Tools of the Trade
If you're familiar with my work and have been to my website, you already have some idea of what I do. I thought you might be interested in seeing the tools of the trade I use in creating my artwork.
I began my lifelong love affair with the 4 treasures of China: Paper, ink, ink stone and brush, the first time I painted with them. I love the smell of the ink, feel of the brush, the responsiveness of the paper, and the sense of calm when grinding an ink stick on an ink stone.
Rice Paper
These tools are made today much like they were hundreds of years ago. Rice paper is rarely made from rice today, but is still referred to as rice paper or shuen / xuan paper. It comes in all sorts of thicknesses, colors, absorbencies and textures. This video link shows the delicate handmade process of making rice paper.
Ink and Ink Stone
Chinese ink can be purchased in a bottle or ground from ink sticks from China, or other Asian countries. The sticks are made primarily of soot and glue. When pushed back and forth on a grinding stone, with a small amount of water, it creates a permanent ink that can be applied to “rice” paper with animal hair brushes.
Chinese brushes for art and calligraphy
Chinese brushes are generally more absorbent than watercolor brushes since they need to hold a great deal of liquid. They can be loaded with enough color(s) or ink needed to achieve a desired effect. They are generally made from goat , rabbit or weasel hair.
If you'd like to learn more about my process, stay tuned! I'll post a brief blog soon about how I use these (and other) tools to create Asian inspired paintings in my own style.
