The Pearl Paintings
An experience of the presence of the universe, and the connection of all living things. A doorway opening out into everything and everyone.
Dolce far niente
The sweetness of doing nothing. Intentional rest. Mindful presence.
More than one hundred studies of one pearl, made over [YEARS]. [A PARAGRAPH FROM THE ARTIST ON HOW THE SERIES BEGAN.]
Anchored by four traditions
Classical
Chinese pigments, hand mixed by the artist
Japanese gofun, hand mixed by the artist
Japanese sumi-e ink, hand ground by the artist
300 to 800 lb. French watercolor paper
Dadaist
Duchamp’s Fountain
A banana, duct-taped to a wall
Nonsense, chaos and chance
Graffiti
Banksy, anonymous and public
Keith Haring, the subway as gallery
Shepard Fairey, Obey Giant
Immediacy, repetition and decay
Spiritual
Fra Angelico
Hilma af Klint
John Marin
Henri Matisse
The Pearl of Great Price
Jesus
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. On finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.
One Bright Pearl
Dogen
When the time is right, you will find the Dharma enfolded in empty space or enfolded within the lining of that which clothes you; or you will find It stored in the folds of the dragon’s chin; or stored in the folds of the king’s headdress.
And all are the One Bright Pearl that is the universe throughout all the ten directions.
Whenever you are drunk on delusion, there will be a Close Friend who will present you with this Jewel. And you must, without fail, present this Jewel to your Close Friend.
Because this is the way things are. The world in its entirety is the One Bright Pearl.