ONE BREATH “Unu Spiro” (2017-present)

Unu spiro translates to "one breath" in Esperanto, a global language created to unify, which is rooted in the present tense. In Buddhism, and at the root of mindfulness, we are taught that there is no past, no future, only now…this present moment.

My One Breath Paintings are created in unison with my breath. An anchor in meditation and mindful awareness, I arrived at this practice in the early years of motherhood. This body of work – a visual departure from my earlier colorful, layered and texture rich creations – came from a need and yearning to simplify, and be present. My short daily meditation practice merged with my shortened time in the studio. With a young baby I and as a new mother and having changed so much myself, my work reflected the medicine I needed and the new voice that was being born from within. A return of sorts back to my roots of painting with sumi ink while growing up in Japan.

This series celebrates the present, the beauty and profound meaning that can be found in simplicity. In a world of complexity and excess, the saying that less is more has never been truer for me. Over time repetitive marks became symbols and stories about my relation to my daughter, other people, the world, and my self.

The ensō, or open circle practiced in Japanese calligraphy, symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and the expansive void. In Zen, the act of creating an ensō is a form of mindful meditation and spiritual practice, completed in one or two singular strokes. The ensō symbolizes the idea of wabi sabi, or imperfection. The gold leaf calls further attention to the beauty and unique qualities of each shape and line.

All works are unframed unless noted.

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