Japanese ink painting, also known as suibokuga or sumi-e is a creation of pure energy of an artist submerged in a meditative state.

The art of sumi-e ink painting could be compared to the art of rock climbing, where moves are slow and supple when needed, whereas sometimes the body is trusted with full power towards a perfect spot, exploding in a split second with unconstrained energy to move higher, and lift the body weight upwards. Similarly, on paper, the delicate ink lines disappear or are cut off in half abruptly, to reappear soaked in kinetic energy pouring out of our souls, to finally retain our thoughts and energy within the strokes, the energy that rules our creative minds.

Techniques applied in Japanese ink painting continuously improve when I paint. Mariusz Szmerdt Sumi-e Art Gallery

The energy and dynamism of ink painting is a never-ending journey that leads me to discovering new lands. Only black ink, calligraphy or ink painting paper, brushes, inkstone, water and me. The meditative monotony of hand movement, gently grinding ink on the inkstone, sets free a whole new spectrum of possibilities, brewing new ideas out of soot, animal glue and water, as if it was a master alchemist. Whenever I tend to reach my destination, new planes are being revealed to me. It is a real of unknown dimensions, where the only guides are my mind and brush, and the traces for next generations to follow, who may take up on a similar journey, are the traces of ink left on paper. Person admiring ink painting art, follows the spiritual path designed by the brush strokes, and, without realising it, he is kidnapped for an adventure into the world of art within art, marked by the harmony between white space and splashes, made in all possible shades of black and grey.

Japanese ink painting suibokuga, or sumi-e is like climbing up the mountain. When still at the base of the mountain, we fail to appreciate its monumental size. However, once we begin our climb, through studies and careful assessment of self, we start to see things from a different perspective. Our moves are more precise and controlled, and our strength grows. Slowly, the border between the subject and the artist dissipates, and becomes the act of creation.

If I was asked, what the Far Eastern ink painting means to me, I would say it is a symphony of ink, a symphony that does not fade, and never repeats its themes. When I listen to it closely, and I am made to believe that the music will cease, I am awakened by a tone of most delicate nature, that takes me away on the back of a sound wave, far into the wild, where no one has yet dared to enter.

Sincerely,

Mariusz Szmerdt