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abstract, abstract expressionism, art, blush, brown, buddha, buddhism, buddhist, burgundy, circle, circles, classy, contemporary, enlightenment, enso, flow, flowing, gray, high contrast, high end, meditation, minimal, minimalism, minimalist, modern, painting, pink, prints, red wine, rose, sangria, sharon cummings, soft, sophisticated, spiral, spirals, spirit, spiritual, spiritual practice, wine, zen
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/enso-blush-abstract-art-by-sharon-cummings-sharon-cummings.html
For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to creating circles. When I was very young I would also count them. I no longer do that, but I still paint, draw and create spirals and circles daily. I have always felt that it cleared my mind. Recently, someone exposed me to the concept of “enso” making.
In Zen Buddhism, an ensō (円相 , “circle”?) is a circle that is hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited brushstrokes to express a moment when the mind is free to let the body create.
The ensō symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and mu (the void). It is characterised by a minimalism born ofJapanese aesthetics.
Drawing ensō is a disciplined practice of Japanese ink painting—sumi-e(墨絵 “ink painting”?). The tools and mechanics of drawing the ensō are the same as those used in traditional Japanese calligraphy: One uses a brush (筆 fudé?) to apply ink to washi (a thin Japanese paper).
Usually a person draws the ensō in one fluid, expressive stroke.[1] When drawn according to the sōsho (草書?) style of Japanese calligraphy, the brushstroke is especially swift. Once the ensō is drawn, one does not change it. It evidences the character of its creator and the context of its creation in a brief, contiguous period of time. Drawing ensō is a spiritual practice that one might perform as often as once per day.[2] (from Wikipedia)
I find it interesting that I have been practicing this creative meditation for nearly my entire life naturally. And now I create them using a new medium (my computer).
Enjoy!
Abstract Art by Sharon Cummings 
Reblogged this on B.E.S.T. Arts Gallery and commented:
Do You Enso?…………………………………….#enso #art #spirituality #abstractart
Reblogged this on william patrick photo and commented:
Do You Enso?…………………………………….#enso #art #spirituality #abstractart
I always learn something new and very significant when I read your blogs. This insight into Zen spirituality is very meaningful to me – and it fits in a way with what I said some time ago about people just naturally being drawn to curves over straight harsh lines. But I didn’t know all this – and I’m happy to know it now!! Shared
So glad I can “teach” a bit too….thanks Lianne!
Sharon:
Thanks for liking/following my blog–after seeing your art I decided to follow back. 🙂 I’m also an artist who creates certain images over and over- it was so freeing to give in to that impulse rather than berate myself for not always trying to do something “new.” Once I followed my heart I was always doing something new–effortlessly!
At some point I will develop an online market for my work as well as create prints- your enterprise is inspirational. I look forward to seeing more.
Take care,
Valerie
That’s awesome Valerie! I tend to be “all over the place” with my work, but there are a few consistencies and the circles/spirals are one of them. I also seem to be really drawn to blue and red. Glad you are following your heart (and me :)). I’d like to get enough licensing agreements where I no longer have to work so hard at marketing online….it’s really tough…..but I am working on it. 🙂
circles clears
my mind
too
I want to find a way to do more circular photography too…..it’s all swirling about in my skull….thanks for stopping by!