Zen Brushwork Workshops

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Andie Clay

Detail of Dai ji zai

Mu Ichi Butsu

I have recently attended two Zen Brushwork workshops which are only allowed to happen online due to current restrictions.

The first workshop was beamed into my studio from Kyoto, Japan and was led by Sarah sensei and Inoue sensei. The whole experience was new to me, involving strict disciplines of Zazen (sitting meditation), Yoki-Ho (30 minute warm up exercise), Kusho (writing in the air) followed by painting the Kanji (Japanese characters) with Japanese ink and brush. The Kanji we painted was Dai ji zai, translated variously as ‘complete freedom’, ‘great freedom’ or ‘great unhinderedness’.

The second workshop was led by Jos Hadfield, working from Cornwall, again on Zoom. The Kanji we painted was Mu Ichi Butsu, which translates as ‘Owning no-thing’.

I really enjoyed the gestural mark making but fully appreciate I have a long way to go with this discipline which also feeds back into my study of Tai Ji and my painting.

Background to ‘Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain’

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Andie Clay

Embrace Tiger Base Imaage 030215

This film was shot on location at Rhosygilwyn mansion. The following quotations are taken from the DVD cover, further information about Glenn and Sean is below.

“Taiji is so much more than the physical form-the energy, chi, flows through and beyond the body filling the space around. Andie’s work reflects the ebb and flow of that energy in a way that no other medium can, giving a sense of that continuous stream of universal energy that we can all immerse ourselves in.” Sean Dowdall

“What interested me here was the contrast between Andie’s rapid energy and the measured concentration of Sean’s slow movements. The situation crackled with creative intensity-which even a sudden downpour failed to dampen. Indeed, Andie incorporated this chance intervention into the work.” Glenn Ibbitson

“The quiet energy of Sean’s Taiji, together with breathtaking vision by Glenn resulted in a Zen-like experience that was far beyond my wildest expectations. Thank you both.” Andie Clay

Further details about Sean and Glenn below.

Tai Chi, Sean Dowdall. http://www.dragontherapies.co.uk/

Glenn Ibbitson:

Painter and Film-maker. Worked as a scenic and storyboard artist with BBC before turning freelance to work in film and theatre. Moved to West Wales to develop his own painting and film projects. “Tatsuko” [2012: silent; B/W] has been shown in London and Tokyo. “A hauntingly beautiful, dramatically gripping yet enigmatic film ..the shots breathe the artistry of Antonioni, while the enigmatic yet intense story echoes Tarkovsky.” -Gillian McIver-Tanbouli: co-director Studio 75 London

www.smokingbrushfineart.com

Short filming showing me painting a scroll, depicting movement through Tai Chi

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Andie Clay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxWY-c3jA88

embrace tiger return to mountain youtube image

This short film called ‘Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain’ was filmed as a three-way collaboration between myself, Glenn Ibbitson (film maker and painter) and Sean Dowdall (Tai Chi). The film was used in support of my recent successful application to the RWSW.

My Sketchbook has arrived in America and is already catalogued!

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Andie Clay

sketchbook-project-shelves-700x448

Always a relief to know that my sketchbooks have arrived safely in Brooklyn Art Library. The Sketchbook Project crew sent me this email today:

“Thanks for sending in your project for The Sketchbook Project 2017! We just wanted to let you know that your project has now been cataloged into the Brooklyn Art Library! It can be found on the shelves with a call number of 327.1-5.”

It will now take the crew between four and six weeks for my book to be digitised.
https://www.sketchbookproject.com/

SBP Sketchbook for America- 88 Form Yang Style Tai Ji sequence

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Andie Clay

sbp drawing sbp second drawing

Have been busy filling my SBP Sketchbook for Brooklyn Art Library in New York (see earlier Blogs). I have drawn the Yang 88 Style of Taijiquan as it was being performed in front of me. No time for details, just focusing on grasping the essence and the energy flow of the form. I have been studying Tai Ji for 25 years now so this is a celebration of my quarter century. I do however still consider myself to be a beginner. It is supposed to take several lifetimes to master the art of Tai Ji.

‘Birth/Rebirth’ Exhibition at Boundary Art, Cardiff

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Andie Clay

Very pleased to have four paintings selected by Cate Cheng, gallery director, for the forthcoming exhibition ‘BIRTH/REBIRTH’ at Boundary Art in Cardiff Bay, a unique combined gallery and tea room. Exhibition runs from 25 March to 6 May 2017, gallery open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 6pm. (Closed Monday and Tuesday.) www.boundaryart.com Photos will be posted as soon as available! The East/West philosophy of the gallery links in with my long term personal interest in Asian culture, and my study and practice of Tai Ji Quan and Qi Gong. Further Information about Boundary Art Cardiff’s newest art space, Boundary Art opened in 2015 and devotes itself to the fusion of communication and promotion between Western and Chinese cultures. The gallery is fast developing a reputation for dynamic and distinctive programming to support artists from across the visual spectrum and from across Wales and beyond. Visitors have the unique opportunity to browse original art works and to relax in their Chinese tea room.

The core ideology of Boundary Art has always been about the communication and trans-boundary of the arts, culture and thoughts. The gallery offers an international platform for artists, curators and writers and welcomes all audiences, aiming to encourage everyone to engage with art, prompting questions and supporting debate.

Sketchbook arrived from America!

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Andie Clay

It’s time to fill in another sketchbook for the SBP in New York. This will be the third time I’ve taken part. Here’s a bit of information about the set-up:

We are an independent Brooklyn-based company that organizes global, collaborative art projects. Our flagship endeavor is The Sketchbook Project, a crowd-sourced library that features 35,418 artists’ books contributed by creative people from 135+ countries. Brooklyn Art Library is our storefront exhibition space in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY where The Sketchbook Project collection is on view to the public. Brooklyn Art Library, 28 Frost Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211. Open Tuesday to Sunday 12-6.The SBP currently holds around 35,418 sketchbooks by 162,081 creative people from 101 different countries.

https://www.sketchbookproject.com/

New Year Open Studio January 2-4, 2015

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Andie Clay

1 open studio 2 open stud 3 open stu

I was pleased to welcome you all to my new year open studio-both local regulars and new visitors from near and far, including a couple who had seen my work on exhibition in London and travelled down to visit me in my studio.

Invitation to my New Year Open Studio

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Andie Clay

OS Poster for Blog 29.1.15 You are invited to my New Year Open Studio to see both framed paintings and ongoing work together with many sketchbooks. Studio Open 2-4 January, 2015.

Winter Open Exhibition at Oriel Q, Narberth, Pembrokeshire

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Andie Clay

DSCN1900 copy One of my three new paintings that I am submitting to the Queens Hall Gallery in Narberth for their Winter Open Exhibition. This painting entitled “Yang 88 Style” is one of a series I have been working on that brings together my painting and my daily practice of Tai Chi.

Exhibition opens on 27th October and runs until 20th December. www.orielqueenshallgallery.org.uk