Rebecca Taylor
San Angelo, TX

About the Artist

Rebecca Taylor's work is frequently described by collectors as serene, contemplative, peaceful and healing. Inspired by ancient and contemporary Zen artists, visually some works are dramatic and powerful. Some are playful and humorous, others heartbreakingly delicate and lovely. Frequently incorporating calligraphy into her paintings, the art engages the mind as well as the eye through poems and symbols, further illustrating subtle meanings and nuances.

Oriental brush painting originated in China and spread to Japan and Korea in the seventh century. The Japanese adapted this Chinese painting method to their own culture, and called it sumi-e, a term meaning 'ink picture.' It is a medium that calls for concentration and countless hours of practice to master. The object of sumi-e is to capture the essence, or spirit of the subject matter rather than to attempt to copy or master nature.

I have received intensive instruction from several recognized masters of this medium, including Traci Tso Griffith of San Jose, California, and Susan Frame of Clearwater, Florida, author of Japanese Ink Painting: Beginner's Guide to Sumi-e. Recently, I had the good fortune to be one of only a dozen students to study for more than 100 hours with one of the greatest Japanese masters, Shozo Sato who now resides by the seacoast in a remote area of northern California.

I create my paintings using traditional methods and materials including bamboo brushes, ink stick and grinding stone, rice papers and Chinese watercolors. My subject matter is nature, and commonly includes the 'Four Gentlemen' - the orchid, bamboo, plum blossom and chrysanthemum. Emphasis is on brush control and control of ink and/or color on the very absorbent rice paper, and "ch'i" or life force within the brush stroke, as well as the finished composition. Very often, the voids or empty spaces (called flying whites) are more important than the painted areas.

I have evolved a deep respect for the traditions and cultural roots of this approach to art, and also the spirit of freedom and self-expression that it allows. This is truly, for me, an art form that speaks of serenity and health.

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