Saying Good Bye to 2009

Windy Bamboo with Tea
~ Sumi-e by Casey Shannon

Well my dear readers, here we are saying good-bye to this year 2009. What a year it has been with it's disappointments, changes, scares, up's and down's, challenges, surprises, and yes, joys. We have each experienced this year in different ways and in different degrees. And, I am glad to start off a new year and new decade, which I hope will be more loving, tolerant, calm, and peaceful for us all.

Personally,I am looking forward to seeing the 'Blue Moon' tomorrow on New Year's Eve. This astronomical phenomenon will not occur again until 2020 or so I am told by Brian Williams of the NBC Nightly News. It will not occur on a Thursday New Year's Eve for a very long time.

A blue moon is a full moon that is not timed to the regular monthly pattern. Most years have twelve full moons which occur approximately monthly, but in addition to those twelve full lunar cycles, each solar calendar year contains an excess of roughly eleven days compared to the lunar year. The extra days accumulate, so that every two or three years (on average about every 2.7154 years), there is an extra full moon. The extra moon is called a "blue moon." Do you remember that song Blue Moon? That was my dad's favorite song.

This is my last blog entry for 2009. I have enjoyed communicating with you this year and will continue to do so as long as you bless me with your readership. I wish you all peace and joy in the new year of 2010 and a glorious decade ahead!

Windy Bamboo with Tea Sumi-e Art Print

Casey Shannon Studio

Take a Chance on Miniatures Art Show

'Take a Chance on Miniatures' Art Show
Napa Valley Art Museum
On display until January 10, 2010
Spirit Standing Sumi-e by Casey Shannon

Museum Admissions

Adults : $4.50 Student/Seniors : $3.50
Ages 7 - 17: $2.50 Children under 7: FREE
Admission and Programs are free to Museum members.

Directions

Located in Yountville on the grounds of the Veterans Home. Exit Yountville/Veterans Home from Highway 29 and turn west onto California Drive. Follow the tree-lined drive to the stop sign and turn right.
55 Presidents Circle, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: 707-944-0500

Hours

Open daily except Tuesday, 10am - 5pm

Spirit Standing Sumi-e by Casey Shannon is on display. Proceeds from the sale of my work will be donated to the museum's enrichment.

Casey Shannon Studio

Sound of Water

Are Haiku and Sumi-e related?

What do you think? Now let’s look at the undisputed master of the haiku, Matsuo Bashō, an Edo-period Japanese haiku poet. Bashō’s poetry was quickly recognized for it’s simple and natural style. Sumi-e is recognized for it’s simple and elegant brush strokes. A natural combination.

Let me show you an example of how I have used haiku in combination with non-traditional contemporary sumi-e. For me as an artist, usually the haiku inspires the sumi-e. This results in a simple creative expression and profound experience. The following haiku is considered to be Basho’s most famous haiku writing of poetry.

At the ancient pond,
a frog plunges into,
the sound of water.
~ Basho

The sumi-e below is called 'Sound of Water' by Casey Shannon.

Flowering Alone

Flowering Alone

This contemporary Sumi-e is called 'Flowering Alone' and is painted with Sumi (ink) and Japanese watercolor. This image was inspired by the lonely and lovely little flowers and plants that manage to sprout up even in snow. They are determined to live in the harshest conditions of winter. I am reminded of this haiku:

"Just by being,
I'm here--
In snow-fall."
~ Kobayashi Issa

Now here is a concept we all could live by. We can thrive and live no matter what our condition might be in life. If you look closely at this sumi-e, you see a delicate little flower on a long stem with a few thorns. You see the struggle of beautiful life conquering all and the thorns representing obstacles overcome. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could be like nature and just be? Flowering alone................

The original Sumi-e is for sale in Gallery Noble.

Art prints are available from my Zazzle Gallery. You may professionally finish your art print before purchase with a mat and frame of your choice right on the website. Or, you may purchase the print unframed.

Casey Shannon Studio

Blue Bamboo Midnight

Blue Bamboo Midnight

Ever looked up at the full moon in awe? I have many times and felt bathed in the moon's magical glow. I often wondered who else might be looking at the moon at that moment and feel blessed by it's white glowing light. I am reminded of a childrens song about the moon. It goes like this:

God bless the moon,
And, God bless me,
God bless the one that I want to see!

This Sumi-e is called 'Blue Bamboo Midnight'. Media: Sumi (ink) and Japanese watercolor. This glowing image was inspired by a full moon shinning down on a lovely group of bamboo. In Chinese culture, bamboo represents strength but with the ability to bend. Lovely symbolism.

The original sumi-e painting of 'Blue Bamboo Midnight' has been sold. However, I do offer this painting as an art print at my Zazzle Gallery. You may professionally finish your art print right on the website before purchase with a mat and frame of your choice. I hope you enjoy browsing my gallery. There are many lovely Sumi-e images to select from there. Enjoy!

Casey Shannon Studio

Thank you and Many Blessings!

A Warm and Heartfelt Thank You

This is a HUGE and PUBLIC thank you to my art fans and admirers. I am honored that you have been and are purchasing my artwork to bring into your homes and to give as gifts. I am pleased that you enjoy it. I create Sumi-e because it is my 'breath' and my 'soul'. Selfishly, I create for me. It is a further gift that it is loved and purchased by others. In our current economy, art is an extravagance. I am overwhelmed at your love for my art.

Thank you. Many Blessings!

Casey Shannon Studio
Artist Chop = Casey

Winter

Winter

We are entering the beautiful season of Winter. It can be lovely with it's starkness in colors of black and tones of gray.

This elegant sumi-e is called simply 'Winter'. Media: Sumi (ink) and Japanese watercolor. This image was inspired by the dying of nature in wintertime to make way for the new growth of Spring. Since I was a child, the season of Winter has fascinated me with it's beauty and also frightened me with it's power.

The original painting of 'Winter' was sold. However, you may still purchase Fine Art Reproductions in my Sumi Gallery at Imagekind and art prints from my Zazzle Gallery. You can also professionally finish your reproduction with your choice of frame and mat at both these locations. I would be honored if you would take a look at what is possible. Thank you!

Casey Shannon Studio