In the past few years most of my work has evolved into Zen abstract expressions. For me the artistic process is a spiritual one. I am continuing my attempts to express the Eastern Zen tradition and philosophy through Western painting techniques. I am specifically involved in the exploration of oil and acrylic painting and the use of collage.
Through focus meditation I filter ideas and images of everyday life and express them in abstract imagery. My purpose is to communicate meaning to the viewer through the use of Chinese calligraphy and other materials. The colors in my painting are taken from the Taoist-Buddhist tradition of the five fundamental colors (white, black yellow, blue and red) to which I add two metallic colors (gold and silver). The five colors are representative of the five elements; metal, wood, earth, water and fire. The metallic colors are often use in decorative and funeral purpose.
In my work I combine elements that reflect an ancient spiritual and cultural tradition. The use of the five fundamental colors and metallic papers and paints recalls ancient alchemy used for protection and good luck. Calligraphy is an integral part of this chemistry, and the meaning of the characters, some of which are taken from ancient texts is to be an integral part of the discourse between myself and the viewer. Sometimes the emphasize of the dynamic brush strokes & tripping paints implied from my internal martial breathing technique ( chi-kung ) and express through the martial movements which helping transfer onto the canvas the freshness and harmony of the mind-body expression Hand and foot prints, which were used by Buddhist monks as personal seals, and as a metaphor for the unity of body, spirit and expression are also incorporated.
As my works evolves, the major theme that emerges involves issues of conflict and resolution. For me these issues translate into my idea that reality has an opposite, and can be explained in mathematical terms. The reality of everyday that can be represented in a realistic style is positive (+). Conversely, the images that come from the mental process and are reproduced in the forms, colors and energy of abstract painting come from minus (-) reality.
Through the use of tradition Eastern forms and ideas in combination with Westerner techniques, I strive to integrate the aspects of personal history and to approach a universal form of expression. While my art and technique are constantly growing and changing, my aim of true and expression remains constant.
Aside from my painting, I am also dedicated to Than Vo Dao (Thanvodao), Seven-Mountains Kung Fu system, a spiritual martial art form that posses supernatural aspects. This discipline's emphasis on meditation and cultivation of spiritual energy has a direct effect on my paintings, and can rightly be called their essence.
Shuilong Phan ( Phuoc Phan)
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