You guys know I love encaustic wax but I also have a deep passion for collage. When you blend the two mediums you basically get bliss! So, for our next project we are going to do just that. Using shades of white collage papers, encaustic wax and even found objects we will create zen inspired compositions.
Let’s first explore what Zen is all about. Ready to expand your thinking?
When I came up with the idea, I had no idea (really) how deep the Zen way of thinking was. I kinda had just scratched the surface. The term “Zen” is thrown around a lot casually, so it was wonderful to dive a little deeper and learn about this philosophy and how it can be applied to design.
Zen is defined as: “…a Mahayana movement, introduced into China in the 6th century and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes enlightenment for the student by the most direct possible means.”
A modern (hip) definition states: "One way to think of zen is this: a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being. It also is a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts."
HOWEVER, IT TURNS OUT ZEN DOESN’T REALLY DIG BEING DEFINED. SO DRAW WHAT YOU MAY FROM THE ABOVE DEFINITIONS AND LET’S MOVE ON...
Just like the Principles of Design that we just discussed, Zen also has seven principles, well...actually more...but we are going to focus on these 7.
HERE ARE SOME BEAUTIFUL IMAGES OF ZEN INSPIRED ARTWORK TO GET YOUR CREATIVE MINDS WORKING…
Artists from top left: Dorte Boe, Ginger Myers, Susan J. Zimmerman, Donna Watson, Cecil Touchon, Lenore Tawney, Dusty Griffith
And there are more on our Class Zen Inspiration Pinterest board!
Go check it out.
Now listen, I know that this kind of art is not for everyone BUT I believe that by studying styles outside of our comfort zone brings a greater richness to our own creative expression.
Try and be open minded and explore these concepts as we honor design and composition. Possessing more knowledge will never hurt your work and your mind lights up like fireworks when it is learning something new. That’s a good thing right?
Ponder these Zen aesthetic principles as we go into this project. Look at this one with a removed attachment to the outcome. Instead, bear witness to how your design choices affect the piece, how moving one element influences the others. Be present as the wax melts on your board or how it moves when molten. Observe it and try not to overly control it. Stay present and open.
In this way, we get a moment of Zen in our creating.
If you have never done Encaustics before, please watch my wax set up video below.
Okay ready? Let's begin...
***Please note that white encaustic paint is very opaque - if you wish to thin it down add clear encaustic medium to it. This way you can build up your layers if desired.***
(The encaustic artist I mention in the video is Nancy Crawford. Watch her Youtube videos HERE)
I loved making this collage. This minimalist approach was challenging for me and there are still areas I might change but for now, I’m content to enjoy the simplicity of this piece and encouraged to try another! Once you get that wax all heated up it's hard to stop at one creation!
SELF ANALYSIS OF MY COLLAGE:
The embedded loop hook has a stillness, almost isolation that resonates with the Zen style. The white loops below are in direct opposition and create a sense of movement bringing the eye back up to the texture of the cheesecloth and smoky darkness on the outskirts of the piece. This darkness acts as both a visual barrier and an element of balance and brings the viewer back to the loop hook once more. The paper below offers a horizontal line in contrast with the strong vertical tension seen here and helps balance the white loops below. Asymmetrical balance is achieved in this way.
Okay - so that’s my take on it. Again, art is subjective and you may see this piece completely differently. That’s ok. That’s part of the fun of Art! Each viewer can experience the Art in their own way.
Okay - so that’s my take on it. Again, art is subjective and you may see this piece completely differently. That’s ok. That’s part of the fun of Art! Each viewer can experience the Art in their own way.
Are you ready for the Bonus lesson I’ve made for you? I just couldn’t resist. I love throwing these into my classes. A perfect excuse for me to spend all day making art and a great way show my gratitude to you!