon - Official

China Seal Carving Gyoku-seki Society

Director for USA

Find Casey's Sumi-e Online

View my Sumi-e Art Galleries

*New Additions*

Contemporary Asian Scrolls

*New Additions*

Stunning Framed Gems

Casey Shannon Studio

Valley Girls Art Gallery

Article by Casey Shannon

I am pleased to share with you that I have a new installation of my contemporary Asian Sumi-e Scrolls and framed paintings at Vallery Girls Art Gallery. They are on display for you to enjoy.

#2 Chambers Lane

Carmel Valley Village

California, USA

I am truly honored to represent the art of Sumi-e in this popular local gallery. Please stop by the gallery!

I have original sumi-e, art prints, and cards for you to see.

Casey Shannon Studio

Director of North America Branch ~ ICCPS

国際中国書法国画家協会アメリカ支部：Ms. Casey Shannon アメリカ現代水墨画家

Autumn Scroll

Article by Casey Shannon

Sky High - Let the Birds Fly!

In celebration of the beautiful colors of Autumn, I created this lovely sumi-e. The inspiration for this painting came from the magical hills surrounding my home.

It has been made into a stunning scroll and is available on my website.

Stunning Asian Landscape Scroll
Image 10.5 x 19
Scroll 15 x 40.5
Gray and Yellow Floral Brocade

Medium: Sumi (ink), watercolor on Mulberry Paper

Casey Shannon Studio

Studio Video

Produced by Henry X Li

Here is a short video of of Henry carving my very special 'Wabi Sabi' seal. It is a very interesting process. I hope you enjoy it. 12:32

Carving a Commemorative 30th Anniversary Mood Seal for Sumi Artist Casey Shannon

Gabe's Gossip ~
Observations of a Service Dog

Article by Gabe

Hello Everyone!

It's me, Gabe, your favorite service dog.

I sure am loving the beautiful season of Autumn. Casey and I have been going for daily scooter rides, which is my favorite thing to do!

Casey is not the only one with a new artist seal. Look at my chop! Whenever I approve of Casey's sumi-e paintings, I will put my very own stamp of approval on her painting. Oh Boy! Woof!

This is a QuingTain Stone carved by Uncle Liu of
Asian Brush Painter in China.

Well, that's all for this month.

Don't forget to visit my training school!

THEY LOVE DONATIONS!

HCI.

Hawaii Canines for Independence

Assistance Dogs of Hawaii

See you next month!
Bye for now. Woof, Woof, Gabe

Thank you for being my customers and for your continued support!

I hope you have enjoyed receiving and reading this edition of my Sumi-e newsletter. I encourage you to forward it to your friends and family and ask them to register. I can only succeed with the assistance of friends like you.

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Sincerely,

Casey Shannon
Casey Shannon Studio