'Your Treasure House
is in yourself,
It contains,
all you need'
~ Hui Hai
Original Sumi-e
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 Casey Shannon Fine Art
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Greetings!
Hello everyone.
November is upon us with the holiday season nipping at our heels. The weather has changed and given us beautiful sights to behold. Gabe and I have been enjoying life and I hope you have as well. I have much to share!
Now, it's that time for us to journey together into art.
Shall we begin?
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| The Four Treasures
Article by Casey Shannon
The Four Treasures of Study
Sumi-e is inkwash brush painting originating from China over a thousand years ago, and embraced enthusiastically in Japan, Korea and now internationally. The name sumi-e literally means water+ink+painting 水墨畫.
Ink wash painting uses soot ink on thin mulberry bark paper or silk. Different tones and shades are achieved by varying the ink density and brush pressure. It is not simply to reproduce the appearance of the subject, but to capture its soul. Sumi-e is the timeless unison of the true self and the universe. It is the expression of the mind and spirit of the artist through the Four Treasures (文房四寶) .
Sumi-e and Calligraphy artists have the utmost respect for the Four Treasures:
The Four Treasures of Study
1. Brush (筆): The ink brush is usually made of goat, rabbit, or yellow weasel hair. The textures are soft, hard or mixed depending on the artist's use.
2. Ink (墨) : Ink sticks are made of soot mixed with animal glue, and sometimes aromatic or medicinal powders. Modern artists sometimes use bottled ink as it is readily available. However, there are many preservatives in even the most expensive bottled ink and it can ruin brushes.
3. Paper (紙) : It is not just any kind of paper. It is thin mulberry bark paper (Xuan or Pi paper from China and Washi paper from Japan). It is also generically called "rice paper" in the west though rice is not one of the ingredients. It is highly absorbent and unforgiving. The brushstrokes have to be fluid and fast, and mistakes cannot be masked like on watercolor paper.
Did you know? That Westerners call Xuan paper 'Rice Paper' because when The West entered the East, China wanted to keep paper making a secret and told them it was made of rice!
4. Inkstone (硯) : The inkstone is used for grinding the ink stick with water. The four famous inkstones are Duan, She, Tao and Chengni. Grinding your ink before you paint provides you with a quiet state of mind and a way to let spirit surround you.
This ink stone is an ornate one and very beautiful. This ink slab was carved in a 'cucurbit' shape. This shape stands for good fortune and every success.
These four items are treasured by the sumi-e and calligraphy artist. They are essential to this ancient art.
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 
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| Wabi Sabi ~ Rising Up
Article by Casey Shannon
 Wabi Sabi
I Celebrated 30 Years of Wabi Sabi on
October 20, 2013
Last month I told you about the special commemorative painting I would paint celebrating the 30th anniversary of my special life event - stroke.
Here it is!
Wabi Sabi - Rising Up
Sumi-e
15 x 19 - Mulberry Paper
Sumi (ink), Tea, and Watercolor
Currently Unmounted
One friend of mine when she saw my efforts from this special day called my painting 'the landscape of my life'. I think she was correct, don't you?
Personal Commemorative 'Wabi Sabi' Seal
I painted this commemorative sumi-e on that day to honor my stroke and sealed the painting with this very special artist chop.
I painted this day because I still can!
( Prints of this sumi-e will be available soon)
For more information about Wabi Sabi:
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
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Holiday Miniatures
Article by Casey Shannon
Holiday Miniatures display at Valley Girls Art Gallery
#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 and visit our mini display!
 Art from local artists in Carmel and Carmel Valley are on display in miniature. Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for five tickets. The drawing will be held on November 30th. You do not have to be present to win! Great holiday present idea!  Enso QuailThis is my mini art on display at the gallery. It is a lovely brush painting of a little quail sitting among holiday foliage of an 'enso'. The image is 6 x 6 and framed in a gorgeous red wood frame. The Ensō is one of the most prevalent images of Zen Art, and it has become a symbol of the clean and strong Japanese aesthetic. The ensō is an expression of the mind of the artist who brushes it. As a symbol, the circle expresses the totality of our being. The circle points to the most vital aspect of our essence -- it's ultimate wholeness. The ensō symbolizes enlightenment, power, and the universe itself. It is a direct expression of thusness or this-moment-as-it-is. Ensō is considered to be one of the most profound subjects in zenga (Zen inspired painting). Looking for a great holiday card?  Cards (single or sets) are available of this image at my Zazzle Gallery online. There are 3 sizes to choose from. They are printed with archival inks on quality paper with a glossy finish. The card is blank inside or you can add a greeting right online before you place your order. Check them out!
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
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Studio Video
Here is a short instructional video of how to grind an ink stick properly. I hope you enjoy it and maybe even learn something new. 6:15  | | Grinding Sumi Ink |
A Slow Process Worth the Time Today, there are many bottled "sumi" inks on the market. The problem is that they are filled with chemicals and preservatives. These cause a fine brush to deteriorate quickly if the brush is not properly washed after use. Traditional sumi ink is worth the time to grind, and the deep black found in bottle ink is readily achieved with patience. The result is far more satisfying, too, as the subtleties of hand-ground ink exceed any found in premixed.
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Gabe's Gossip ~
Observations of a Service DogArticle by Gabe
 Hello Everyone!
It's me, Gabe, your favorite service dog.
Well I don't know about you, but I am ready for Thanksgiving. I've been waiting for that yummy turkey all year! Casey is a vegetarian so I have to go to a friend's house to get any turkey.
We have wild turkeys here in our yard. I best not tell those turkeys that I would really like to eat them. Here is a pix of of one on our roof!.
Boy, I would love to get up there too and give him a run for his money. However, I am a good little service dog and would not scare him.
Anyway, have a great Thanksgiving Day everybody!
Well, that's all for this month.
Don't forget to visit my training school!
THEY LOVE DONATIONS!
Hawaii Canines for Independence
Assistance Dogs of Hawaii
See you next month!
Bye for now. Woof, Woof, Gabe
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Casey Shannon
Casey Shannon Studio |
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