Visual Haiku 

In January I posted on this blog my thoughts about the books I was currently reading. The Artist's Rule, and Haiku~the sacred art, have influenced my latest series.  Both underscore a process of taking time to see what is around me and holding it in my heart.   It reminds me of the Hebrew word, Selah that I pondered several years ago which means pause and think about that. 

The principles of haiku and monasticism complement my introverted temperament which needs time, silence and meditation to ruminate on what I have seen, heard or read. Margaret McGee writes that a haiku is a prayer of praise, celebrating God’s creation and reflecting back simply and clearly what we experience.  I have been intentional about saying more with less and leaving only the bones of the composition and/or finding the essence of the object or moment and leaving everything else out. 

This series of images captures the moment in a most economical manner and pasess it on; what I call a Visual Haiku. I can imagine this to be an ongoing series with pieces added throughout the year(s) as I become aware of those special fleeting moments. I have posted these images on my website, www.phyllisthomasart.com along with my reflections about each piece.  If you have a chance, please visit

The Artist’s Rule; nurturing your creative soul with monastic wisdom, Christine Valters Paintner, 2011

Haiku~the sacred art, Margaret D. McGee, 2009

Beginning

  

 beginning

6" x 6"

acrylic on paper

It's March, but I feel like my year is just beginning.  January started with wedding activities for our son's February wedding then our whole household suffered with the winter flu which disrupted all regular activities.  Now that spring has come forth with new growth I too, feel like I'm finally emerging into 2011.

The image above is one of twelve that makes up a collection of images and reflections inspired by Medieval Books of Hours.  The collection is titled icons of time: a visual marking of the hours which is a reminder that every hour of the day should be a time to pray. They were made last year while I was re-reading all my books addressing contemplation and meditation.  While applying what I was reading, I slowed down enough to become watchful of the time and color changes throughout my day.  That practice began a renewal process in my spirit.  These works are visual expressions combining color with the symbol of the unending circle to visually move the viewer through 24 hours and ultimately 365 days of the year.

I'm now in the process of deciding how I will present these images in a format that could be available as a publication.  A friend recommended www.blurb.com as a tool for online publishing and I'm investigating the possibilities of making a visual journal for personal reflection and writing.  I enjoy finding new ways to share my art and make it accessible to more people.  Stay tuned to find out what and how I decide to do that.