Chi Series
Translating energy
into paintings
Chi Series
Translating energy into paintings
Chi is a fundamental concept of traditional Chinese culture. Frequently translated as ‘energy flow’ — or literally as ‘air’ or ‘breath’ – chi is believed to be essential to every living being. It is the circulating life force or spiritual energy.
My series of paintings is inspired by this vital force. Each piece is intended to convey a sense of motion and an energy that transcends the particular subject matter.
To take it one step further, a thought or idea sparks a creation that starts the transfer. Mine is a series called Chi. Energy in its raw form, transferred to a two-dimensional surface. Feeding the canvas with paint and modeling paste, utilizing color with shades of dark and light.
In turn, the completed work expresses this dynamic force, inviting the viewer to receive the Chi if they choose to.
“Chi is frequently translated as ‘energy flow’ — or literally as ‘air’ or ‘breath’.”
Rising Chi
48” x 60” acrylic on canvas
The Buddha is nearly always depicted in a monastic robe, representing humility. The robe’s warm earth tones follow the directive that a monk assemble their robes from clean but discarded rags. It’s from this earthly representation of the “mud of ignorance” that all beings are called to rise up.
Reviving Chi
48” x 48” acrylic on canvas
This might appear to be subjective, but it is not. And although inspired by the ocean, it’s not a wave. the subtle color differences express the water changing color as it hits the sand, the tidal action retreating and then reviving. This dynamic interplay is the life force of the ocean.
Viral Chi
48” x 48” acrylic on canvas
Maurice Ravel’s famous composition Bolero is popular among musicians, but the version by the band Pink Martini absolutely captivates me. Inspired by that music, this painting translates sound into visuals, where the subtlety, richness, and poignancy of the melody create a viral effect expressed in movement and motion.
Unquenchable Chi
48” x 60” acrylic on canvas
Some 12,000 feet below sea level, albino life thrives in otherworldly darkness, feeding off small creatures tucked into volcanic fissures. The powerful sense of hunger, an unquenched drive for survival, is expressed in the painting’s subtle shades of white mixed with gray, olive, and ocher.
Unrequited Chi
48” x 48” acrylic on canvas
Some dried flowers hold on to their colors of life, unrequited and unappreciated. Even as they fade, remnants of their original intensity can be seen. A bouquet of dried pink roses on parchment paper inspired this painting. The dark border reveals how the bright blossoms have changed with time.
Prevailing Chi
36” x 48” acrylic on canvas
There’s a specific color that reminds me of Thailand, but it can’t be found in a paint tube. It’s a deep chartreuse that’s been laced with yellow oxide and burnt umber. When I look at that color, the prevailing emotions engage the senses. I smell curry. I touch silk robes. I feel the warm night air.
Unfettered Chi
48” x 48” acrylic on canvas
The beautiful complexity of a single sunflower captured me. There’s so much life, depth, and color in each petal. When they come together, the petals create an organized chaos. Unfettered, though held together by the whole.
Vital Chi
48” x 60” acrylic on canvas
This painting represents my ideal approach to each day. The muted cadmium yellow breathes a feeling of vital energy, while the black as a primary accent color tempers that liveliness. Together, the interplay suggests a grounded playfulness.
Invictus
48” x 48” acrylic on raw linen
My painting titled Invictus is inspired by one of my favorite poems. It was purchased by a Montecito resident who was visually drawn to the painting. He also had memorized this poem as a child, so the literary connection was serendipitous.
Invictus
By William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.