Water & Woods







This sculptural piece is a continuation of the Water & Woods series I have been working on with Jean Fitzgerald.The materials were scavenged from the shores of Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County, Pa. during a morning canoe outing. Paddling a canoe is a very relaxing and meditative process and allows one to observe natural surroundings in a unique way that is not possible if walking along the shoreline. By creating sculpture using materials that can only be obtained by the manual efforts of paddling a canoe and only observable to someone on the water, I am attempting to convey the spiritual elements of being on the water that are beyond the limits of verbal expression. I have combined influences of Wabi Sabi and Jiyuka Ikebana in the making of this piece. Jiyuka is a free form of traditional Ikebana, not limited to flowers, but incorporating any natural materials. In this case I have used the dead flowers of the previous year at the moment just prior to the emergence of this year's buds. These twigs contain elements of the complete life cycle.

Here is an interesting note I found on the Spiritual Aspects of Ikebana...

The spiritual aspect of ikebana is considered very important to its practitioners. Silence is a must during practices of ikebana. It is a time to appreciate things in nature that people often overlook because of their busy lives. One becomes more patient and tolerant of differences, not only in nature, but also in general. Ikebana can inspire one to identify with beauty in all art forms. This is also the time when one feels closeness to nature which provides relaxation for the mind, body, and soul.

Wabi Sabi

Ikebana

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