Tag: buddha

We’re Told That We’re All Buddhas, but

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anitafeng

but, we are a captive audience of standardized icons and story lines!? What to do?? Tell it new.? Show it fresh.? What else could we ever authentically do?? Tricky parts: trusting that, trusting that, trusting that.

I’m reminded of drawings that my daughters did in their early childhood.? Such conviction and surety (and purity!) in those portraits.

I’m reminded of a few of the earliest raku Buddhas I made and realize now, that it might be a good idea to revisit that squishy, likeness-free realm!

some early work
Early Abstract Buddhas

The Complexion Blue

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anitafeng

I love using the “naked raku” technique of firing.? The surface of the raw clay is coated with a thin layer of slip (known as terra sigillatta), which is then burnished smooth with a soft cloth.? The surface is glowing but not shiny; truly reminiscent of a skin-like quality that I love.? Lately I’ve been experimenting with colorations added to the terra sig.? And I especially love this blue.? Though light in shade , it’s no baby blue, but rather something smoked and crackled and lined just as any aged face ought to reveal.

Before…and After

,
anitafeng

I always have to hold my opinions in check after a piece has been glazed and before it’s fired.? It’s raw, monochromatic, somehow very flat-looking.

And the reward (hopefully) comes after the raku firing when all the painterly impressions of fire, wind and weather play over the surface.? A human face appears….