[Today’s featured artwork for Day 102 of the 365 Days Project is by Kokichi Umezaki.]
Imagine the power of living as a truly creative human being…
#102 – The Artist Mind can teach us to live through the deep symbolism of a creative life.
As I continue this journey celebrating artists and the creative mind as well as my own path as a visual artist, I am beginning to understand how life is gently woven into the context of our creative process and how being creatively fulfilled can open us up to a deeper understanding of the world around us.
I wish I spoke Japanese. I have been conversing through Google Translate with painter Kokichi Umezaki from Tokyo and our discussion of his artwork and creative vision had to be reduced to its simplest form so that we might understand each other. Perhaps that’s a good thing because once the conversation was stripped of extraneous embellishments and explanations, we both found ourselves focusing on what was most essential. Here is what Umezaki has distilled from his creative life and work:
I use all materials. I am also one material.
Nothing useless is in the world.
A life is given to all materials.
Nature is a great teacher.
Imagine a world where all humans are creatively fulfilled – a world where nothing is considered useless, where all things have a purpose, as in nature, and the symbolism and discoveries encountered throughout our lives is explored and understood rather than rationalized.
“True creative human relations are my ideals,” said Umezaki. “Creative spirit does not have the boundary of self and others. While all circulates and changes, everyday life is lived quietly.”
Kokichi Umezaki then offered a series of poetic phrases, each one a painting unto itself, featuring glimpses into a world of creative fulfillment.
Everyday holiness
Communication with gods
Marriage of fire and water
Fusion of microcosm and macrocosm
Esoteric
Whether or not one chooses a life in the arts, anyone can still embrace a creative life and appreciate the insights of the many artists who share our world.
Kokichi Umezaki’s artwork can be viewed at: Kokichi Umezaki
Descriptions of the images included in this article:
Requiem
Kokichi Umezaki, Japan
Mixed media on canvas
Creation
Kokichi Umezaki, Japan
Mixed media
Requiem
Kokichi Umezaki, Japan
Mixed media on canvas
Passion
Kokichi Umezaki, Japan
Mixed media on canvas
The 365 Days Project
In 2012, Serena Kovalosky committed to writing an article a day for 365 days as an exploration into the lives of artists and the value of creative thinking in our society.
Experience the full evolution of the project! Click below to read the entire collection of articles.
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