Description Ens is a Japanese word meaning 'circle' and a concept strongly associated with Zen. Ens is one of the most common subjects of Japanese calligraphy even though it is a symbol and not a character. It symbolizes enlightenment, strength, elegance, the Universe, and the void; it can also symbolize the Japanese aesthetic itself. As an 'expression of the moment' it is often considered a form of minimalist expressionist art.In Zen Buddhist painting, ens symbolizes a moment when the mind is free to simply let the body/spirit create. The brushed ink of the circle is usually done on silk or rice paper in one movement (but the great Bankei used two strokes sometimes) and there is no possibility of modification: it shows the expressive movement of the spirit at that time. Zen Buddhists 'believe that the character of the artist is fully exposed in how she or he draws an ens. Only a person who is mentally and spiritually complete can draw a true ens. Some artists will practice drawing an ens daily, as a kind of spiritual exercise.'Some artists paint ens with an opening in the circle, while others complete the circle. For the former, the opening may express various ideas, for example that the ens is not separate, but is part of something greater, or that imperfection is an essential and inherent aspect of existence.
Todd Michael Bushman Member Since January 2010 Artist Statement Original Tai Chi, Qigong and Chinese art prints to decorate your surroundings. Original sumi-e and mixed media artwork is sure to inspire.