To mark a new beginning with my upcoming ordination (April 23rd) as novice priest in training in our Sangha, I am happy to announce creation of the Treeleaf Art Circle/subforum.
The circle will be open to anyone who either practices an art-form, or who is seeking to develop an art-form. This includes working in traditional modes of expression like painting, sculpting, and writing, but also, video/filmmaking/animation, audio/music, digital, and installation.
Joining the circle will involve….
Participating in a program of investigation into the role of culture/arts in the transmission of Dharma through the ages. Although we will be grounded in the Soto Zen Tradition, the circle will also be looking into shared iconography across Buddhist traditions. There is a long and colorful history, and virtually endless material to cover, so the approach will be to take one little bite at a time. For example; one month we may look into the history, symbolism, and various representations, of the “Hungry Ghost” or “Preta”. Each member would be asked to look into the meaning of this mythological figure and how it may relate to your own experience. We would share our resulting perceptions and understanding of the subject with the circle. The focus will be on what you honestly see in your investigation, rather than on an academic correctness.
With that new perspective everyone would then be encouraged to create a work of art, in any medium, as complex or simple as desired, based on the subject. It is requested that people with experience in creative work make themselves available to those with less experience for some encouragement and support, within the practical limits of a busy home and work life. For example I am happy to offer some tutoring in painting. Completed projects would then be shared with the circle.
There are also some long term goals and possibilities. One is to create a cultural data bank for Treeleaf were anyone who wishes to study the cultural history of our tradition can find a catalogue of words and images. Another possibility is developing a forum where people in the wider Buddhist community can find inspiration and energy for experimentation. There are endless new ways of expressing the Buddha's Dharma for a new culture and time.
In all activity there will be no compulsion, and there will definitely be no ranking or judgement, just a spirit of fun and sharing.
A new subforum will be created (aiming for mid April) with threads for project discussion, posting project artwork, and for the posting of personal work and art that inspires you. We can also meet once a month via Hangout.
Lets see how things unfold.
Gassho
Daizan
Sat today
The circle will be open to anyone who either practices an art-form, or who is seeking to develop an art-form. This includes working in traditional modes of expression like painting, sculpting, and writing, but also, video/filmmaking/animation, audio/music, digital, and installation.
Joining the circle will involve….
Participating in a program of investigation into the role of culture/arts in the transmission of Dharma through the ages. Although we will be grounded in the Soto Zen Tradition, the circle will also be looking into shared iconography across Buddhist traditions. There is a long and colorful history, and virtually endless material to cover, so the approach will be to take one little bite at a time. For example; one month we may look into the history, symbolism, and various representations, of the “Hungry Ghost” or “Preta”. Each member would be asked to look into the meaning of this mythological figure and how it may relate to your own experience. We would share our resulting perceptions and understanding of the subject with the circle. The focus will be on what you honestly see in your investigation, rather than on an academic correctness.
With that new perspective everyone would then be encouraged to create a work of art, in any medium, as complex or simple as desired, based on the subject. It is requested that people with experience in creative work make themselves available to those with less experience for some encouragement and support, within the practical limits of a busy home and work life. For example I am happy to offer some tutoring in painting. Completed projects would then be shared with the circle.
There are also some long term goals and possibilities. One is to create a cultural data bank for Treeleaf were anyone who wishes to study the cultural history of our tradition can find a catalogue of words and images. Another possibility is developing a forum where people in the wider Buddhist community can find inspiration and energy for experimentation. There are endless new ways of expressing the Buddha's Dharma for a new culture and time.
In all activity there will be no compulsion, and there will definitely be no ranking or judgement, just a spirit of fun and sharing.
A new subforum will be created (aiming for mid April) with threads for project discussion, posting project artwork, and for the posting of personal work and art that inspires you. We can also meet once a month via Hangout.
Lets see how things unfold.
Gassho
Daizan
Sat today
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